Take a walk on Lewiston’s wild side.

The Andy is beautiful, more so in the minds of anyone who knew the Mighty (stinky) Androscoggin oh-not-so-long-ago.

This trail is good for just about any type of recreation, and offers the potential for seeing wildlife (including possibly a coyote) and nice views of the river.

Known as the Androscoggin River Preserve, the land and trail are located off Main Street behind Marden’s. (Directions are below.) The 14.3-acre parcel has been under the city’s ownership for some time and was recently acquired by Androscoggin Land Trust with help from the Land for Maine’s Future Water Access Fund.

The trail off Tall Pines Drive is wide enough for a car or truck, but too bumpy for most of us Escort drivers. When you start walking it, the gently flowing river comes into immediate view. As you follow along, you’ll hear the sounds of Deer Rips Dam. ALT warns us that campfires are not allowed, in spite of what you might see on the sandy beaches. The wide trail continues through the pine and hardwood forest, which is home to squirrels, birds, moles and even a coyote!

If you’d rather paddle instead of walk, you can bring your canoe or kayak and put in right here. The preserve offers a launch for non-motorized watercraft.

So come take a walk on Lewiston’s wilder side, in the Androscoggin River Preserve.

Get to it: From Main Street in Lewiston, head north. Take Northwoods Road (next to Marden’s), then take a left onto Tall Pines Drive. Trail entrance is on the right at the beginning of the series of 10 large rocks/small boulders. Park along the side of the road as the parking lot has yet to be constructed.

What to do: Walking/hiking, dog walking on a leash, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature observation. Because there is a non-motorized boat launch there, it’s also a good put-in for canoeing and kayaking.

What to bring: The usual: bug spray, sunscreen, water, good footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather, and cell phone. A trash bag for trail cleanup along the way. Tell someone where you are going. Remember, it is best to take a buddy or two.

FMI:

• Go to: www.latrails.org for L/A Trails Urban Area Vision Map or call 777-3724 to learn more about how you can get involved in developing and improving Lewiston and Auburn’s growing trail system.

• 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.

(Originally published in the Sun Journal b Section, July 15, 2007. The content has been edited.)