Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail

The Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail occupies a portion of the old Kennebec Central Railroad right-of-way in the town of Randolph, ME. As of 2012, the trail runs for 1.25 miles between Water Street in Randolph (beginning by the IGA) and into the forest near the end of Andres Way.

Along the way, you'll encounter two shallow stream crossings, which you can cross via stones. The trail can get muddy after a rain, so in order to prevent erosion and trail damage, cyclists might want to bike in dry conditions only.

Trail managers hope to one day extend the Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail to Togus.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available on the street near the intersection of State Route 226 and Windsor Street. 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.

old narrow gauge rail trail in Randolph. ME

January 2020 bdhspr

While the Randolph trail starts at the IGA parking lot and is a nice wide walking trail at that point when it crosses the next road parking is very limited (1-2 spaces, roadside) and the trail changes to a narrow walking path that is poorly maintained and eventually changes to a narrow poorly maintained track. Hikers should use their judgement regarding how far they want to continue. This section of trail should be avoided during spring break up and during periods of heavy rain. Hikers should use their judgement as to how far they want to continue especially with small children.

Pleasant, but quite short

August 2010 badgerinmaine

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.