The neighborhood of Pittsfield (pop. 4,230) straddles the Sebasticook River within the southeast nook of Maine’s Kennebec Valley area. The previous mill city of 49 sq. miles isn’t precisely referred to as a climbing scorching spot, however like most anywhere – in the event you dig a bit deeper – you’ll all the time discover some fascinating issues to see and do.
Interstate 95 makes a large arc round Pittsfield correct, and for years just about all this hiker knew in regards to the city was Robinson’s Mobil Mart simply off Exit 150. However with a hankering to go to the brand new Outland Farm Brewery and a want to take hike earlier than grabbing a pair pints, I searched on-line, requested round and found some nice strolling alternatives.
Peltoma Woods, also referred to as the City Farm Property, encompasses a big swath of forestland alongside the Sebasticook River – together with an incredible 5,700 ft of riverfront – a mile south of the village. A color-colored and well-signed system of six trails and a number of other shortcuts quantity to three miles of pleasant and ecologically bounteous meandering.
At Peltoma Woods, you’ll pad over tender needles beneath stately 100-year-old white pines, then alongside the river’s floodplain there are 16 acres of gracefully spreading silver maples; these are two of a dozen tree species discovered on the land. There’s additionally a large number of vernal swimming pools that present necessary habitat for amphibians, bugs and reptiles.
The intown Mill Pond Path connects 5 fairly parks on its mile-long loop round Mill Pond. Carey Kish picture
Peltoma Woods is known as for the legendary Norridgewock native, Peltoma. Injured by his Penobscot rival Sly Fox in a battle for the love of tribal princess Laughing Eyes, Peltoma is claimed to have lived out his days on a bend within the river now referred to as Peltoma Level. The Peltoma story could also be legend, however Native American use of this land was actual, as evidenced by an outdated fish weir that may be seen within the river at low water.
The stroll alongside the banks of the Sebasticook River on the Outer Loop Path is solely lovely. The most important tributary of the Kennebec River, the Sebasticook flows 50 miles from its supply in Dexter to empty into the Kennebec at Fort Halifax in Winslow. The Sebasticook River drains an unlimited 606,000-acre watershed that helps maintain greater than 50 ponds.
Moses Martin and his household grew to become the primary everlasting settlers of Plymouth Gore in 1795. Organized as Sebasticook Plantation in 1816, three years later the city was integrated as Warsaw, and in 1824, the identify was modified to Pittsfield to honor William Pitts, a big native landowner. A brief aspect path results in the positioning of the previous Martin homestead, marked by a plaque mounted on a rock.
The trailhead kiosk is price spending a while at coming and going. It’s right here you’ll discover not solely path map (snap a photograph of it earlier than putting off on the paths), however numerous shows on the pure and cultural historical past of the property. The kiosk is the work of the Pioneers of Peltoma, a bunch of eighth-grade college students from Warsaw Center Faculty.
The kids’s mission was “to share with the general public the historic and ecological values of the City Farm Property whereas encouraging our neighborhood to be extra bodily energetic outdoor… We hope to see this property used and loved by residents and guests alike…” Effectively performed, youngsters, very properly performed.
Outland Farm Brewery is located a block from the downtown crossroads of Routes 152, 100 and 69. The spacious, sunny taproom is a cushty, pleasant spot to take pleasure in a chilly brew post-hike. Opened by native transplants Heather and Mike Holland in 2020, the Pittsfield brewery includes a good number of craft beers produced with Maine-grown substances. You’ll additionally discover scrumptious pub fare to fulfill the munchies and a freezer stuffed with meats from the couple’s farm.
Sated with beer and grub, burn off the energy with a stroll on the close by Mill Pond Path, a mile-long circuit that visits 5 of the city’s fairly parks. You could possibly additionally discover one other wonderful stretch of the Sebasticook River at Manson Park, saunter alongside the Pittsfield Rail Path and wander in regards to the ski hill at Pinnacle Park. For information on extra climbing within the normal space, go browsing to take a look at Lake George Regional Park in Caanan, and the Sebasticook Regional Land Belief in Unity.
Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is a veteran hiker and freelance author. His newest e book, “Beer Mountaineering New England,” will likely be accessible later this 12 months. Observe extra of Carey’s adventures on Fb and Instagram @careykish
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