This eight mile segment of the Royal River Water Trail is delightful at the right water levels. This stretch includes the remarkable landscape of Pineland Farms and Pineland Public Reserved Lands. It is further protected by conservation deeds or ownership by Maine DEP, the Town of North Yarmouth, the Town of New Gloucester, and various water districts. The confluence with the clear spring water of Collyer Brook, along with bubbling groundwater springs just below Depot Road create good fishing. Granite abutments, old brick mills, old fords, and other features illustrate the history of the communities that line the river. Strainers (fallen trees) can present considerable challenges at any water level. Hunters and paddlers maintain some of the trip with hand-saws, but paddlers may be challenged by seasonal changes or recently fallen trees.
More Information
Maps
- Map: Penney Road to Wescustogo Park – Downloadable PDF
- Royal River Water Trail at Maine Trail Finder
Boat Access Points
Intervale Preserve at Penney Road
There is a hand carry boat launch at small parking area at the Intervale Preserve at Penney Road. To find the Intervale Preserve at Penney Road from New Gloucester Village: Head Southeast on Route 231 South for 3.9 miles. Take a right onto Penney Road and continue 0.8 mile. The parking area will be on your right. To get there from North Yarmouth Village: Head North on Route 231 N for 5.6 miles. Take a left onto Penney Road and continue 0.8 mile. The parking area will be on your right. Address for GPS: 520 Penney Rd, New Gloucester, ME 04260
Wescustogo Park
Eight miles downstream of Penney Road there is a parking area and and carry boat launch at Wescustogo Park. To find Wescustogo Park from New Gloucester Village: Head Southeast on Route 231 South for 7.9 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. To get there from North Yarmouth Village: Head north on Route 115W/Route 9 E toward Parsonage Road for 1.2 miles. Continue onto Route 231 North for 1.7 miles. The park entrance will be on your right.
There are no additional public take-outs in the stretch between these two parks. Any interim take-outs typically require express landowner permission or steep scrambles up embankments at bridges or other sites. Please respect “no trespassing” and other signs at some river crossings.
Connecting Trails & Preserves
Looking for an adventure out of the boat? Here is more information on the land preserves & trails you can explore on foot along this segment.
The Intervale Preserve at Penney Road allows river access via a small parking area and hand-carry boat launch.
Wescustogo Park provides delightful meadows for picnics, and access for playing in the river with dogs, but no trails.
Intervale Road to Penney Road ← Previous Segment
Next Segment → Wescustogo Park to Old Town House Park
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