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.

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