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Kennebec River Rail Trail

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Kennebec River Rail Trail

Easy

4.9

(9837)

16,848

riders

Kennebec River Rail Trail

Q: What is the terrain like on the Kennebec River Rail Trail?

The trail is predominantly flat, making it suitable for most users. Much of the path is paved with asphalt, providing a smooth riding surface. There is a short gravel section, and you'll briefly transition to an on-road segment in Hallowell before rejoining the dedicated trail.

Q: How long does it take to cycle the trail?

The main trail spans 6.5 miles one way, connecting Gardiner, Hallowell, and Augusta. A typical touring bicycle loop, such as the one from Augusta to Gardiner , covers about 14.6 miles and can be completed in under 1.5 hours at a moderate pace.

Q: Is the trail suitable for beginners and families?

Yes, the trail is rated as easy and is very family-friendly. Its flat grade and paved sections make it accessible for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels, including beginners.

Q: Where can I park to access the trail?

There are multiple access points with parking available in the towns it connects, including Gardiner, Hallowell, and Augusta . A popular starting point is near Waterfront Park in Augusta.

Q: What can I see along the route?

You'll enjoy picturesque views of the Kennebec River, pass through wooded areas, and explore the charming, historic towns of Gardiner, Farmingdale, Hallowell, and Augusta. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bald eagles and Atlantic sturgeon. The trail also features interpretive signs detailing the region's railroad and riverside industry history.

Q: When is the best time of year to visit?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. While ideal for biking in warmer months, it's also used for walking and snowshoeing in winter. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage.

Q: Is the Kennebec River Rail Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Kennebec River Rail Trail. It is a publicly accessible multi-use trail.

Q: Are there amenities like cafes or shops along the trail?

Yes, the trail provides easy access to the charming downtown communities it traverses. Hallowell, often considered a halfway point, offers various restaurants and shops where you can stop for food or to explore local attractions.

Q: Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the Kennebec River Rail Trail is a significant segment of the larger East Coast Greenway, a developing trail system stretching from the Florida Keys to Canada. It also overlaps with sections of the 1 (Maine) and Augusta Greenway Trail.

01:27

23.5km

130m

Cycling

The Kennebec River Rail Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the revitalized Kennebec River through wooded stretches and connecting the state capital of Augusta with the quaint towns of Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner. You'll enjoy continuous river views and the chance to spot wildlife like osprey and bald eagles, all while riding on mostly paved surfaces. This easy route is ideal for a relaxed outing, providing a scenic journey through Maine's heartland.

Planning your visit is simple, with multiple access points providing parking and restrooms. While the trail is accessible year-round, the best cycling conditions are found in the warmer months. Be mindful of a short section in Hallowell where you'll share Water Street with vehicle traffic; otherwise, the path is smooth and family-friendly. The towns along the route offer convenient stops for refreshments and exploration.

This 14.6-mile (23.5 km) route, with a gentle 436 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. It's a notable segment of the ambitious East Coast Greenway and showcases the successful restoration of the Kennebec River. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the region's railroad history and ecology, making it a ride that's as educational as it is enjoyable.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 23.0 km for 57 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.75 km

Kennebec River Rail Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Running for 6 & 1/2 miles between Augusta & Gardiner, the Kennebec River Rail Trail is a fully paved converted rail line. The path is popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers so be sure to respect your fellow trail users as you make your way along the river.

Tip by

11.5 km

Waterfront Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Waterfront Park is part of Gardiner's Historic Downtown district. The park is set along a beautiful stretch of the Kennebec River and offers a public boat launch, restrooms & showers, art installations, and is host to live music during the summer.

Tip by

23.3 km

Augusta

Highlight • Settlement

Augusta, Maine's State Capital, sits along the banks of the Kennebec River. It's the 3rd smallest U.S. State Captial by population and offers a unique mixture of historic buildings, great restaurants, and ample opportunities to explore the river and other outdoor destinations.

Tip by

23.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.95 km

9.76 km

1.61 km

1.37 km

763 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.8 km

5.97 km

1.37 km

392 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (70 m)

Lowest point (undefined)

Weather

Today

Saturday 11 July

27°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Kennebec River Rail Trail?

The trail is predominantly flat, making it suitable for most users. Much of the path is paved with asphalt, providing a smooth riding surface. There is a short gravel section, and you'll briefly transition to an on-road segment in Hallowell before rejoining the dedicated trail.

How long does it take to cycle the trail?

The main trail spans 6.5 miles one way, connecting Gardiner, Hallowell, and Augusta. A typical touring bicycle loop, such as the one from Augusta to Gardiner, covers about 14.6 miles and can be completed in under 1.5 hours at a moderate pace.

Is the trail suitable for beginners and families?

Yes, the trail is rated as easy and is very family-friendly. Its flat grade and paved sections make it accessible for cyclists of all ages and fitness levels, including beginners.

Where can I park to access the trail?

There are multiple access points with parking available in the towns it connects, including Gardiner, Hallowell, and Augusta. A popular starting point is near Waterfront Park in Augusta.

What can I see along the route?

You'll enjoy picturesque views of the Kennebec River, pass through wooded areas, and explore the charming, historic towns of Gardiner, Farmingdale, Hallowell, and Augusta. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bald eagles and Atlantic sturgeon. The trail also features interpretive signs detailing the region's railroad and riverside industry history.

When is the best time of year to visit?

The trail is enjoyable year-round. While ideal for biking in warmer months, it's also used for walking and snowshoeing in winter. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage.

Is the Kennebec River Rail Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Kennebec River Rail Trail. It is a publicly accessible multi-use trail.

Are there amenities like cafes or shops along the trail?

Yes, the trail provides easy access to the charming downtown communities it traverses. Hallowell, often considered a halfway point, offers various restaurants and shops where you can stop for food or to explore local attractions.

Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the Kennebec River Rail Trail is a significant segment of the larger East Coast Greenway, a developing trail system stretching from the Florida Keys to Canada. It also overlaps with sections of the 1 (Maine) and Augusta Greenway Trail.

Is the trail accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, the trail is well-maintained and multi-use, with many sections being stroller and wheelchair accessible due to its flat, paved surface.