Old Town House Park to Royal River Park
Description
The six-mile stretch of the Royal between Old Town House Park in North Yarmouth and Royal River Park in Yarmouth is characterized by flat water and virtually no current. It can be paddled upstream or downstream. The Royal is reminiscent of six-mile-long narrow pond formed by the East Elm Street dam. With a heavily forested shoreline and meandering oxbows, this segment of river provides an escape into the quiet woods of Maine complete with abundant birds and wildlife and only an occasional view of a house or dock. Steep banks allow very few locations for picnics or swimming. In the winter, depending upon conditions, this stretch of river is popular for ice skating, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and fat tire biking.
Old Town House Park, Route 9 (Memorial Highway), North Yarmouth; Yarmouth History Center, 118 East Elm Street, Yarmouth
6.0 Miles
More information
Paddling Side Trips
Chandler Brook – From Old Town House Park, paddlers can make their way upstream to Chandler Brook and the Chandler Brook Preserve. You’ll be able to paddle about a mile upstream before downed trees will make the brook impassable.
Hiking Side Trips
Riverfront Woods Preserve
Old Town House Park
Royal River Park
Yarmouth History Center
Sweetsir Farm Preserve
Sligo Road Property
Dunn’s Depot Trail
Approaching from upriver, paddlers pass beneath a train trestle. A short distance downstream of the trestle on river right is a boat launch and parking lot at the Yarmouth Historical Society. Paddlers should park on the opposite side of East Elm Street at Royal River Park, but may load and unload boats and gear at the launch.
Canoes, paddles, and PFDs are available to rent at Royal River Park between May 1 and November 1 for $10-$15. Call 207-846-2406 for more information about rentals.
Old Town House Park to Royal River Park
The six-mile stretch of the Royal between Old Town House Park in North Yarmouth and Royal River Park in Yarmouth is characterized by flat water and virtually no current. It can be paddled upstream or downstream. The Royal is reminiscent of six-mile-long narrow pond formed by the East Elm Street dam. With a heavily forested shoreline and meandering oxbows, this segment of river provides an escape into the quiet woods of Maine complete with abundant birds and wildlife and only an occasional view of a house or dock. Steep banks allow very few locations for picnics or swimming. In the winter, depending upon conditions, this stretch of river is popular for ice skating, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and fat tire biking.
