The WW&F: The "Mountain"
| South to Alna Center Station |
The WW&F: The "Mountain"Once the roadbed of the WW&F reached Alna Center, it reached the top of the "tableland" on the west side of the Sheepscot River, and began descending back to the river itself. Yet, the grade was very gentle, until about a mile north of Alna Center, when the railroad took a sharp dive into the valley. This was known to the railroaders as "the Mountain", or "Carleton's Grade".
Legend among the two-foot fan community has always had it that The Mountain consisted of a 4 or 5 percent. However an elevation plan of the railroad from 1894 shows a less than 2 percent grade along this portion of the line, and a quick survey by volunteers revealed about a 2.6 percent grade. This steep grade ran for less than a mile. Other two-footers, especially the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes RR, had much steeper and longer grades. Regardless, it was sometimes necessary for the trains to double the hill, taking part of the train up, sticking it on a siding at the "top of the mountain" (or taking it all the way into Wiscasset), and coming back for the rest.
The area believed to be the Top of the Mountain is about a mile north of Alna Center. From there, the grade changes noticeably and begins its descent. The grade winds and descends gently along the side of a steep hillside, until it reaches the trestle over Carleton Brook, site of the so-called "Mason's Wreck".
The right-of-way along the Mountain is in very good shape. Hiking up the grade is quite easy, as the roadbed's been used in the past as a logger's road, although there are a few spots that haven't been cleared and those are tough walking at times. There are also a few washouts, including one very deep one.
The location where the siding at the Top of the Mountain was has not yet been determined, as the area is quite thick with recent-growth trees. Hopefully the location will become evident should that spot be cleared of trees.
| Looking south, upgrade on "The Mountain." |
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Directions to The Mountain: Parts of the grade on the Mountain are privately owned, however from Rt 218 south, the Museum itself owns the right of way. Getting past Carleton Brook is the hardest part. Alternatively, you can ride up the railroad to Alna Center, then walk a mile to the Top of the Mountain. Again, this is private property, and the Museum discourages trespassing.
Right of Way status: Much of the roadbed was cleared for logging operations years ago. There are a few spots which are overgrown. About 60% of the right of way is privately owned.
Other Railroad Memorabilia in the area: none.
| South to Alna Center Station |