16. Peter Garrett Trail

Description

Your first sight will be wide-open views of the Kennebec River across to the CSX rail yard. Adjacent to the parking area, walk through and around an artificial wetland, home to redwing blackbirds in spring. Further south is a pleasant grassy trail along an old tote road leading to the Scale House Road. Alternatively, take a far narrower river walk through the trees and underbrush closer to the river. On the east side, sit on a granite bench overlooking a duck pond and an eagle nesting site. To the north, just past the kiosk, there is a canoe/kayak boat launch. Further north is a link to the Rotary Centennial Trail.

Getting There

Drive north from Winslow on Benton Avenue, watching for the TRAIL sign at 752 Benton Ave, next to a Central Maine Power pole yard, then follow the dirt road in and park next to the river. Alternatively, walk or bike north along the Scale House Road from Winslow Elementary School, and enter close to the entrance to Hydro Kennebec’s facility.

Details

Trail Length:

1.5 miles

Trail Type:

Out & back

Difficulty:

Easy

Parking:

Side of road
Dirt

Features:

Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Stroller friendly

Views:

Pond
Dam
River
Wooded
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Tip:

There are multiple benches and picnic tables off the parking lot from the North entrance, off Benton Avenue, along the river for public use. These were funded by Kennebec Messalonskee Trails in partnership with the Waterville Rotary Club.

History:

This trail was formerly known as the East Kennebec Trail. It was renamed in honor of the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails organization, Peter Garrett, for his dedication to starting and continuing to build local trails for the community to explore and enjoy.