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Maine's Narrow-Gauge Rail Lines

Beginning in the late 19th century, Maine was home to a unique system of two-foot wide rail track. These lines were known as narrow gauge railroads. The narrow gauge track and smaller trains were less expensive to construct and easier to run through rough terrain. Like the rest of the state's rail lines, other forms of transportation and a changing economy resulted in the closing of these lines.

Maine's five narrow gauge rail lines ran between 1879 and 1955:

Kennebec Central, 1889-1929

Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes, 1879-1955

Bridgton and Saco River, 1882-1941

Monson Railroad, 1883-1943

Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington, 1894-1933

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