This is a very level trail, constructed along an old rail bed. It leads to a former rail bridge abutment from which one can look up and down river for a mile each way. Visitors may be see turkeys, deer, ducks, beavers, turtles, and an occasional heron or bald eagle. See how many species of native trees you can identify along the way. The trail is groomed in winter for easy skiing, snowshoeing, or when the snow is all packed down, just walk in boots. In other seasons, it is good for walking and running, and just right for kids learning to bike. The trail is enjoyed by people from all around, but especially by neighbors, who have made no fewer than eleven separate approaches down to the trail from their homes out of sight on top of the ridge.
This was the first trail to be constructed by Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. The effort was supported primarily by generous funding from the Waterville Rotary Club, who made it a project to celebrate the centennial of Rotary International in 2005. Additional funding came from the State Recreational Trails Fund, the Town of Benton, Paul Newman, and contributors to Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. The land is owned by Central Maine Power Company.
Currently there are no connections to other trails; however, the trail is already a designated part of the East Coast Greenway, and future plans are to connect it south to Winslow, and across the Kennebec River to another trail on the western shore.
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Kennebec Messalonskee TrailsThere are two approaches to the trail, both marked by a trail sign on the nearest main road.
Approaching by foot from Fairfield, walk along Bridge Street (ME Routes 139/100/11) across the Kennebec River bridge and turn right onto Crummett Street. Follow Crummett Street to its end and then continue up a set of granite steps to the trail. The other acess which includes parking, is off Benton Avenue. About 300 yards south of the intersection with Benton Avenue and ME Routes 139/100/11 (traffic light), a sign at the Asher Farms mobile home park directs drivers to a parking area in pine woods at the far end of the driveway. From there walk down a steep access to the trail.
Both approaches meet at the trailhead kiosk.
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