Peterson Canal Snowshoe/Hike/Ski

An annual trek along this historic canal is a real treat for naturelovers andlocal history buffsalike! The public is invited to explore the scenery and history of Bath's Peterson Canal on Sunday, February 10th during Great Maine Outdoor Weekend. The New Meadows Lake Association, Bath HistoricalSociety, Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB), and Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) are sponsoring this annual hike starting at 11:00am along this historic Maine canal.

The guided 2.5-mile scenic hike (one way) is only possible when the water is frozen and will take approximately two to three hours. Meet across from the boat launch to the New Meadows Lake on Old Brunswick Road in Bath. Visit www.kennebecestuary.org for a map of the meeting location. Participants are urged to bring snowshoes, depending on the snow cover. Rides are available back to the starting point, or participants can return on foot via road or the canal.

The canal was built to around 1790 to connect the Kennebec River with the New Meadows River, facilitating downstream transportation of logs, “Lumber and Masts…directly into Casco Bay and to Falmouth without going to sea or running the hazard of going down that rapid torrent, the main Stream of the Kennebeck,” (from the petition to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for permission to cut a canal from the head of the New Meadows River into Merrymeeting Bay, dated January 1, 1786).

"Day of event" contact person, Cheri Brunault can be reached at 978-476-6457

For more information and to confirm that conditions are appropriate, check the KELT website www.kennebecestuary.org.

Friends of Merrymeeting Bay has worked since 1975 to protect, preserve & enhance the unique ecosystems of Merrymeeting Bay and the Gulf of Maine through research, advocacy, education and land protection. www.friendsofmerrymeetingbay.org  207-666-3372

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary.  It maintains twelve preserves for public enjoyment and has protected 3,700+ acres of land since founding in 1989. FMI visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.