Durham River Park

Where: Route 136, along the Androscoggin River. The park is almost across from the Durham Get & Go.

What to do: Walking/hiking, dog walking on a leash, non-motorized boat launch, canoeing, kayaking, nature trail and picnic area.

What to bring: The usual: bug spray, sunscreen, water, good footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather and a cell phone. Frisbee, baseball glove and ball or other items for a round of catch. Tell someone where you are going. Remember, it is best to take a buddy or two, especially to play catch.

FMI: www.androscogginlandtrust.org or call 782-2302. Androscoggin Land Trust holds the conservation easement for this parcel.

www.healthyandroscoggin.org or call Healthy Androscoggin at 795-5990 for a copy of the Recreational Opportunities in Androscoggin County: A Resource Guide. The guide is now available for pdf download on the home page.

Durham Conservation Commission manages this parcel. Call 221-2899 for further information.

Rock Walls and a great old barn greet your arrival at the Durham River Park. This 12-acre park along the Androscoggin River provides field area for games of tag or catch, picnic tables and benches, two quick trails and a non-motorized boat launch for canoeing and kayaking.

The Long Loop Trail is well worn through thick underbrush and various wet spots along the way. The road is a short distance to the right, but is out of view.

The trail leads to the shore of the river with expansive views and follows along the river to connect with the Short Loop Trail. Each trail takes about 15 minutes, including time for long gazes at the river. The kiosk contains a detailed map as well as warnings about dangerous river currents.

Launching your canoe or kayak is easy with the drive up to the bank of the river. If river currents concern the faint at heart, a 10-minute drive to Runaround Pond may be in order. The calm, serene pond is a quiet getaway with picnic area. Follow Route 136 South and Route 9 West. Stay right on Route 9 West to the intersection of Rabbit Road and Runaround Pond Road. Turn right on Runaround Pond Road.

Papermill Trail and Sabattus River Boat Launch/Miller Park

Where: At the intersection of Route 196 and Frost Hill Avenue, Lisbon.

What to do: Walking/hiking, roller blading, biking, dog walking on a leash, boat launch, canoeing, kayaking, picnic area.

What to bring: The usual: bug spray, sunscreen, water, good footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather and a cell phone. Tell someone where you are going.

FMI: Lisbon Recreation Department, 353-2289

Miller Park is where the Sabattus River meets the Androscoggin River. Launch your boat onto the Sabattus, go under Route 196 and you are on the Androscoggin.

The paved parking lot provides 10 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers as well as 10 parking spaces for just vehicles.

The Papermill Trail is a paved .8 mile walkway that follows the Sabattus River. Bikes, scooters, roller bladers and wheelchair racers can enjoy this smooth terrain and the cool shady tree covering.

Walk the dog or have the dog pull you. Plastic bags and waste disposal receptacles are provided at this dog friendly park. If Fido wears you out, stop and enjoy one of the many granite benches along the way.

Mr. Herbert Miller and Miller Industries donated this gem to the Lisbon Trail System, and future expansion of this trail is planned.

(Originally published in the Sun Journal b Section, July 29, 2007. This version has been edited.)