Route description
This easy biking tour starts by the Kennebec River Trail in Augusta, the capital of the US state Maine. The trail is for bikers as well as for hikers and runs beside a former railway track, which used to connect Portland with Augusta. On this tour you will be cycling parallel to the old railroad tracks.
The Kennebec River
The Rail-Trail also follows the course of the Kennebec River from Augusta to Gardiner for a total of 120 miles. The word “Kennebec” is a remain of the Abenaki Native American tribe, the former settlers of this region. Kennebec can be translated with “long, quiet waters”. Even though the river used to be very polluted, it is now the living space for many different kinds of fish, salmons and sturgeons, due to strict environmental control and the demolition of an old barrage during the last years. Moreover, be sure to take a look in the skies every once in a while: On the tour, you might get to see the famous bald eagle, the national bird of the USA.
Kennebec River- Rail – Trail
Cycle from the Memorial Bridge in Augusta on an asphalted path towards the south. The Kennebec flows “long and quiet” to the left of you while passing the State Capitol Complex on your way to the right. The Complex is surrounded by a high escarpment and built from white marble. Close to the first milestone, a side path leads your way from this architectonic highlight down to the actual Rail – Trail. Next, head right onto a gravel path after about 1.6 miles.
Shortly after sneaking your first peak at the white bell tower of Hallowell the way will part from the old railroad tracks into the picturesque city, where many restaurants and places to shop await you.
After a short brake in Hallowell the road will continue by the river and lead your way past the village Farmingdale in the direction of Gardiner, the final destination of the trail.
Where to eat
There are numerous places to get food in Gardiner at the end of your tour as well as in Hallowell.
Interesting facts
- You're traveling a distance of 6 miles on this easy trail. The bike trail is therefore not too long. Average length of all bike Trails in Maine is 16 miles.
- The bike trail is one of the family friendly trails in the region. The bike trail is also perfect if the kid’s wanna bring their dog on the trip.
- If you get hungry along the way, there are places to rest and get food. Nevertheless it’s recommended to also have enough water and food in your backpack when hiking or biking.
Getting here
By car
The parking lot by the Memorial Bridge in Augusta marks the staring point of the tour. It is easiest to get there over the Interstate 95. Leave the Interstate at the exit 30B and head onto the US 202 to the east. Take the exit “US 201/Western Ave./ SR 17.” at the roundabout before turning left onto the Swan Street. Next turn, right onto the Grove Street and you will see the parking lot with the neighboring Information Desk to your right.