The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings alongside the southern end of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on the Turner side of the river.

Visitors sit with others on the fine sand and silt beach basking in the sun. Snapping turtle eggs incubate nearby, under the sand.

On the northern end of Gulf Island Pond near Twin Bridges in Leeds, other visitors stop to eat lunch on Googins Island beside the river’s ledge-drop rapids.

Just north of them, a bass angler strings neon-green fly-fishing line on his pole before hiking down to the river to try his luck.

This section of the Androscoggin River, just north of the Twin Cities, is becoming a destination for swimming, fishing and bass fishing tournaments, boating, hiking, camping and bird-watching. For those who remember when the river was choked with pollution, it’s a surprising and welcome change.

Weekend camping

There are five islands in Gulf Island Pond. Some visitors have taken camping trips to the islands for more than 10 years, despite the fact that NextEra Energy, formerly Florida Power and Light, isn’t licensed to allow camping on the islands.

However, the utility’s 2008 recreational and trail management plan for the Gulf Island and Deer Rips dam projects states that “camping is neither prohibited nor encouraged on the islands.”

It also requires campers to get permits from the local fire warden for campfires, but some visitors have reported that they have been told that permits aren’t needed on the islands.

Some islands have signs that allow camping for 14 consecutive days; others are posted “No Trespassing,” and some have no signs at all.

There is no enforcement of campers other than some islands getting posted. People then move on to the next unposted island to camp.

Most islands have one campsite, at least one has two. To reserve it for the weekend, campers have to stake it out during the week.

Visitors can enjoy fishing from the beach and watching float-planes from Twitchell’s Airport practice landings and takeoffs along the river.

Sporting bass

The Western Maine Anglers has held bass tournaments at the pond between Twin Bridges and Gulf Island Dam  after a three- or four-year hiatus.

Five fishing tournaments are scheduled for the pond most years, as anglers are increasingly drawn to Gulf Island Pond and its strong bass fishery.

Air pipes that NextEra has installed to pump oxygen into the pond’s depths is credited with creating a great fishing spot.

That, and the continued improvements in water quality, are making a difference and getting people on — and in — the water.

The Androscoggin Bassmasters, a Lewiston-based bass angling group, said the club attracts hundreds of anglers to the pond each year to compete in its charity Bassmasters fishing tournament, raising more than $10,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network since 1993.

Other tournaments include the Maine Country Bassers tournament, the BronzeBack Maniacs tourney, and the Mainely Bass tourney.

Aside from the opportunity to catch large bass in the 5- to 7-pound range, bass anglers are also catching pike weighing 20 to 30 pounds.

And with the tournaments and events like the Source to the Sea Trek on the Androscoggin, which is now making its way downriver, and the Great Falls Balloon Festival that draws kayakers and canoeists to the waterway, the rate of boating on the river is rising fast.

Cruising the river

Last year, a new boat access was created at Googins Island. And, when the state Department of Transportation rebuilt the Twin Bridges on Route 219, the alignment of the bridge was moved slightly, creating space for a new parking area and portage trail there.

This summer, a new hand-carry will be built in Leeds for access to the river, LaBonte said. And, last year, portage trails around Gulf Island Dam and Deer Rips Dam were constructed for paddlers.

Canoe rests along the route offer spots for breaks and, in the Switzerland Road area, there’s a place to have lunch along the river.

Boaters also use the river to experience its remoteness, the peace and quiet, and for wildlife sightings of moose, deer, bald eagles and loons.

A refreshing swim

Cherry Pond in Greene offers knotted ropes tied to a tree, where many swimmers have launched themselves over and into the river. A few braver souls climb the rope tree to a platform on branches 35 feet above the water and jump in.

Greene Town Manager Charles Noonan, who used to be the town manager in Jay, said he had left the area for a long time and, when he returned, he was “very surprised” by the improvements along the Androscoggin.

‘A unique corridor’

The Androscoggin River is a unique corridor with virtually undeveloped shorelines.

Social media sites such as Facebook are playing a large role in getting people onto the river, as word spreads about the tranquility and available recreation.

Riverlands State Park

Along this Androscoggin River recreation corridor is Maine’s newest state park, Riverlands. Anglers fish from the shoreland, bird watchers and hikers move through the woods, sharing space with mountain bikers.

Ultimately, Riverlands could be a mecca for mountain biking. But it’s still a ways off. Most of the parks’ biking trails are shared with hikers, ATVers and horseback riders, which can be a little congested. Mountain bikers have been working in the park to create a more suitable trail, including pushing for more signs directing traffic.

Efforts organized by mountain bikers and dozens of other groups are aimed at improving the river and shorelands and to raise awareness of recreational opportunities there.

Cherry Pond

The town of Greene will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, on a plan to provide parking for 10 vehicles and build a boat ramp at the River Road causeway, across from Cherry Pond. Immediately after that public hearing, the Planning Board will meet to discuss the plan.

Riverlands State Park

The Maine Conservation Corps will hold a series of work days to improve the biking and hiking trails at Riverlands State Park in Turner. The dates are: July 12-14, July 20-21, July 26-28, Aug. 2-4 and Aug. 9-10. To volunteer, contact MCC Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Gaffney, 624-6092 or [email protected].