BETH CONDON PATHWAY:
ROYAL RIVER TRAIL:
YARMOUTH, MAINE
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: December 22, 2024
Length: Beth Condon Pathway; 1.8 miles. Future Path Extension; 0.6 miles
Royal River Trail; 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Beth Condon Pathway; Easy. Flat paved trail.
Royal River Trail; Easy. Narrow paved trail, hilly.
Directions:
To Start from Royal River Park for the Royal River Trail [Northern End]; From I-295 take exit 15 to Route 1 north. Cross over Main St in Yarmouth and exit to York St down to Main St. Head right for 0.5 miles and turn right on E Elm St. Royal River Park will be on your right. Just past the park is the East Elm Street parking lot.
To Start from the Yarmouth Town Hall parking lot for the Beth Condon Pathway [Central Section] From I-295 take exit 15 to Route 1 north. Cross over Main St in Yarmouth and exit to York St down to Main St. Head right underneath Route 1 and turn left on Cleaves St. The Town Hall will be on your left.
The Beth Condon Pathway parallels Route 1 North-South, in Yarmouth. Beth Condon was a Yarmouth High School student who was fatally struck by a car while walking along the shoulder of Route 1. The Pathway was developed in her memory by family, friends and the Town, to provide a safe pathway for walkers and bikers. Behind Yarmouth Town Hall, the Pathway has a resting stop with stone benches at the Butterfly Garden, surrounding the Beth Condon Memorial. It crosses paths with the Royal River Trail which travels alongside the Royal River from Royal River Park Southeast, to Royal River Dam. For more information visit; ROYAL RIVER PARK , BETH CONDON PATHWAY & MAINE TRAIL FINDER .
The Beth Condon Pathway is part of the EAST COAST GREENWAY , a planned biking & hiking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine South, to Florida. When complete it will traverse 15 states with a mostly off-road path.
Beth Condon Pathway:
Starting from Portland Street & Route 1 [Southern Section]; I haven't checked out this section.
Note; A narrow paved trail travels Northwest alongside Portland St to Yarmouth High School.
The wide, Beth Condon Pathway travels along Portland St, before quickly crossing some RR tracks and turning North, along the Western Side of Route 1. Come to an *Intersection at 0.6 miles. 2 Options:
1. Continue straight, alongside Route 1, crossing a bridge over Main St, where the trail turns left along School to to another **Intersection at 0.8 miles.
2. Bear left, past the Beth Condon Memorial and Butterfly Garden through the Yarmouth Town Hall parking lot to Cleaves St. Continue right, North, out to and across Main St. Continue along School St to another **Intersection at 0.8 miles.
From the **Intersection cross School St and travel past the ball field & sports court. I've checked out this section. Here the trail enters the woods, heading East, bringing you down to the Royal River at 1 mile. Informational signs.
Note; The Royal River Trail crosses here. See; Below.
Continue straight across the bridge (this was part of the old 1898 Yarmouth & Freeport Trolley Line) and up to Route 1. The trail now travels East, along the Northern Side of Route 1. It currently ends after 1.8 miles.
Note; The trail is being extended East, another 0.6 miles to the Cousins River Bridge in 2024.
Royal River Trail:
Starting from the East Elm Street parking lot [Northern End];
Note; A narrow paved trail straight, South, ahead brings you down to the Royal River. Benches & picnic tables. Left along E Elm St brings you to a bridge over the river where you can spot the top of a dam.
Heading Southwest, along E Elm St takes you over a power stream (fed a mill for water power), then left into Royal River Park. The parking lot is on your right. Informational signs line the route. The narrow paved Royal River Trail travels Southeast, downhill. Pass a stone-dust trail on your right (leads up to William H Rowe School) before coming to Third Falls. The trail follows the river downstream bringing you to a bridge (this was part of the old 1898 Yarmouth & Freeport Trolley Line) over the river after 0.5 miles.
Note; The Beth Condon Pathway crosses here.
The trail then travels underneath Route 1 and along Royal River Reservoir to another dam. Very scenic. The trail then brings you out to Bridge St after 0.7 miles and the end of the trail. Look left to spot the old brick mill.
HH
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WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER
BIKE IT OR HIKE IT