Meet Jenkins Beach Station: Rev Rail’s New Rail Biking Adventure in Dedham, Maine
Revolution Rail’s New Jenkins Beach Station
Welcome to Jenkins Beach Station, Revolution Rail’s newest location in Dedham, Maine! Tucked between the coastal town of Ellsworth and the historic “Queen City” of Bangor, Jenkins Beach is a beloved summer destination that has quietly welcomed generations of visitors.
Just 45 minutes from Bar Harbor, Jenkins Beach offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to some of Maine’s most iconic landscapes, bringing a unique blend of outdoor exploration and railroad heritage. From springtime through fall foliage season, rail bikers can ride along historic rails alongside a pristine three-thousand-acre lake that winds around 29 miles of shoreline.
Green Lake: A Glacial Lake with a (Literally) Deep History
Green Lake is known for its striking clarity and cold waters. Formed by glacial activity, it’s one of the deepest lakes in Maine, with depths reaching over 170 feet. For generations, Green Lake has attracted summer visitors drawn to its quaint camps, fishing spots, and pine-covered hillsides.
The town of Dedham, which surrounds the lake, doesn’t have a bustling downtown or main street. It has a modest year-round population of just over 1,600, but the area comes to life each summer and fall as visitors new and old alike come to swim, boat, and soak in the slower pace. In winter, the connection to the land remains strong as locals venture out onto the frozen lake to ice fish, snowshoe, and enjoy the same beauty under pale blue skies.
Most year-round residents work in nearby Ellsworth or Bangor, while many return here each summer to unplug from everyday life. Generations of local residents and returning summer visitors have spent warm days here swimming, paddling, and enjoying long days on the water. In the fall, the area transforms into a quiet retreat, with brilliant foliage painted in shades of red, orange, and gold, making it just as inviting for an autumn getaway as it is in summer.
The lake sits within the Union River watershed and plays an important ecological role, supporting native trout populations and serving as a vital freshwater resource. Once a hub for industrial activities such as ice harvesting and transportation, Green Lake has gradually transitioned into a space focused on conservation and recreation. Today, it supports both environmental stewardship and public enjoyment—a delicate balance of preservation and access.
How the Rails Carried Maine’s First Tourists
In the late 19th century, Maine became an escape for travelers from Boston, New York, and beyond. Seeking clean air and natural solitude, visitors began arriving by train, thanks in part to the Maine Central Railroad’s inland expansion. Green Lake became one of the chosen stops, both for its scenic appeal and its strategic location as a midpoint between inland towns and coastal destinations like Bar Harbor along Maine’s “Golden Coast.” This stretch of coastline earned its nickname thanks to its golden-age popularity with tourists, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sea breezes, and resort-town atmosphere.
Credit: Luther F. Coombs collection,
Bangor Public Library
Along these rail lines, "Halfway Houses" (lodges or inns positioned at midpoints between Bangor and coastal destinations like Bar Harbor) sprang up as rest stops for visitors traveling by train. These simple, often family-run establishments were crucial to the region's tourism flow before cars and highways became widespread.
The tracks that now carry rail bikes once supported trains transporting both passengers and freight, including lumber and ice. In the winter, Green Lake was a center for large-scale ice harvesting, with blocks of ice cut from the frozen lake and shipped to cities before modern refrigeration. Remnants of this industry, like old foundations and dock pilings, can still be seen along the shoreline today. Passenger service ended in 1964, but the legacy of those early train journeys still shapes how visitors experience the region today, following the same scenic tracks now repurposed for rail biking adventures.
Exploring Jenkins Beach by Rail Bike
Today, the same tracks that once carried tourists and timber now offer riders a leisurely, scenic experience of the land. Revolution Rail’s newest station invites visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and history at their own pace—with the added ease of Rev Rail’s first fully electric-assist rail bike fleet (e-bikes) at this location.
Dubbed the “Green Lake Run,” this new fleet of rail bikes and tour are ideal for anyone seeking a more relaxed ride or looking to explore a little farther with less effort, making Rev Rail’s rail biking experience more accessible than ever.
Just steps from Jenkins Beach Station is the family-owned retreat that gives the station its name—a beloved summer destination that has been part of the Green Lake community for over a century. Owned and operated by the same family for three generations, Jenkins Beach has served as both a summer retreat and a small local campground, welcoming visitors with its sandy shores and relaxed atmosphere. Summers here have long drawn families, campers, and generations of return visitors who have formed lifelong friendships and traditions on these shores. Today, the beach is undergoing thoughtful environmental restoration and community-focused revitalization, blending historic charm with a renewed sense of purpose.
The beach’s new stewards, Julie Jenkins and Duncan Dwyer, are working to ensure that Jenkins Beach continues to serve as a welcoming space for generations to come.
“We want Jenkins Beach to be a community hub again,” they shared, “a place where people on the lake and in the area can connect in a setting that’s serene and intentional.”
What draws people to Green Lake is its sense of remoteness while being highly accessible. Situated just under an hour from popular hubs like Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Green Lake offers a less crowded alternative. Visitors enjoy the views, ride the rails, and explore the area’s natural beauty without venturing too far off the beaten path.
The surrounding hills—including the Bald Mountain range—have even earned the nickname “Switzerland of America” for their dramatic slopes and mirror-like lake reflections. With ridgelines, thick pine forests, and lakes so reflective they mirror the sky, the area draws artists, outdoor lovers, and families looking to reconnect with nature.
Jenkins Beach is a hidden gem for riders, hikers, and families. With Maine’s Golden Coast within easy reach, Jenkins Beach Station offers a quieter, more personal way to explore the state’s natural beauty, making it easy for you to feel part of the landscape.
