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Papermill Trail
Description
This trail follows the Hammonasset River, passing through forests and wetlands. Hikers can explore the ruins of the Hammonasset Paper Mill, built around 1865 and operational until 1890. The trail offers views of the river's floodplain and features stone walls indicative of the area's agricultural past. Flora along the path includes oaks, beeches, birches, and sycamores near the riverbanks. Wildlife such as woodpeckers, hawks, and owls are commonly observed. The trail comprises multiple loops and spurs, allowing for varied hiking experiences.
Trail Map
Map Credit: Madison Land Conservation Trust
Difficulty
Easy
Moderate
The trail is mostly flat with some gentle inclines. The path is well-defined, with sections following old logging roads and crossing stone walls. Certain smaller sections have lots of roots, and there is one decently steep inclined area that is decently long.
History
Constructed around 1865 along the Hammonasset River, the Hammonasset Paper Mill specialized in producing strawboard—a material crafted from processed straw and commonly used for manufacturing boxes during that era. Local farmers supplied the straw, which was pulped and pressed into large sheets within the mill. The facility operated successfully for approximately 25 years, ceasing operations around 1890 as advancements in papermaking technology and shifts in market demand rendered strawboard less viable.
( Example Paper Mill )
Image Credit: Oregon Historical Society
Image Credit: Etsy
Following its closure, the mill's infrastructure underwent significant transformations. The machinery was dismantled and sold, and materials from the wooden structures—such as beams and siding—were repurposed for constructing cottages along Middle Beach Road. Additionally, the stone dam was partially removed, leading to the drainage of the expansive millpond that had formed upstream. Subsequently, the site hosted a lumber operation, marking a shift in its industrial use.
In recognition of its historical and archaeological value, the Hammonasset Paper Mill Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the mill, including sections of the stone dam, mill foundation, and raceways, accessible via the Papermill Trail maintained by the Madison Land Conservation Trust. These preserved elements offer insights into the region's industrial past and the evolution of papermaking technologies.
Image Credit: Trevor Cash
Pictures
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