In Search Of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal

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Epitaph		 Babb Bridge

One of the more scenic sites on the canal is the Babb Bridge site. Known to the locals as "The Covered Bridge", Babb Bridge is the typical New England Covered Bridge. On the western side of the bridge the canal runs less than 200 feet away. One need look to the left or right and you will see the canal bed. It is best though to park in the turnouts just on the western side of the bridge.

We have both short and long hikes here. Let's take the short hike first.

About 1000 feet south of the bridge are the remains of the Upper and Lower Kemp Locks.
Lower Kemps Locks
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Lower Kemp Lock submerged in upper Gambo Pond. Lower Kemp is in great shape due to being partially submerged. At both locks remains of timber and hardware can be found. Please select a link below to see the galleries for each lock

Upper Kemp Lock
Lower Kemp Lock

Directions to Kemp Locks.
From Westbrook take the River Road about 5 miles west. Watch for signs for the Covered Bridge. Take the Covered Bridge Road to the bridge. Park on the west side of the bridge. From Windham take the River Road 3.5 miles to the Covered Bridge Road. After parking go to the downriver side of the bridge. The towpath is visible from the road. Walk the towpath about 1000 to 1500'. The canal will be running on your right. The upper lock is first with the lower lock a hundred feet beyond.


The second hike is about a mile or so up the canal to Dundee Pond. It starts at the parking area on the north side of the bridge. The trail leaves the parking area and heads up the towpath as can be seen in the image below.

towpath heading north from Covered Bridge

This path is winds it's way along the edge of the canal almost to the foot of Dundee Pond.The trail is not with out it's obstacles. Primarily fallen trees. But they are all passable. Due to it's remoteness from houses and development it gives a good feeling for what it must have been like to travel the canal.

washout of towpath

Sadly, we cannot walk all the way to the foot of Dundee Pond.A large washout has left the trail impassable. If we could we would be near the site of the Warren Lock. The Warren Lock was the last in a series of 4 that are now under Dundee Pond. According to Ernest Knight, draining of Dundee Pond in 1989 exposed the canal ditch and 2 locks, Sandbank and Whitney. Whitney appeared to have 2 chambers and Sandbank was shown to be of split granite construction. Prior to this discovery it was believed that only the Guard Locks at either end were of granite construction.