Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Nature Trail:
Maine
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Description:
From the Trail Web Site (www.oldnarrowgaugetrail.org): The Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail covers the portion of the historic Kennebec Central Railroad roadbed which lies within the town of Randolph. The town owns the right-of way on this portion of the roadbed and the Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail Committee is working to upgrade the existing trail to a hiking/biking trail.

Currently the trail covers 1.25 total miles beginning next to Goggins IGA on Water Street and continues up a ravine for 0.4 miles before crossing Windsor Street. It continues on from there in the woods for one mile. The trail is in good condition for walking the entire length, although there are two shallow brook crossings that you have to be careful on or you'll get wet (step on stones). You can bicycle along the trail also, although after a heavy rain some spots can be a little muddy.

It is hoped that this trail can be linked to the Gardiner terminus of the Kennebec River Rail Trail by means of directional signs.

Come take a hike and imagine the whistle of the old "Volunteer" train as you walk. When you begin your hike, note the large steel post on which the trail head sign is attached. The steel post is actually a piece of the old Kennebec Central track.
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Parking & Trail Access:
KV Transit has service between Augusta and Gardner will stop on request at the Randolph IGA on Water Street. That same bus serves Water Street in Gardner on a more frequent basis. This bus connects with the other Augusta routes as well as Vermont Transit / Greyhound busses in downtown Augusta.

Vehicle parking: The trail begins at the intersection of Route 226 and Windsor Street Crossing. On-street parking is available here.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Pleasant, but quite short
By badgerinmaine on August 08, 2010
This trail makes for a pleasant, short and mostly very shady walk along a route once used to bring coal by rail from the Kennebec River to the Togus Veterans' Home. The end section of the trail can be muddy and somewhat unclear, and the high vegetation in places might be one reason we've gotten ticks hiking here. Parking is easy at the IGA directly north of the trail, both of which are on Maine Rte. 27 in Randolph. The trail is uncrowded and is a peaceful place to be.