River of Rough Places
Maine's small but mighty Presumpscot
Only 25.8 miles long, the Presumpscot River in southern Maine has been one of most heavily industrialized and controlled rivers in the country. Join journalist Emma Deans as she paddles down the River of Rough Places, exploring its history and her own personal connection to the region through this multimedia storytelling experience.
River of Rough Places
The Presumpscot River in southern Maine is only 25.8 miles long, but in that short distance it drops an impressive two hundred and seventy feet. Its name originates from the local Native American word of the Abenaki tribe meaning "many falls" or "many rough places" because prior to dam construction there were at least twelve falls. View scenes from the Presumpscot in this short film.
Explore the region
Click on the map below from the Presumpscot River Watershed Coalition to explore the southern Maine region (opens new window).
Map from the Presumpscot River Watershed Coalition (opens new window).
Read the multimedia story
A story about finding home: join Emma Deans as she paddles down the River of Rough Places in southern Maine. Go to the story.
Emma Deans paddles on the Presumpscot River in southern Maine.