Cold War Relics
Milford Airfield
This (now) abandoned airstrip resides in the woods on the shores of Pickerel Pond, east of Milford, ME. The field was originally built in 1942 as a support field for the Dow AAF (Army Air Field) precision bombing range, which was located in a bog across from the airstrip.
Following WWII, the bombing range did not meet updated safety requirements. It was operated under an exemption as a strafing range until 1948 when the precision bombing range in Deblois, ME was opened.
The bombing range piece of the property was excessed in 1952. When Strategic Air Command took over Dow AFB (Air Force Base) in Bangor in 1953, the runways were rebuilt to meet the needs of the SAC heavy bomber fleet that would come to include the B52 Stratofortress. Also in 1953, this airstrip was converted for use as an Air Force Survival training camp. The heavy bombers that were being stationed at Dow could not utilize the Milford strip as an emergency runway and since the bombing range had moved to Deblois, the land had little other value to the Air Force.
Even after Dow AFB was closed in 1968, the airstrip was utilized for survival training for members of the Air National Guard until at least the mid 1970's. I was unable to find the exact date that the strip was excessed. Today the airstrip is home to a youth conservation camp.
To reach the airstrip from Bangor, take Route 2 through Old Town and into Milford. Continue north on Route 2 into Costigan. Turn right onto Greenfield Road and then take an immediate right onto Champion Road. Turn left onto Stud Mill Road (there should be a yellow gate) and follow it eight to ten miles to the east. The youth conservation camp at Pickerel Pond should be on your left. Drive in and park and then walk up the hill to your left. You'll pop out of the woods and be looking at 2500' of runway.
