Mousam Way South Trail

Mousam Way South is a lovely woods trail that follows Mousam River from Emery Street to School Street in Sanford Maine. Starting the trail on Emery Street allows ample parking near the trailhead. Enter the trail to an area with a big rock to play on. As the trail turns left toward the river, you find a 300-ft boardwalk that stretches across some marshy area. Different seasons offer different views and bird life. After crossing the boardwalk, the trail to the right would loop back to the parking area or to the left will take you to School Street along the river. The loop back to the parking area is a short, easy walk through wooded area. There are several small boardwalks over wet areas that help make the walk easier. The trail leads to a large pasture. Following signs that lead you right there is a short walk to a bridge (built by Americorps) that leads to the parking area. The walk to School Street is not strenuous, but has roots and slight hills. The trail follows the river and offers some lovely areas to stop and enjoy the sounds and sights of the river. There are many tree and mushroom species to observe along the way. Some people say there are twenty different tree species it may be fun to verify that bit of trivia. Continuing on the trail, there is an area that crosses a sewer line road. Continue straight following the MW logo signs. As you follow this trail toward School Street, there are great views of fields in the distance and the river to your left. The trail has a slight hill up to the multi-use part of the trail that follows the river on the left and the Public Works building to the right. This area is gravel and dirt. At the end of the trail is the School Street trailhead with ample parking, should you like to leave a car at either end. This trail is for young and old alike. Take your time enjoying the natural surrounding or take a rough trail run. Either way, it is a must-see trail in the center of Sanford. In the winter it is a wonderful place to snowshoe. The Mousam Way South trail, like many of the Sanford trails, is on private property. Please enjoy with respectful care of the area.