Bike Tour Map & Details
More Tours
Kennebec & Moose River Valley
- Tour 19 - Kennebec River Valley
- Tour 20 - Waterville and China Lake
- Tour 21 - Capital Area
- Tour Maine's East Coast Greenway - River Route
Other Regional Tours
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Tour 21 - Capital Area
Region: Kennebec and Moose River Valley
Highlights: beaches, swimming holes, hiking trails, historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, urban
| Name | Distance | Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| 12-mile ride (6 miles one way and return, mostly off-road and paved) | 12 | Gentle terrain for almost all cyclists |
| 30-mile ride continues from mile 5.7 above | 30 | Moderate terrain, hilly, for intermediate cyclists |
| 42-mile ride continues from mile 15.6 above | 42 | Moderate terrain, hilly, for intermediate cyclists |
Augusta, Maine?s capital city, and its neighboring cities and towns are rich in history, culture, industry, and commerce. The Capitol Building is the centerpiece for this special city. The 12-mile ride on the Kennebec River Rail Trail from Augusta through Hallowell and Farmingdale to Gardiner is as good as it gets. This trail follows alongside the Kennebec River and is the perfect way to travel by bike in this area. In scenic and historic Hallowell, you can bike on Water Street or walk your bike on the brick sidewalks. You can connect to the Rail Trail on either side of town. The Kennebec River Rail Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway; see the section in the back of this book.
The 30-mile loop includes the Kennebec River Rail Trail followed by an on-road route that takes you from the city to the country. It includes Hallowell, Cobbosseecontee Lake, and Jamie's Pond. There is a swimming hole at the outlet of Cobbosseecontee Stream. Don?t forget your bathing suit.
The pleasant 42-mile ride takes you from the trailhead of the Kennebec River Rail Trail opposite Capitol Park (from which you can see Maine's Capitol) to the scenic lakes region west of Augusta that includes Hallowell, Gardiner, Litchfield, Monmouth, Winthrop, and Manchester. This region provides scenic views of Cobbosseecontee Lake (Cobbossee to locals), rolling farmland, apple orchards, and the Kennebec River.
Special features: State Capitol, Kennebec River, and Cobbosseecontee Lake
Road conditions: 6.5 miles of paved off-road trail; on roads, generally good; uneven surfaces and soft shoulders
Cautions: Narrow roads. Some roads have no shoulders.
Starting point: All tours start and end at the Kennebec River Rail Trail trailhead off Union St. in Augusta. Take State St. (US 201); turn onto Union St. at traffic light (opposite State Capitol); KRRT parking area is 0.1 mi on right. Park near trailhead. YMCA across parking area with public restrooms.
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