08/15/2025
Click Great Carrying Place
Portage Trail Hike
Offered by
The Arnold Expedition Historical Society
Saturday, August 16; Saturday, September 27; and Saturday, October 18, 2025
This year commemorates the 250th anniversary of Benedict Arnold’s march through the Maine wilderness to capture Quebec. To honor this daring journey, the Arnold Expedition Historical Society (AEHS) is offering three guided hikes along a section of the Arnold Trail to Quebec, known as the “Great Carrying Place Portage Trail,” retracing the steps of Arnold’s 1,000-man army. Arnold and Native Americans before him used the portage trail to travel between the Kennebec River and the Dead River, avoiding 18 miles of dangerous white water and several days of travel.
Participants need to register in advance.
Each hike is limited to 20 participants, so it’s important to sign up early, as spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Description of the AEHS hike: We will cover about 5 miles of the Great Carrying Place Portage Trail–from the Kennebec River to Middle Carry Pond. Along the way, AEHS members will describe the Herculean effort by soldiers to move a hundred tons of supplies to the Dead River. Once at Middle Carry Pond, an AEHS member will lead a discussion on the challenges ahead for the expeditionary force. A replica of a bateau used by the expedition will also be displayed.
What to expect: The forested trail is about 5 miles long and will take roughly 3.5 hours to complete. The first mile, although not steep, is a long, steady ascent toward East Carry Pond, after which the terrain levels off for the rest of the hike. Rocks and roots are common, and some areas can be wet depending on the weather conditions.
What to bring: Sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, lunch and snacks, walking sticks, a rain jacket, and water. Plan for a late lunch at Middle Carry Pond.
This event will proceed rain or shine.
Start time and meeting location: Each walk will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. from the turnout (starting point) along Carry Pond Road in Pleasant Ridge Plantation.
Directions from Bingham to the turnout/starting point: From 201 (Main Street) in Bingham, cross the Kennebec River following ME-16W/Bridge Street. Turn right onto the Pleasant Ridge Road (a winding road with sharp curves) and continue for the next 4 miles. Turn right onto Carry Pond Road. (The sign is well-marked and hard to miss.) Continue 7.8 miles to the Carry Pond Road turnout/starting point. (Have faith you’re on the right road.) You will see cars belonging to AEHS members parked along the turnout/starting point.
You can also scan this QR code for a Google Map to the turnout/starting point.
If you would like to walk to the Kennebec River to see the portage entrance before the hike begins, please be at the turnout/starting point by 9:00 a.m. An AEHS member will lead those interested in walking the 0.3 miles to the Kennebec River.
Return to vehicles: At the end of the discussion at Middle Carry Pond, you can either walk back to the turnout/starting point or return there by shuttle. If you chose to hike back to the turnout/starting point, please be advised that the return trip will NOT be guided.
How to register: Please fill out the application form and select the date of the hike you wish to attend. Due to planning and logistics requirements registration for each hike will close three days before the hike date. Remember to include the total number of people in your group. We look forward to seeing you at the turnout/starting point on your selected date.
Reminder: This event will proceed rain or shine.
Hike dates:
August 16 (registration closes August 13)
September 27 (registration closes September 24)
October 18 (registration closes October 15)
AEHS offers this guided tour free of charge to all interested parties. We hope you are able to participate. Please consider a donation to help support continued volunteer efforts like this.
