Intervale Preserve Improvements to Begin this Fall

August 25, 2026

In November 2025, Royal River Conservation Trust (RRCT) was awarded a $78,234.55 Maine Trails Program (MTP) grant to improve trails and water access at Intervale Preserve, a 328-acre conservation area in New Gloucester, Maine, owned and managed by RRCT.

We are excited to break ground on these long-awaited improvements this fall! During construction, the project areas will be temporarily closed to the public.

This project includes three major components:

  • Rehabilitating the 0.46-mile Interurban Trail to improve drainage, reduce erosion, and create a more durable trail surface.
  • Upgrading the 0.5-mile Warbler Trail to Universal Access standards, including construction of an accessible six-space gravel parking area.
  • Enhancing the Route 231 hand-carry boat launch on the Royal River to improve safe and sustainable river access.

Site Designs for the Interurban Trail and Route 231 Water Access Site were developed by FB Environmental, with construction by True North Trailworks, a Maine-based company specializing in sustainable, purpose-built trails.

Table of the Intervale Preserve Improvement key dates and milestones
Interurban Trail with inadequate drainage and erosion issues

Interurban Multi-Use Trail

The Interurban Trail is an active snowmobile and multi-use trail within Intervale Preserve that follows a historic railroad line that connected Portland and Lewiston. Over time, stormwater runoff, trail compaction, and inadequate drainage have caused erosion, standing water, and uneven trail conditions.

To improve the trail and protect it for years to come, RRCT partnered with FB Environmental to develop a trail rehabilitation plan. Project work includes:

  • Removing accumulated organic material and reshaping the trail to prepare it for a new gravel surface.
  • Rebuilding the trail with compacted gravel to create a firm, durable, 5-foot-wide surface with a slight crown that helps rainwater drain off the trail.
  • Adding broad-based drainage dips or waterbars where needed, typically about every 250 feet, to direct water off the trail.
  • Constructing trailside drainage ditches.
  • Applying erosion control mulch along the trail edges to stabilize disturbed soils and encourage vegetation to reestablish.

These improvements will create a more sustainable trail, reduce maintenance needs, and provide a safer, more enjoyable experience for walkers, runners, cyclists, snowmobiles, and other trail users.

Interurban Trail Site Designs by FB Environmental

Warbler Universal Access Trail

The Warbler Trail is a 0.5-mile, flat loop trail located at 568 Intervale Road in New Gloucester. The existing trail will be renovated to meet Universal Access Standards.

The existing bog bridging will be replaced with approximately 85 feet of elevated boardwalk. The remainder of the loop trail, along with spur trails leading to marsh overlooks, will be resurfaced with a 5-foot-wide, firm, and stable tread with a 1–2% cross slope.

Raised trail design standard used on the upland sections of the West Side Trail in Yarmouth, and now on the Warbler Trail
Bog bridging on the Warbler Trail to be replaced with an elevated boardwalk, as seen on the West Side Trail in Yarmouth

Accessible 6-space Parking Lot

A 6-space gravel parking lot will be constructed within the Route 231 road shoulder at 568 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, currently used for informal parking.

The trail entrance adjacent to the kiosk will provide a seamless transition from the accessible parking area, creating a continuous and accessible route from parking to the trail and its scenic viewpoints.

Parking Lot Sketch by Terry DeWan
Current Route 231 hand-carry boat launch site

Route 231 Water Access Trail

Within the Route 231 parcel of Intervale Preserve, there is a short trail and a hand-carry boat launch on the Royal River. Improvements will include:

  • A series of infiltration steps from the existing kiosk to the edge of the floodplain.
  • Crush stone footpath across the flat section of the floodplain.
  • Granite steps to provide hand-carry boat access to the Royal River.
  • Stone riprap at the water’s edge to stabilize the bank.
  • Applying erosion control mulch along the trail edges.

These improvements will make launching canoes and kayaks easier while mitigating current and future erosion, helping protect the banks of the Royal River.

Water Access Site Design by True North Trailworks

If all goes to plan, all three components of the Intervale Preserve improvements project should be completed by December 1, 2026.

We look forward to seeing these improvements take shape and to providing an even better experience for everyone who enjoys Intervale Preserve. Thank you to the Maine Trails Program and to everyone who has supported this project along the way!

If you have any questions about this project, contact Stewardship Director, Hanae Garrison at hanae@rrct.org.