Rail-Trail
State: ME Length: 0.35 miles Surface: Asphalt
Located in the heart of downtown Auburn, Bonney Park is a hub for the Auburn Riverwalk and a link to the Lewiston park system over the trestle bridge. The bridge is the only section of rail-trail completed. The park features scenic views of the riverfront. This paved 0.35 mile bridge features scenic vistas and seating areas to enjoy the Androscoggin River.
State: NH Length: 21 miles Surface: Ballast, Gravel
The Conway Branch trail runs for 21 miles along an old rail corridor between State Route 113 in Conway and Polly's Crossing in Ossipee. The trail is popular with snowmobiles and rail car clubs; the tracks are active between Silver Lake and Boulder Road in Madison. There is no established trail surface for non-motorized use.
State: NH Length: 6.50 miles Surface: Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
On the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire, Wolfeboro bills itself as "America's Oldest Summer Resort." Vacationers have been escaping to this quaint village since passenger rail service began in 1872. By the early 1900s, seven train stations dotted the 12-mile corridor east to Sanbornville. Today 6 miles of that route serve as the multiuse Cotton Valley Rail-Trail (a.k.a. Wolfeboro–Sanbornville Rail-Trail). Volunteers from an association of railway motorcar owners work with a committee of local trail enthusiasts to plan and maintain the trail, with an eye toward preserving the railroad's legacy. And in a unique rail-trail twist, sections of the trail actually run between the rails, which are still in place and visible, though you cannot see the ties. From the trailhead at the restored train depot on Railroad Avenue, the Russell C. Chase Bridge Falls Path leads to the rail-trail proper. Be sure to pick up a copy of the trail brochure, which lists key points of interest marked along the way. Causeways that lead across Crescent Lake, then along Lake Wentworth, are another stunning feature on this trail—at times you're surrounded by water on both sides, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. Locals use the trail for commuting to work and school, as well as for recreation and traveling between neighborhoods and the Allan H. Albee Public Beach on Lake Wentworth, where you, too, can pause to soak your feet or take a dip.
State: NH Length: 0.70 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Although the Dover Community Trail currently runs less than a mile, the newly opened section (as of summer 2012) is an important first step in a trail that has been discussed for more than a decade. The paved trail follows the former Newington Branch Railway through western Dover, connecting downtown, Dover Middle and High School campuses, and Bellamy Park. A trailhead is provided at the city's Transportation Center, a train and bus station.
State: NH Length: 18 miles Surface: Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand
Are you looking for a multi-day hike on beautiful rail-trails through pristine wilderness of the White Mountains? Look no further. At midpoint, the nearest road is 7 miles in either direction. Because of its isolation, this hike offers a quiet, reflective walk along trails that traverse among rivers, over hills and through woods. For most of its length, the trip follows the beds of the Lincoln Railroad's East Branch and the Zealand Valley Railroad. Both lines carried lumber from the White Mountains from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. This 18-mile route links the Lincoln Woods Trail, Wilderness Trail, Thoreau Falls Trail, Ethan Pond Trail and Zealand Trail. Note: All but the Zealand Trail and Lincoln Woods Trail are hiking only. Begin the hike by descending a few steps next to the Ranger Station near the Lincoln Woods Trail off SR 112 (Kancamagus Hwy.). Follow the Lincoln Woods Trail 2.8 miles to the Wilderness Trail. The Lincoln Woods Trail used to be part of the Wilderness Trail but was renamed to indicate that this portion of the trail is not actually in the Wilderness area. These trails are usually fairly busy because they are a conduit into the Pemigewasset Wilderness (with other trails branching off), but the deeper you travel along the trail, the fewer people you see. Watch for the railroad ties and logging camp clearings that abound. Camping option No. 1 is located at the intersection of these two trails. Almost the entire rest of the Wilderness Trail follows the old railroad bed. About 4.8 miles into the trip, a stunning trestle railroad bridge of the Lincoln Railroad's East Branch extends over the river. At 5.3 miles, the trail crosses a suspension bridge where remains of another railroad bridge can be seen to the right. At about 6.2 miles, you'll connect with the Thoreau Falls Trail. Follow the Thorea
State: ME Length: 2.10 miles Surface: Asphalt
Portland is Maine's largest city, and the Eastern Promenade Trail along Casco Bay offers an ideal introduction to this coastal town and its trail network. The "East Prom" begins in Old Port, a charming waterfront district with cobblestone streets and working piers. A massive brick foundry that once turned out steam engines now houses the trailside Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum. Outside, cheerfully restored narrow gauge train cars—including a bright red Ocean Spray boxcar—stand ready for service. For a nostalgic lark, take an out-and-back excursion on the slender railcars (narrow gauge rails stand just 2 feet apart). You'll skirt most of the trail's route. Take the side path up to Fort Allen Park to search for a battleship cannon, or stay on the trail and look southeast to spot Fort Gorges, which was armed and active during the Civil and Spanish–American wars. You'll reach the trail midpoint at East End Beach, where all-weather kayakers launch into the surf. From here, eponymous Eastern Promenade Park flanks the trail for a mile. Near the north end of the park, the rail-trail detours from the rail corridor up a short hill. From its rise, scan the bay for the remains of an old swing bridge that extends 0.3 mile over the water. This majestic span was once part of the Grand Trunk Railway between Quebec and Maine. At the crest of the hill, just past the city's water-treatment plant and a colorful mural, the rail-trail nears its end. From here, you can backtrack to Old Port or continue along the Back Cove Loop Trail or Bayside Trail.
