Don’t Blink or You’ll Pass Right By This Awesome Park in Falmouth, Maine

I have passed by this park at least a thousand times...I finally stopped.

Allen Avenue Extension is one of those roads that you travel to get from Portland to Falmouth. It's a pretty uneventful drive until you hit a bridge over the Presumscot River. There's a really pretty view and wait...a park?

According to the Falmouth Maine website,

Presumpscot Falls Park overlooks the Presumpscot River on Allen Avenue Extension. Portland Trails purchased this land in 2002 to preserve the property and create a trail on the north shore of the river. An interpretive sign at the overlook/parking area describes the wildlife that have benefited from the dismantling of the Smelt Hill Dam on this section of the river in 2002. A primitive trail with many tree roots winds through the woods, at points high above or very near the river. The trail ends just past the location of the former dam. Private property beyond this point is marked and should be respected.

That's super cool! There's a little parking lot for about 15 cars and a sign, that honestly is easily missed!

There are some trails and from what I read, some pretty good fishing along the way too. It's next to Walton Park - well, across the street. Falmouth Maine described Walton Park:

Walton Park is a 4.4 acre parcel of land adjacent to the Presumpscot River. It has an ADA compliant trail that leads to the water's edge from the parking lot. There is a pier, gangway and float, which are available for small boat access to the river.

This area of the Presumscot was home to one of Maine's first gristmill. I know, I didn't know what that was either. So I looked it up. It's basically a mill that grinds grains. Uses the power of the water to turn a wheel that moves stones that crushes corn or wheat. As the sign says,

It's been said that a fledging colonial settlement in New England was truly self-sufficient only after it had its own minister, blacksmith, and gristmill.

Next time you are taking Allen Avenue Extension (probably to get to BJs), keep an eye out for this little hidden park just waiting for you to visit.

Bring a fishing pole!