Spring Hiking, Thurston Park, China, Maine

With the snow almost melted and the birds chirping it is time to get outside again! This meant the start of new adventures and of course misadventures. On a beautiful Sunday morning I grabbed my sister and off we went to chase a waterfall, which brought us to Thurston Park in China Maine.

The journey typically begins with “where the heck is China Maine” and “where the heck is the parking lot?” Upon arrival we were met with a sign on the roadway and a barricade that read “no vehicle access until May 1st.” Next to that seemed to be a very small parking area, also with signs that read “no trespassing.” We decided to park there and that the worst thing that could happen is we would return and the car would be gone, so off we went.

Thurston Park has a network trail system that total 5.2 miles if you do all of them. Some of the trails were undergoing maintanance so we couldn’t use them. The majority of the trail system is on wide gravel paths that are also used for ATV’s and snowmobiles. And the waterfalls we were there to view did not have access due to trail maintanance.

The trail is fairly level with some short steep inclines. A couple of “water” breaks going up the hills are a good idea! There was a short side trail that led us to a small stream which was listed as a dam on the map. The trail leads you up hill next to it towards signs for an old cemetery. You will need to cross the stream to follow the trail which seems to disappear. We spent 20 minutes looking for the trail that was supposed to lead us to the cemetery. We never did find it, but we did enjoy the stream and following it!

After getting back on the main trail for a short jolt we took a side trail that was supposed to have a waterfall. It was more of the hiking we were used to, in the woods! A small path wide enough for one person. Over roots and wooden “bridges” with grassy covered pathways. We felt like we really hiking now! The whole time we could hear water but we never did find the waterfall. The trail brought us out to a clearing lined with pine trees next to the main trail.

Continuing on the main trail as we came to the end of the loop we found another clearing with picnic tables and a very posh outhouse. If we had brought a lunch it would have been a great spot to eat, but alas we did not. Instead we decided to use the outhouse which came complete with hand sanitizer. After deciding to use the hand sanitizer I quickly realized the end was clogged when it shot all into my eye! So I started yelling which of course my sister thought I was just screaming because I saw a spider! A half a bottle of water later and I could almost see again.

Back in the trail to the car we passed by a pond complete with a baby beaver. Try as a may I could not get a picture of the cute little bugger! Up the road and hill we went that led to the car.

Overall trail review for Thurston Park in China Maine:

Nice for a spring hike. Great for any level hiker. Could use some more signage. We plan to do it again!