Sherman to Patten Trail

The Sherman to Patten Trail occupies a former Bangor and Aroostook Railroad spur off the main line that once ran from Bangor to Millinocket to Houlton. The state of Maine acquired the corridor running north from Millinocket. Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway Ltd. currently operates rail service on the main line. Patten was once a center for lumbering and agriculture. The Patten Lumberman's Museum is now a regional attraction, located at 61 Shin Pond Road.

The rail-trail covers 4.5 miles along the approximately 7-mile corridor between Patten and Sherman. There is no access to the trail from the Sherman end, where the spur joins the main line. The surface is stone and gravel and is suitable for mountain bikes, ATVs and snowmobiles.

The scent of Balsam Fir from the surrounding north woods fills the air. Extensive wetlands are adjacent to the trail in several places, occupied by a wide variety of wildlife. It is an excellent area for birding in any season. The opportunity to see a moose is a real possibility, and one of the woodland animals that may have an impact on your visit is the beaver. From time to time they block drainage culverts which results in the rail bed being flooded in places near the wetlands. Local clubs, who help maintain the trail, will clear the problem as soon as they become aware of it.

For snowmobile and ATV users, a number of side trails provide opportunities to explore beyond the rail corridor. Adventurous mountain bikers may also want to venture off to do additional exploring. If you're not that adventurous, the 9-mile roundtrip mountain bike ride or walk through the north woods of Maine will provide a relaxing experience.

Parking and Trail Access

There is no access at the Sherman end. In Patten, access the trail at Potato Row and Sherman Street south of town.

Michael Michaud Walking and Biking Trail

Maine - 1.65 miles

When the Bangor Aroostook Railroad extended its line through Millinocket, it opened up development and the town prospered, primarily due to the paper...

Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail

Maine - 38.8 miles

Northern Maine’s pine trees and potatoes inspired the railroad that survives today as the 38.8-mile Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail. Located in...

Bangor and Aroostook Trail

Maine - 62.3 miles

If you’re looking for moose, the Bangor & Aroostook Trail (or BAT) is just the place. Moose watchers take to the 62.3-mile rail-trail on ATVs,...

Accordion

Presque Isle Bicycle and Pedestrian Walkway

Maine - 1.5 miles

The Presque Isle Bicycle and Pedestrian Walkway follows the course of the former Canadian Pacific Railway through its charming namesake town. The...

Aroostook Valley Trail

Maine - 28.8 miles

The Aroostook Valley Trail gets as much use from ATV riders and snowmobilers as it does from mountain bikers as it winds through the forests and...

Lagrange to Medford Trail

Maine - 11.4 miles

The Lagrange to Medford Trail fills the bill if you’re looking for a remote trail experience. The gravel rail-trail runs for 11.4 miles from Lagrange...

Four Seasons Adventure Trail

Maine - 29.8 miles

The Four Seasons Adventure Trail skirts several scenic lakes as it passes through forests and farmland, linking Newport, Corinna, Dexter, and...

University of Maine Bicycle Path

Maine - 2.5 miles

The University of Maine Bicycle Path is a valuable link for non-motorized transportation, connecting campus with Old Town. Much of the trail passes...

Stillwater River Trail

Maine - 1.8 miles

The Stillwater River Trail hugs the west bank of its namesake river through Orono, between Bennoch Road in the north (near the cemetery) and Main...

Calais Waterfront Walkway

Maine - 1.5 miles

The Calais Waterfront Walkway provides a path for a short stroll along the Saint Croix River on the border between Calais and Canada, but it’s also...

Saint John Valley Heritage Trail

Maine - 16.9 miles

History seems to appear around every corner in Fort Kent and Saint Francis for travelers getting underway on the Saint John Valley Heritage Trail. The...

Penobscot River Walkway

Maine - 0.3 miles

The Penobscot River Walkway runs for just 0.5 mile through Bangor's scenic Waterfront Park between Union Street and the intersection of Railroad and...

Maine