State: ME Length: 6 miles Surface:
Maine's Eastern Trail will eventually extend from the Piscataqua River in Kittery to Casco Bay in Portland. For now, various sections along the route are being constructed, and an on-road bicycling route is available for those wishing to link the disconnected segments. The Kennebunk – Biddeford section runs 6 miles between Barns Road in Biddeford and Alewive Road in Kennebunk. In addition, a short disconnected segment is complete between Cathedral Oaks Drive and Springbrook. For trail updates, visit the Eastern Trail Management District. Connect with the Eastern Trail Scarborough–Saco. Connect with the Eastern Trail South Portland Pathway.
State: ME Length: 8.40 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
Maine's Eastern Trail will eventually extend from the Piscataqua River in Kittery to Casco Bay in Portland. For now, various sections along the route are being constructed, and an on-road bicycling route is available for those wishing to link the disconnected segments. The Scarborough – Saco section includes Scarborough Marsh, home to many species of bird and other wildlife. Fans of early flight might also delight in knowing that this segment ends near the former Portland airport, where Charles Lindbergh frequently landed. The trail runs nearly 8.5 miles between Scarborough and Saco, with new segments expected to be complete around Saco in November 2011. For trail updates, visit the Eastern Trail Management District. Connect with the Eastern Trail Kennebunk–Biddeford. Connect with the Eastern Trail South Portland Pathway.
State: NH Length: 6 miles Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand
The Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail runs for 6 miles between the towns of Rochester and Farmington. The trail parallels the Cocheco River and State Route 11 through a wooded corridor. The trail is popular with snowmobiles in winter.
State: ME Length: 6.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
A stunning gateway to Maine's capital city, the Kennebec River Rail-Trail follows the railroad right-of-way that once connected Portland to Augusta. The trail parallels the inactive railroad tracks, which have been maintained in the hope they will one day be used again. Granite quarter-mile markers mimic the original larger markers the railroad once used. The trail also follows the 120-mile Kennebec River, a historic waterway named by the Abnaki Indians and meaning "long, quiet waters." Once extremely polluted, the river is now a thriving habitat for fish and wildlife, largely because of clean water laws and the removal of Edwards Dam, built in Augusta in 1837. Atlantic salmon, striped bass and American shad, as well as alewife, blueback herring, and rainbow smelt, visit the Kennebec. The river also shelters one of the few extant breeding populations of the rare Atlantic sturgeon. Don't be surprised if you spot a bald eagle soaring the river hoping for a good catch. The trail begins beneath Augusta's Memorial Bridge, where you'll find parking and an information kiosk. Heading south along this asphalt-paved stretch, you'll soon leave the capital city's hustle and bustle. The picturesque Kennebec flows to your left, while a high slope on the right shields you from the nearby State Capitol complex. But near the 1-mile marker a side path leads down to the trail from the complex. Constructed of native granite, the building's portico and front facade, with a towering arcade, is the work of noted American architect Charles Bulfinch. Between the 1.5- and 1.75-mile markers, the trail curves to the right. Here, the surface changes from asphalt to firmly packed stone dust. Note the massive stone blocks that form a retaining wall farther south on the inland side of the corridor. As a white church steeple comes into view, the trail diverges from the rail corridor and enters the town of Hallowell, where you'll find a variety of shops and eateries. The trail continues
State: ME Length: 9.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Gravel
Named for the railroad line it parallels, the Mountain Division Trail will one day span 52 miles between Fryeburg and Portland. Two sections of the trail are currently open. A 6-mile segment between Standish and Windham provides a gently rolling excursion in the rural Sebago Lake watershed area, northwest of Portland. The second leg, in Fryeburg, begins not far from the Maine/New Hampshire border and travels nearly 4 miles along the railroad right-of-way.
