FAQ

Where do I go to walk the trail?	Who is responsible for building the trail?
Who is responsible for maintenance of the trail?	Who is responsible for paying for the trail?
Will the trail be used year round?	Why is some of the trail paved and some not?
How will the trail be impacted if the railroad becomes active again?	Will the trail go to Gardiner?
What is the proposed route through Hallowell?	When will the rest of the trail open?
Is the trail designed to accommodate wheelchairs?	How do I find out more about the Trail?
How can I get more info on other trails across the country?	Are dogs allowed on trail?

Where do I go to walk the trail?
You can access the trail that runs between Hallowell and Augusta by entering from the Hallowell Municipal Lot on Water Street. In Augusta, either enter from Water Street at the Maine State Housing Authority parking lot (beneath Memorial Bridge), or enter from Capital Park by the ball fields on Union Street near the Augusta Police Station.

Who is responsible for building the trail?
The Board of Supervisors, citizens appointed by each of the four communities, is responsible for building and maintaining the trail. The city of Augusta is Agent for the project and Augusta's chief engineer is the lead designer and manager of the project.

Who is responsible for maintenance of the trail?
The maintenance of the trail is formally the responsibility of the municipalities. The interlocal agreement apportions the cost among the four communities. However, the group Friends of the Kennebec River Rail Trail is raising funds for the purpose of annual maintenance. A "Friend" will hike a section of the trail on a regular basis to see that the trail is kept clean, that minor blow downs are removed, and that private property rights are being observed.

Who is responsible for paying for the trail?
The cost for designing and building the trail from Augusta to Gardiner is an estimated $2,132,000. Pursuant to
the terms of a national grant, the federal share is 80 percent and the local share 20 percent. The Federal Highway
Administration has awarded $1,392,000 to the trail project, and $282,000 has come from volunteer professional
services as part of the local share. The remaining local share must be in cash, and will come from an approved
$298,000 state bond plus $160,000 in cash to be raised by the Friends of the Kennebec River Rail Trail.

Will the trail be used year round?
Yes. Winter users might include snowshoers and cross country skiers.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes. When walking dogs, the municipality ordinance is in effect. Dogs must be on leashes and their owners must use pooper-scoopers.

How will the trail be impacted if the railroad becomes active again?
The trail has been designed to be next to an active railroad. It meets all State and Federal guidelines for "Trails with Rails". Safety has been a top priority since the beginning of the project.

Is the Kennebec River Rail Trail designed to accommodate wheelchairs?
Yes. Presently, the best access for wheelchairs is from the Maine State Housing Authority parking lot off of Water Street in Augusta - beneath Memorial Bridge. The other existing access points (at Capital Park in Augusta and in Hallowell) have grades ranging between 5 - 12%.

Will the trail go to Gardiner?
Yes, the trail will go to Gardiner. The section of trail between Gardiner and Hill Street in Farmingdale was
completed in 2003.

Why is some of the trail paved and some not?
The trail was originally designed to have a stone dust surface. The city of Augusta opted to pave the section of the trail that travels through that community. Ultimately, each community has the option to decide on the surface

What is the proposed route through Hallowell?
The remainder of the trail in Hallowell and Farmingdale is planned for construction in 2005. There is a committee of Hallowell residents studying the alternatives for the trail through the city. Their recommendation will be brought to the Hallowell City Council for a vote.

When will the rest of the trail open?
The Board of Supervisors is working on the remainder of the trail. The section of trail from Gardiner to Hill Street in Farmingdale, was completed in 2003. The final 3-mile section between Farmingdale and Hallowell should be completed in 2005 or 2006, allowing you to travel the entire length of the trail from Augusta to Gardiner.

How do I find out more about the trail?
Become a Friend! You'll get a newsletter and updates over e-mail. Click here

How can I get more info on other trails across the country?
Contact the Rails to Trails Conservancy at www.railtrails.org

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