A small city with a population of around eight thousand residents, Topsham in the New England state of Maine is a quaint place that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Pejepscot Abenaki Indians first inhabited this area, once controlling the scenic Androscoggin River.
Topsham, Maine today provides a pleasant escape near Brunswick with its Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk and the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge with its dramatic views of the surrounding scenery. The Maine Fiberarts Visitor Center is also worth a visit while in town to see some of the works by local artists.
Visit the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge can be found near the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk and is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge that spans the scenic Androscoggin River between Brunswick and Topsham. Constructed back in the year 1892, the bridge was originally used by workers who worked in Brunswick, Maine at the Cabot Mill.
Today, the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge provides an adrenaline rush for those who decide to cross it, as well as great views of the river surroundings from the middle. It’s also worth noting this bridge was built by the same company that built the famous Brooklyn Bridge of New York City.
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, Topsham, ME 04086
Stroll on the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk
Located at the border of Brunswick and Topsham along the banks of the Androscoggin River, the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk offers a pleasant walk with excellent river views and the Bowdoin Mill.
Portions of the riverwalk are dirt paths, while other sections are paved sidewalks. A quieter pathway through woodland can be found along the river’s Topsham bank, however, the highlight of the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk is the two bridges on the trail. Both the black road bridge, located downriver, and the pedestrian swinging suspension bridge upstream offer views of the Androscoggin River, one of rushing water and one more tranquil.
Topsham, ME 04086
Stop by the Maine Fiberarts Visitor Center
A non-profit organization founded more than fifteen years ago, Maine Fiberarts includes people who love to create and use fiber art, such as artists, consumers, and producers. The statewide organization was created as a way to support the fiber artists, galleries, shops, farms, and craftspeople in Maine.
Fiberarts includes weaving, quilting, sewing, beadwork, basketry, and knitting, as well as several other types of related activities. The Maine Fiberarts Visitor Center aims to help artists sell their artwork, host a variety of community events and study groups, and teach children about these crafts. Several exhibits are on display as well.
Maine Fiberarts Visitor Center, 13 Main St, Topsham, ME 04086, Phone: 207-721-0678