State: NH Length: 12 miles Surface: Ballast
The Upper and Lower Nanamocomuck Trails in White Mountain National Forest are accessible from Kancamagus Highway (SR 112) west of Conway. The trails are open for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing (ungroomed) in winter. The lower trails are easy, while the upper trails are steep in places. Both trails are scenic and the Lower Nanamocomuck Trail runs along the Swift River for part of the way. You'll find lovely ponds surrounded by densely forested mountains on this peaceful trail.
State: ME Length: 1.25 miles Surface: Ballast, Dirt
The Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail occupies a portion of the old Kennebec Central Railroad right-of-way in the town of Randolph, ME. As of 2012, the trail runs for 1.25 miles between Water Street in Randolph (beginning by the IGA) and into the forest near the end of Andres Way. Along the way, you'll encounter two shallow stream crossings, which you can cross via stones. The trail can get muddy after a rain, so in order to prevent erosion and trail damage, cyclists might want to bike in dry conditions only. Trail managers hope to one day extend the Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail to Togus.
State: ME Length: 2.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Papermill Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail runs between Frost Hills Road at State Route 196 and Webster Road at State Route 196. From Mill Street south the paved trail follows the Sabattus River to its confluence with the Androscoggin River. At its northern end, the trail parallels Mill Street then Upland Road to the trail's northern terminus at Webster, on the west side of the river. The northern segment traverses a mostly open terrain, skirting the edge of fields before heading into a wooded segment along the river. There's an information kiosk at the Papermill trailhead.
State: NH Length: 5 miles Surface: Dirt, Grass
The Ramblin' Vewe Farm Trails are part of the Ramblin' Vewe Farm Trust property, a non-profit organization that protects and preserves the farm, while conserving the heritage of working farms and rural landscapes. Part of their mission is to foster educational and recreational activities, and their trails do just that, connecting people, communities and the land. There are several short trails to chose from on the hilly terrain, some steep and some on level ground. From the trail you get great views of the mountains and lake. Visit the farm website for more information on opening hours and trail regulations.
State: ME Length: 1.50 miles Surface: Dirt, Sand
Long known simply as "Sandy Road" by Riverton neighborhood residents, this scenic trail follows the roadbed of the historic Portland-Lewiston Interurban Rail line, a relic of the trolley era.
State: ME Length: 4.80 miles Surface: Cinder, Dirt, Gravel
The Sanford Railroad Trail goes by two other names: the Deering Pond Trail or just plain "Railroad Trail." The trail runs for nearly 5 miles between the town of Lebanon and the University of Southern Maine in Sanford. The trail is popular with ATVs in summer and snowmobiles in winter, thereby possibly limiting its appeal for skiers, walkers, and cyclists. The trail runs along an abandoned corridor of the old Portland to Worcester rail line, which once ran freight in the region. The trail passes through woodlands and past Deering Pond, alleged to be bottomless because once a railroad car sank in its depths, never to be seen again. The pond is a popular fishing spot year-round—just don't fall in or you might disappear!
State: ME Length: 28 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete, Dirt
The Sebago to the Sea Trail runs for 28 miles between Sebago Lake and Back Cove off Casco Bay in East End Portland. As of late 2012 there is a break in the trail between State Route 4/US 202 and the Community Center in Westbrook. Refer to the local trail website for construction updates. The trail passes through a number of towns, communities and rural landscapes of farm, field and forest. It provides access among city parks, nature areas, neighborhoods and downtown areas. The trail surface is a mix of paved and unpaved; some areas are handicap accessible, while others or not. For more information on each section of the Sebago to the Sea Trail, visit the local website.
State: ME Length: 5.70 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
An exemplary urban transportation corridor, the 5.7-mile South Portland Parkway (2.1 miles of which are rail-trail) makes an excellent starting point for a bike tour of Portland. The trailhead at Bug Light Park offers easy access and plenty of free parking, and it connects to Portland's extensive network of walking and bicycling trails. Small bollards and yellow street signs mark the route and indicate the distance to other parts of town. The pathway—also known as the South Portland Greenbelt—links residential areas, schools (both elementary and collegiate), marinas, parks, rec centers, assisted-living facilities and retail hubs. The Pathway also forms the northern end of Maine's Eastern Trail Scarborough – Saco segment and Kennebunk – Biddeford segment. Named for the watchful lighthouse at the tip of the breakwater, Bug Light Park was once home to the Portland Shipyard, which produced hundreds of Liberty Ships, the workhorses of the US Navy during World War II. The park opened in 1989, thanks to public contributions and support from the South Portland–Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club. Here, you can watch for passing sailboats, tankers off-loading oil bound for Montreal and arriving ferries from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Marking the end of the rail-trail portion is the Casco Bay Bridge, which curls across the Fore River, connecting the neighborhoods of South Portland with downtown's sophisticated shops and eateries. A walkway spans the bridge, affording views of the bay and city skyline.