Directions: Take exit 109 to Western Ave heading north.
Go around the rotary and get off at the 3rd exit, heading towards Rt 27 or Water
St. You want Water St, so stay right and go down a slight hill.
Parking is at the bottom of the hill, both sides of the road.
Trail Information: Roughly 6 miles total one way, ending in
Gardiner. Augusta's portion is paved and good for road bikes and there is
a grassy shoulder for runners. Hallowell's section is packed dirt, and
Gardiner is paved again. No water stops along the way, and only a few
WC's. Follows the Kennebec River most of the way; Augusta and Hallowell
sections are the most scenic. Terrain is fairly level, good shade in both
Augusta and Hallowell portions. Some portions are twisty due to the railroad
crossings, so bikers should approach slowly. For a shorter route, you can branch
off in Augusta and head towards Capitol Park.
Miscellaneous Information: Bikers are required to alert
pedestrians if approaching from behind - an "on your left" will do.
Hallowell is an excellent pit-stop in the middle of the route - great
restaurants include the Liberal Cup for home cooking, Joyce's for healthy and
delicious fare and Cafe de Bangkok for Thai / sushi. Gardiner also
features some great eateries like the Hi-Hat diner and A-1, an old RR dining car
overlooking the river. Both towns have great shops to browse too, or stop
in to Bacchus in Hallowell for a wine tasting. If you're planning a trip,
come for Old Hallowell Days or stop in on a Tuesday evening to catch music on
the river.
Andrea