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Kennebec River Rail Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 175 Google reviews · Running trail in Augusta, Maine · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 6.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Kennebec River Rail Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Pretty, green 7- to 8-mile paved trail for walking, biking and running, plus views of the Kennebec River and surrounding scenery.
What runners say about Kennebec River Rail Trail
“The area we walked was well maintained and there were lots of people using the trail.”
“Scenic overlooks, benches, and mile markers are placed at onvenient intervals so walkers can rest and remain oriented on the trail.”
“Scenic overlooks, benches, and mile markers are placed at onvenient intervals so walkers can rest and remain oriented on the trail.”
This is a beautiful walkway. We parked very close to the bridge and walked about 2 miles south to Hallowell and had lunch near the Granite City Park. It’s a paved trail and easy to walk or ride bikes on. The area we walked was well maintained and there were lots of people using the trail.
A lovely walk from the bridge along the river and the railroad tracks. Very pretty. You can catch the jumping sturgeon also if you watch carefully.
A trail that follows unused train tracks through 4 towns. Much of the scenery is beautiful especially near the Kenbebec River.
The rail trail follows the west bank of the Kennebec River for about 6 miles from downtown Augusta to Gardiner. The trail is paved and quite level. Except for where it crosses the road in Hallowell (2miles from start of trail) the walk is wheelchair friendly. Trail is heavily used but not crowded and dogs are allowed.
Trail conditions & character
“Scenic overlooks, benches, and mile markers are placed at onvenient intervals so walkers can rest and remain oriented on the trail.”
“It’s a paved trail and easy to walk or ride bikes on.”
“The rail trail follows the west bank of the Kennebec River for about 6 miles from downtown Augusta to Gardiner.”
“Biked this 12-miler for the first time; spanning several towns from Augusta to Hallowell, Farmingdale, and ending at the Hannaford parking lot in Gardiner.”
“No porta potties or water available on the trail ( but there is a pottie at trail head in Augusta) so plan ahead.”
“It's always well trafficked with people, bikes, and dogs, though it's not plowed during the winter”
“Scenic overlooks, benches, and mile markers are placed at onvenient intervals so walkers can rest and remain oriented on the trail.”
“It's mostly pretty flat and only has a few mild hills while it passes through the forests along the bank of the Kennebec.”
Plan your run at Kennebec River Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance6.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitekennebecriverrailtrail.org
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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