Known to the native Wabanaki as the Newichawannock, meaning the “river with many falls,” the meandering Salmon Falls River forms the scenic natural boundary between New Hampshire and Berwick, Maine. A few miles

The trail at Keay Brook Preserve leads along a
lovely stretch of the Salmon Falls River.

northwest of downtown via Hubbard Road, two abutting preserves owned and managed by the Great Works Regional Land Trust provide a wonderful opportunity to explore this lush, wildlife-rich riparian habitat.

Tuckahoe Preserve and Keay Brook Preserve total 217 acres and feature about 2.5 miles of easy foot trails. The preserves aren’t yet linked, so you’ll have to enjoy them one at a time. At Keay Brook, follow the River Loop Trail, an old road bed, to Keay Brook Estuary before reaching the rusted remains of an old bridge that once spanned the Salmon Falls River. At Tuckahoe, the Wintergreen Trail makes a sweet lollipop loop along the river.

The busy crossroads of Berwick, where Great Falls plunges downstream, is where you’ll find Corner Point Brewing, a beautiful riverfront complex that traces its origins back more than a century when it was an automotive service center. Step inside the warm, welcoming taproom, and you’ll still see plenty of exposed brick, wood, and steel beams. Big glass windows overlook the Salmon Falls River, as does the lovely outdoor patio deck.

The outdoor patio deck at Corner Point Brewing
overlooks the Salmon Falls River.

Homebrewer Jamie Blood and his wife Kelly left their corporate jobs behind and opened their dream business in 2018, expanding to the current footprint four years later. “I’m a beer altruist,” says Jamie. “Most of what I make is in the old-school, traditional style. But we’ve got a balanced tap list.” Twelve taps ensure there’s a little something for everyone’s beer palate. There are seltzers, too. And a delish menu of pub fare to satisfy the hungries.

The most popular brews are Straight Outta Berwick, an American IPA with mango, and Down the Hatch, an amber ale made with green chiles. The original beer—and still a big favorite—is the Old Town Blonde Ale that’s flavored with biscochito and pinon coffee beans. The latter two offerings are nods to the Bloods’ time in New Mexico before returning home to Maine to pursue the brewery venture. Amee’s Ale is another oldie but goodie.

Story & Photos: Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island. Carey is an avid hiker and beer drinker and the author of “Beer Hiking New England.”