This section features a true combination of experiences with the dense woods and a few fields continuing downstream from its start to the head of Gulf Island Pond in Turner/Leeds/Greene area. The Center Bridge access site is near the head of the pond, a lakelike body of water held back by a hydroelectric dam more than 13 miles downstream.

The Riverlands State Park is located along this stretch and provides a truly remote feeling. There is some motor boat and seaplane traffic on the “pond,” especially on weekends. There are a number of islands for day use. There are also a number of islands that are off limits because of eagle nesting. Downstream of the Gulf Island Pond Dam, the Deer Rips Dam creates another obstacle, but below that there is a short stretch of remarkable river that can be reached from the Androscoggin Land Trust’s Rancourt Preserve on the Lewiston side of the river (river left). The preserve is located adjacent to mixed use urban area, but provides 14 acres of quiet and peaceful woods with walking trails and beautiful views of the Androscoggin and adjacent farmland on the Auburn side.

Auburn’s North River Road launch also provides access to this section of river just above the Great Falls that separate the downtown areas of Lewiston and Auburn. The area downstream of Great Falls provides an urban boating experience. Paddlers may want to check out the Lewiston canal outlets on river left. This area is also lined with pedestrian amenities and parks which are joined by a pedestrian trestle across the river.

Further downstream development virtually disappears and a wide river with moderately moving current and several sections of white water provides some interesting scenery. The town of Lisbon offers a nice walk on the Paper Mill Trail that starts at their boat launch at the mouth of the Sabattus River. Further downstream, Brunswick also offers a bike-ped trail adjacent to the river prior to the river entering Merrymeeting Bay. Boating or paddling on Merrymeeting Bay offers unique scenery and wonderful wildlife viewing.

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