Biking Maine's Kennebec Valley Trail

Also called the Anson to Bingham Trail, it runs nearly 15 miles along the Indian path taken by Bendict Arnold in 1775, on orders from General Washington, to take Quebec from the British. The northern section follows alongside the lovely Kennebec River which you often get to see through breaks in the foliage as you head south. You will also cross the 45th Parallel, the midpoint between the equator and the North Pole, though you'll need a GPS unit to know where since no sign marks the location.

The surface is largely packed dirt, and though it has many washouts or "rolling dips" from ATV use on the sandy stretches, the trail nevertheless delivers a good mountain bike ride. It is far less rough than the Lagrange Trail I reviewed here. The Kennebec has very few rock outcroppings and far fewer loose rocks and gravel, making it a nicer ride. We did see 10 ATVs and 5 hikers on the trail, as well as 5 kayaks and a canoe on the river.

While the trail has only been fully developed from Bingham to south of Solon, additional undeveloped, less manicured trail miles stretch north from the North Anson cemetery, nearly doubling the overall length.

Below you get a feel for the verdant foliage lining the trail...


...with numerous views of the river...


North of Solon, you cross the Williams Dam on a former railroad bridge, and the rest of the trip south has you on the west side of the river, though no longer alongside it.



To reach the Bingham trailhead, take US Hwy. 201 south through town and turn left on Goodrich Road. The parking lot is on the left in a large gravel lot with trail access across Goodrich.

To reach the North Anson trailhead, take US Hwy. 201A to town and turn west on Fahi Pond Road. The trail starts on the right just before the cemetery.

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