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Print Friendly MapVisitors to the Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag (pronounced pas-uh-gas-uh-WAH-keg and conveniently shortened to Passy Rail Trail by locals) can see vintage trains at one end of the trail or watch shipwrights at work at the other end. In between, the 2.3-mile rail trail passes through woods alongside the Passagassawakeag River. The trail, named for the indigenous spelling of that tidal river instead of the common name, is relatively flat with a packed gravel and crushed stone surface.
The rail trail opened in 2016, follows the southern section of the old railbed laid by the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, a historic short-line railroad that operated over 33 miles from Belfast to Burnham beginning in 1871 until 2007. Most of the corridor, north of the trail, is an excursion and tourist train still named the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad.
About the Route
A good place to start is the northern trailhead on Oak Hill Road, adjacent to the City Point Central Railroad Museum. Located in a vintage late-19th-century railroad station, the museum serves as the depot for the excursion train. Some of the rolling stock in use include electric locomotives, an observation car, a Pullman car, a coach/café car, and a caboose. The trailhead also is the terminus of the 47-mile Hills to Sea Trail, a walking path that heads west to the town of Unity.
Heading south on the Passy Rail Trail, the trail comes to a bridge across a narrow section of the Passagassawakeag River in 0.4 miles. The 92-acre Head of Tide Preserve just west of the trail after crossing the bridge marks the end of the river’s tidal zone. A couple of loop trails pass through the woods and along the river.
The trail runs alongside City Point Road for the next mile with some clear views of the river. Keep your eyes open for seals running the tide in the river and nesting eagles and ospreys in the woods along the shoreline. About 1.3 miles from the trailhead, the route comes to a parking lot. The 8-acre Stephenson Preserve, with a loop trail heading uphill, is located just north of here on City Point Road.
The trail continues along the river another mile, passing beneath the US 1 bridge and next to a potato processing plant, to the southern trailhead on Pierce Street. Here it connects to the Belfast Harbor Walk at the Belfast Armistice Bridge (also known as Footbridge). The Harbor Walk connects to the Footbridge and continues south along the west side of the river, where the surface is a combination of asphalt and boardwalks. The southern end of the Harbor Walk has restaurants, docks, and shops, and hosts events and festivals.
The Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag runs between 13 Oak Hill Rd. (Belfast) and Water St. (Belfast), with parking available on both ends.
Parking is also available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
You can’t beat this. Start down south at the boatyard and go north to the end. But don’t end there- go right over the bridge then head back south on the quiet paved road down to footpath road. Takes you back to the start. Remember to be respectful on your bike / e-bike
Lovely, flat, well kept. I started a bit further back at the Belfast Boathouse, walked all the way out and back for almost 6 miles.
Twas a lovely way to start the day, walking above & beside the river with the dogs. Very accessible hard packed stone dust path & fairly smooth bridges. Highly recommend for those visiting Belfast.
The Belfast Rail Trail is well maintained, clean and provides nice views of the water.
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