Ellsworth Library Trail Proposed Improvements and Possible Extensions.

How is the trail area used? Library Trail Improvements for Ellsworth, Maine

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The Library vicinity is great for strolling, reading and quiet contemplation. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements As they move along, hikers can catch a glimpse of the historic power house & the Union River dam or a take a look back at the Main Street Bridge. … Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements Streams and pools of water near the trail nourish the flora & fauna and may be enjoyed by explorers. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Wildlife is everywhere along the trail. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The further the trail goes, the better is the view of birds as they fish in the pool below the dam. Did you know that the powerhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places? Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements That’s not wildlife. People use the trail for geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. Planning staff learned from the couple on the left that there is a library trail cache. The small photos are from the web. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Elvers or “glass eels” web photo Fishermen use the trail to access the river and to tend their elver traps. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements Long term storage? Unfortunately, there has been some dumping in the area. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements Low cost party shack? This is not our solution for the affordable housing shortage. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

What is the trail’s current condition? Library Trail Improvements for Ellsworth, Maine

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The first part of the trail is wheelchair accessible from the public parking lot off State Street. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The trail transitions from smoother materials underfoot to courser gravel and rock. The first 600 feet of trail is on City owned property and has been kept fairly clear. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The trail changes from strolling to scrambling on rocks along the shore or up and around boulders. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements Take the high road or the low road, but you won’t get to Scotland. The potential is for another 600’ of trail on County and privately held lands plus a possible 300’ connection to Central Street. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The next part of the trail passes between the river and a high bluff. The bluff makes access to the riverside portions of the properties nearly impossible except via the trail. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The possible 300’ connector trail could be built on a rather steep strip of land formerly known as Mill Avenue (or Mill Street). It is currently the site of drainage structures and a small stream from the Central Street area. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Library Trail Improvements for Ellsworth, Maine What needs to be done? Library Trail Improvements for Ellsworth, Maine

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements City staff is working with owners, a committee and local volunteers to come up with a suitable plan of action as well as any needed permitting and legal easements. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The Public Library staff would like to repair erosion of the gravel area near its gardens with larger stone. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements Much of the trail may be safely walked by able-bodied people in its current condition. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements A small crew could trim branches, clear debris and create a more even and well-defined walking surface. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements Stairways would be needed to make steep parts of the trail more accessible. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements A stream crossing would be needed if the path is extended onto property of PPL Maine, LLC. This may be unlikely considering the dam owner’s security concerns. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements The “Mill Avenue” stormwater easement area needs to be cleaned up and the concrete pipe repaired. That would be a good time to construct the connector trail. Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements

Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements As the path is improved and more use is encouraged, trail signs should be installed. The riverside walkway would make a great place for interpretive signs about the history of the City’s waterfront and its wildlife. Happy Trails! Ellsworth Library Trail Improvements