By Jeffrey Ryan

It’s been a few weeks since my first foray on the Sebago-to-the-Sea Trail, so after my little hiatus, I decided to head back for a mid-summer walk from South Windham to Westbrook. There are a couple of really nice things about this walk. First, it’s built on an old railroad grade. In a few places near the South Windham end, the old ties are visible adjacent to the path — no roots or rocks to navigate over or around means that you can walk and take in the wider view at the same time. Further along the trail, you’ll be walking on the ties, which makes the footing a tad trickier. One nice feature about hiking where iron horses once roamed is that the terrain is as flat as can be. Another nice thing about this hike is it’s easy to arrange a one-way hike. When I got to Westbrook, I hailed a ride share service and was back at my vehicle in no time. Alternatively, you can hike down to Westbrook, eat lunch overlooking the falls of the Presumpscot River, then walk back to the beginning, making for a 9.6-mile day.

Parking on the northern end of this section is plentiful, thanks to the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, who offer room for several cars (watch for the entrance on Route 202. Please note: Parking is no longer available at the South Windham Post Office. Also, please do not park on Blue Seal Feeds property. On the southern end, you’ll find a municipal lot behind the CVS on Main Street.

For the first 1.3 miles (southbound), the trail is unpaved old railroad bed, then becomes a more rugged scramble along railroad ties for the remaining 3.5 miles into Westbrook. 

The trail is 28 miles total in length, section 4 being 4.8 miles. The trail rating is easy to moderate. The property is managed by Sebago to the Sea Coalition. For more information visit www.SebagototheSea.org.

Jeffrey Ryan is a Maine-based hiker, photographer, public speaker and author of several books about the outdoors. Learn more at www.JeffRyanAuthor.com.