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Print Friendly MapThe Rotary Centennial Trail crosses two towns—Benton and Winslow—in central Maine, about 50 miles southwest of Bangor. The scenic wooded trail follows a former rail bed along the eastern shore of the Kennebec River. At its southern end, a rail bridge abutment offers beautiful views of the river.
In the future, trail-goers will be able to continue farther south along the proposed East Kennebec Trail, which will head into downtown Winslow.
Supported by the Waterville Rotary Club, the trail was completed in 2005 and named for the centennial anniversary of Rotary International. Although the trail is short, it’s part of the larger Kennebec Messalonskee Trails system, as well as the East Coast Greenway, a developing trail network stretching from Maine to Florida.
Parking is available at the north end of the trail, just west of Benton Avenue, 300 yards south of ME Route 139/100/11. From Benton Avenue, turn west on the driveway through Asher Farms mobile home park to reach the trailhead kiosk and parking area.
The Centennial trail is very close to our home so we enjoy walking on the trail multiple times each week. This trail's accessibility is weather dependent. The railroad bed is flat and the 'superhumus' bark mulch surface is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs when it is not snow covered.
During the winter many people snowshoe, ski, walk and run on this trail so the path is well used and snow becomes packed. This surface becomes slippery when it freezes and ice grippers for your boots are recommended. The trees along the trail provide a nice wind break.
Many people walk with dogs, not all dogs are on leashes. More than one dog has wandered the short distance through the woods and broken through winter ice into the Kennebec River.
The river is visible through the trees along the entire length of the trail. Children should be made aware of the dangers of ice and moving water.
Individuals with visual impairments should not find this path difficult to follow. There are many people who walk on the trail every day and clean obstacles such as trash and fallen branches out of the way. The trail mile marker posts may not be visible to those users with limited vision.
Regular walkers are friendly and respond to greetings. Bundle up and enjoy your winter walk!
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