Messalonskee Stream Trail — Attraction in Oakland

Trailhead comes up quick on the right of rt 11 but is well marked. Just watch for the sign . There is parking for about a dozen cars. Trails are well marked and groomed but are a challenge for the less fit due to altitude gain and the nearby large stream. Tree canopy is dense but allows glimpses of the stream, a dam, and the wreck of a mill to the left of the trail. These fleeting glimpses leave one wanting to see more and keep this urban wilderness exciting and fresh. I have never been this close to water without actually seeing it and never so close to ruins i could not explore, even just visually. Trail ends in a power cut which feels very hot after the shade of the woods. This is a place to visit again and again. Kudos to oakland for making this great trail available to the public. Update. 7/2/22 walked the trail a second time. Second mile definitely a little harder than the first but the second visit was just as good as the first. Note that some wooden walks around 1.25 miles have rotted and may cause trips amd slips among the unwary. Trailhead sign still comes up fast on the right. If you cross the bridge you missed it. Plenty of...

Very nice trail, with access to water for my dog at several spots. The section with what I think are hemlock trees was especially picturesque. And there is interesting history and structures with hydro power in the stream. I would like to know what the stream looked like prior to that. One of the nice aspects of the trail is that even though there are some minor elevation changes they seem to be laid out to require less effort. It rarely seemed like work on the uphill. There are only two drawbacks. One is that this is not a loop trail - you have to retrace your steps on the return. The other is that traffic is audible throughout the walk. But, aside from that, this is an excellent...

Very clean, dog friendly, and scenic. This trail features rocky streams, mossy boulders, wood bridges, pretty fields, and even some clean and cozy rest stops. Make sure to bring plenty of water if you are hiking the full trail! I was able to walk my dog without a leash, but be weary as there are some steel dropoffs near the trail. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled left for the old...