CAMDEN — “Jane’s Walk” is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. On the first weekend of May every year, Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbors.
 
The afternoon walk will be “Dams, Waterfalls, and Millponds in Downtown Camden: The Treasures of the Megunticook River,” on Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m. The group will gather at the public parking lot at the foot of Knowlton Street. 

The Megunticook River is a very short, very steep stream in Camden, Maine. At one time there were ten or more active mills and dam sites on the stream. The town of Camden was settled and grew on the Megunticook River because of the water power of the Megunticook for its businesses and industries. The walking group will be visiting three of the remaining dam sites. They show a dramatic waterfall at each site. This walk will be hosted by members of the Save the Dam Falls Committee.
 
There is an ongoing debate about the future of these dams and their waterfalls and millponds, particularly the spectacular Montgomery Falls at the head of the harbor.

“Depending on the outcome of a town proposal, this could be your last chance to visit the Knowlton Street waterfall, the Knox Mill dam, and the Montgomery Dam and waterfall,” said Ken Gross, in a news release. “These treasures mean a great deal to the citizens of Camden.”

Camden’s industrial history, as well as the beauty of the Megunticook River as it courses through downtown Camden, will be on display.

The walk leaders will discuss the historical, environmental, and engineering aspects of the river. Most of the walk area will be wheelchair-accessible and parts of the walk will be near refreshment sources.