Biking the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Maine
Augusta to Gardiner Trek Provides Great Scenery, Good Exercise
Jul 27, 2009
The Kennebec River Rail Trail's well-maintained surface is paved, except for about a one-mile stretch of packed gravel. It's a good surface for all types of bikes: mountain bikes, street bikes, and hybrids. Bikers will find the grade is slightly hilly, which adds to the trail's interest (none of the hills are long or steep). It's approximately 6.5 miles one way. No motorized vehicles are permitted, and most of the trail's length is fenced from motor vehicle traffic, making it a relatively safe route for young children, too.
Commuting in Maine's Capital Area
Biking is good exercise, and also an excellent way to commute in this area. The Kennebec River Rail Trail makes it easy for city dwellers in Maine's capital-area communities to leave their cars home and bike to their workplaces. The trail is convenient to residences, businesses, and the numerous state government office buildings in Maine's capital city, Augusta.
Maine actively promotes biking for recreation AND as a commuting option. The state currently ranks in the top three of bike-friendly states in the US.
Biking in Maine, Another Fun Family Outing
Biking is fun, too, and visitors are highly encouraged to get out of theirs car and bike. Take the whole family and enjoy a great outing in this beautiful central Maine location! Pack a picnic and eat under the shady trees of Capitol Park, a roomy public park immediately across from the state capitol building and just a few yards away from one of the three major trailheads. The Capitol is constructed of elegant Maine granite and was designed by the legendary architect Charles Bulfinch, who also designed portions of the US Capitol.
The three major trailheads are located at:
- Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) parking lot off Water Street in downtown Augusta (adjacent to the Waterfront Park)
- Capitol Park off State Street in Augusta (restrooms available here)
- Hannaford Supermarket parking lot in downtown Gardiner
These three trailheads have ample parking plus kiosks with enlarged map displays and additional trail information. Note that during the work week, the parking lot at MSHA in Augusta may fill rapidly with employee vehicles. The MSHA trailhead provides a flat, easy entrance to the trail, whereas the Capitol Park entrance immediately rolls downhill to join the route.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail charmingly meanders along the wooded banks of the Kennebec. There are benches placed in convenient spots for river viewing or snacking. A fence separates riders from vehicular traffic for most of the trail's length. However, the trail does cross the Maine Central Railroad tracks (currently inactive) in a number of spots — take care rolling over the metal grooves of the tracks.
Riders need to be alert to certain trail conditions to bike safely and responsibly:
- This rail trail is very popular and heavily used by a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lots of pedestrians use the trail, including folks walking their dogs. Alert them before passing.
- Rollerblading and skateboarding are permitted uses on the trail.
- Trail crosses the road in downtown Hallowell, the mecca for antique shops and avant-garde restaurants. It's a busy area with heavy traffic flow.
- Trail crosses the railroad tracks in at least three spots; be cautious of the metal grooves.
Friends of the Kennebec River Rail Trail has maps for purchase, plus detailed driving directions at its website for those not familiar with the area.
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