Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapOverview
The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail runs for 5.9 miles between Sanford and Springvale. The gravel trail traverses the woods on either side of Sanford’s scenic Springvale community as it links a shady brook in the east to a woody property line in the west.
About the Route
The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail follows an old railroad corridor and has two trailheads before the trail’s endpoints. The western trailhead sits just off Hanson Ridge Rd, and the trail continues in both east and west directions. If heading west, the trail continues until it hits its western endpoint at 1.7 miles south of Hanson Ridge Rd (Sanford). If trail users head east from the Hanson Ridge Rd trailhead, the firm trail passes Deering Pond and continues into the town of Springvale.
The eastern trailhead sits in Springvale on Pleasant St & Railroad Ave. The trail continues east and west from the trailhead. Those traveling east will find a rougher trail and pass an old freight depot that’s currently a private business. Then, in about 0.6 miles, the trail leaves the rail corridor and turns right onto a power line right-of-way. Look for the trail heading left into the woods in about 0.1 mile. From there, the trail travels through the woods and crosses SR 224/Shaws Ridge Road, then a field, and then crosses SR 224/Shaws Ridge Road again. The trail goes to the right of a clump of trees and ends at Hay Brook in less than 0.5 miles.
Trail History
The trail tracks the corridor of the Sanford and Eastern Railroad, the last survivor of railroads that began serving the area in the 1840s. The Worcester, Nashua and Rochester Railroad combined those original rail lines in 1883 and later was acquired by the Boston and Maine Railroad (B&M). The B&M began to discontinue the use of rail segments in Maine in the 1940s, however, and sold off its line from Rochester to Portland in 1949. That became the Sanford and Eastern Railroad, which existed in the Sanford area until 1961.
The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail runs between 1.7 miles south of Hanson Ridge Rd (Sanford) and Alfred/Sanford town line, about 0.3 miles north of Shaws Ridge Rd & US 202 and Lebanon/-Sanford town line, but parking is available at the trail’s eastern and western trailheads.
Please see the TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
Today marked my first time on the trail after moving to the area at the end of last year. Great for walking/hiking but not so much biking unless you have really wide, sturdy tires. Around the Lebanon line the trail seems to have been heavily sanded, which means very tough going for casual riders. Seasoned riders will appreciate the solitude and scenery. Next time I go I’ll likely walk.
I will preface this by saying I'm basing my opinion on being a runner. It is probably a great trail for dirt bike riders, ATV riders, snowmobilers, etc. For runners the surface is soft in places, pitted in places, has lots of rocks in places, and overall is just not a great surface for runners.
Got on the trail by the little river, but found the trail was only one mile in one direction and 1/3 mile in the other. Surface was too much loose sand and gravel for running and biking. Probably a fun trail for ATVs or dirt bikes, but avoid for running or biking.
Went to this trail today. Waste of time. It’s only open for about .5 miles and stops. Nothing like the description of this trail.
Tried to bike the trail, but had to turn around. The surface is chewed up, with massive potholes and lots of hazards.
Not a good trail for biking. Was like biking through a sand dune. Looks pretty decent for anything else though.
Good trail but lists of off road vehicles, not the best choice for riders
great snowshoeing today
took my son out for some biking, hadn't been through this area in years. trail is well maintained and is a easy ride.
A friend and I rode this trail 11/2/15. The trail is blocked by a logging operation when traveling southwest, just after crossing Hanson Ridge Road. The loggers have skidded trees across the trail many times making it a quagmire both on the trail, and for considerable distances upslope and downslope. It is not possible to carry a bicycle around the quagmire. This is unfortunate as the trail was a very enjoyable ride to the point of the logging operation. I realize that logging is going to disturb the landscape, but in this case the disturbances seem unnecessarily severe, and are definitely preventing full use of the trail. I have sent an email about the disturbances to the Maine District Forester in Alfred.
Trails are in great condition this year just hit the trails last weekend 6/8/14 all trails groomed there are sand pits at the end of trail after the gas station on the left side
I ride this trail daily it's beautiful, lotts of animals passing through like deer all kinds of bird spicies terrain is ok it's walkable bike able hike able if ur in the area it's worth a look at deering pond it's a nice site to look at enjoy
Took the trail starting at the Oak St. parking area. Headed SW. Found the trail to be clean and graded fairly recently. Previous reviews have indicated that it was nearly impassable for biking but we found it very well graded and clean. A good job of trail maintenance with a new (2011) concrete bridge at the ridge road entrance. Easy walking with a gradual incline/decline depending on direction. Did about 3/4 of the trail due to time restrictions. Will definitely visit it again.
"Trails has long stretches of deep and steep ""washboard"" ridges and deep loose sand from the ATV traffic. Trail no longer suitable for mountain biking or cross country skiing."
"This trail is almost unbikeable. It is very rough, rocky, uneven and frequently has ATV's on it, traveling at high speeds. It is dangerous for bikers and I do not reccomend it."
_183285_nb.jpg)
_155871_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
