Directions to the Old Point Mission
Old Point (where Fr. Rale’s mission was located) is a peninsula in the Kennebec River. Originally the mission was called Norridgewock (from whence the town across the river gets its name) but since then has been incorporated into the modern day town of Madison. Old point includes a park where people can walk through the woods along the river and fish. It also includes St. Sebastian Cemetery at the back of which is the Father Rale Monument. The monument is located where the church once stood and where (according to French accounts) Fr. Rale is buried.
From Madison
Drive south on Rt. 201 (Old Point Avenue) towards Norridewock.
Once you have gone 1 mile along 201 from downtown Madison, Rt. 201 curves left. You will see a traffic island with a street sign in it that says Father Rasle Road. Bear right onto Father Rasle Road (which will feel more like going straight.)
Stay on Father Rasle Road for roughly .5 miles. You will see a rock barrier along the road and space to park on the side (see picture below.) You may park there to access the trails through Old Point.
If you wish to drive straight to the monument, continue on Father Rasle Road just a little longer and you will see St. Sebastian Cemetery on your right. At the back left of the cemetery is the Father Rasle Monument. Through the woods to the right of the monument is a trail that connects with the rest of the trail system on Old Point.
From Norridgewock
From Main Street/Rt. 2 turn north onto Bridge Street/Rt. 201 towards Madison.
You will cross the bridge over the Kennebec River into Madison. Stay on Rt. 201 for roughly six miles then take a left onto Father Rasle Road (turn pictured at the bottom left from the opposite direction.) If you get to downtown Madison, you have overshot by 1 mile. Stay on Father Rasle Road for .5 miles. You will see space on the side of the road to park to access the trails or you can go to St. Sebastian Cemetery to see the monument in the back left of the cemetery.
You can also turn onto Father Rasle Road earlier by taking a left off of Rt. 201 3.5 miles after you cross the bridge. This turn is easier to see, however the route is slower since Father Rasle Road is a back road. If you take this route, you will see the cemetery on your left first and then if you continue the park will be shortly after that. Again, there is room to park on the side of the road.
