Top 10 Multi-Use Rail Trails in Maine

On Maine’s 38 rail trails, explore more than 400 miles of routes that were once active railroad beds. Found across the state, these former rail corridors have been transformed into multi-use recreational trails of varying lengths. Featuring long, gentle grades, paved sections, scenic bridges and packed-granite surfaces, they’re ideal for running and biking and, in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Depending on the season, you can also use some trails for snowmobiling, horseback riding or ATV riding. Some sections close in spring due to mud and many of the routes are remote, so review maps, check local conditions and know the nearby towns before you head out. As always, be sure to follow Look Out for ME principles to protect Maine’s places and people.

Whether you’re following a river, passing through farmland or pedaling beneath a canopy of trees, Maine’s rail trails offer a unique way to experience the state’s diverse natural beauty. Here’s a look at some of the top trails to seek out.

1. Aroostook Valley Trail

This 28.8-mile trail winds through the backcountry of northern Maine on the old Aroostook Valley Railroad bed that lies between Presque Isle and New Sweden. You can see potato farms, woods, streams and the Aroostook River as you pass through the towns of Caribou, Washburn and Woodland. The crushed-stone trail is well-suited for biking in summer, and during winter it becomes a corridor for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, connecting with broader trail networks in Aroostook County. For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail links to the Bangor and Aroostook Trail in Stockholm, opening up even more mileage for exploration.

2. Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail

Threading through the countryside between Houlton and Phair Junction in northern Maine, the 38.8-mile Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail is among the longest multi-use trails in Maine. It follows a historic rail corridor once used to transport timber and potatoes, and parallels Route 1 with a mostly gravel path that travels through farmland, forests and wetlands. The trail’s flat terrain makes it ideal for long-distance biking, walking and trail running, while its width accommodates snowmobiles and ATVs in appropriate seasons. Because of its remote nature, it’s also a great place for wildlife watching — moose, beavers and muskrats are often spotted along the route. Visitors should come prepared with water, snacks and supplies, as services can be few and far between.

3. Sherman to Patten Trail

The Sherman to Patten Trail offers a quieter, more remote experience through The Maine Highlands. This 4.5-mile trail appeals to those looking to escape into nature, with stretches of fir-filled forests and wetlands surrounding it. Ideal for ATV riding and snowmobiling (check out the side trails too), the trail also accommodates biking and hiking for those prepared for its more rustic conditions. Wildlife sightings like moose are common and birding is excellent in all seasons. Just note that there is no access at the Sherman end, so head to Patten to pick up the trail at Potato Row.

4. Lagrange to Medford Trail

The tiny towns of Lagrange and Medford mark the beginning and end of this 12-mile stretch in central Maine. The remote dirt and crushed-stone trail threads through scenic forests, fields and marshland. Its quiet, rural setting makes it a peaceful alternative to busier trails. In the winter, a portion of the trail is maintained by local ATV and snowmobile clubs, transforming it into a multi-season recreational route.

5. Down East Sunrise Trail

At 88.8 miles, the Down East Sunrise Trail is the longest rail trail in the state, and is part of the East Coast Greenway from Florida to Maine. It heads southwest from Pembroke through the DownEast & Acadia region to its terminus in Ellsworth, following the former Calais Branch of the Maine Central Railroad. Most popular with ATV riders, the trail’s remote stretches through forests and bogs offer a true sense of adventure, while its proximity to small towns allows for rest stops and resupply points.

6. Four Seasons Adventure Trail

True to its name, the 30-mile Four Seasons Adventure Trail is designed for year-round use, offering a range of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Its crushed-stone, dirt and sand surface makes it suitable for ATVs, mountain bikers and horseback riders in warmer months and snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in snowy conditions. With easy access just 30 miles west of Bangor in Newport, the trail flanks a few lovely lakes as it makes its way north to Dover-Foxcroft. You’ll also pass through old mill towns like Corinna and Dexter, providing a glimpse into the area’s industrial past.

7. Narrow Gauge Pathway

Rolling 5.4 miles along the Carrabassett River in Carrabassett Valley, the Narrow Gauge Pathway boasts a well-maintained, crushed-stone and dirt surface that’s excellent for mountain biking in summer and fall, and groomed in the winter for cross-country skiing. It’s also close to Maine’s popular ski destination Sugarloaf Mountain for additional snowy fun. Take in the picturesque scenery of the surrounding forest and blooming wildflowers as you follow the bed of the Kingfield and Dead River Railroad.

8. Whistle Stop Trail

An old Maine Central Railroad line is the foundation of this 15.8-mile trail that runs between Farmington and Livermore Falls in Maine’s Lakes & Mountains region. The Whistle Stop Trail takes you through foothills, forests and farmland, gradually rising and falling with the contours of the land. Though it primarily serves ATVs and snowmobiles, the gravel surface is welcoming to most uses, but sandy sections near Jay can be more challenging for cyclists.

9. Kennebec River Rail Trail

In Maine’s Kennebec Valley region, the 7-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail is a paved, family-friendly path that follows the same-named river between Augusta and Gardiner. With no motorized use allowed, its flat terrain makes it a great choice for walking, jogging, biking or snowshoeing while admiring the views. Keep an eye out for eagles or ospreys that pluck fish from the flowing waters.

10. Eastern Trail

Another part of the East Coast Greenway, the Eastern Trail connects communities along a 29-mile corridor between Kennebunk and South Portland. Its mix of mostly off-road paved and gravel sections takes travelers through salt marshes, forests and charming small towns, offering both natural beauty and convenient access. On the northern end of the trail, the last 5.6 miles overlap with the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway, including the endpoint at the waterfront Bug Light Park. The Eastern Trail is ideal for biking, walking, running and rollerskating, with longer distances appealing to endurance cyclists and touring riders. In winter, certain sections may be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, depending on conditions.

Explore Additional Rail Trails in Maine

From remote northern routes to coastal connectors, each of Maine’s rail trails offers a distinct experience.

• Auburn Riverwalk
• Bangor and Aroostook Trail
• Bayside Trail
• Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag
• Bucksport Waterfront Walkway
• Calais Waterfront Walkway
• Crosstown Trail
• Eastern Promenade Trail
• Ellsworth Trail
• Fore River Parkway Trail
• Frazier Trail
• Kennebec Valley Trail
• Mountain Division Trail
• Norway Branch Rail Trail
• Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail
• Old Pond Railway Trail
• Papermill Trail
• Penobscot River Walkway
• Pittsfield Rail Trail
• Presque Isle Bike Path
• Riverton Rail Trail
• Rotary Centennial Trail
• Saint John Valley Heritage Trail
• Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail
• Sipayik Trail
• Stillwater River Trail
• University of Maine Bicycle Path
• WW&F Narrow Gauge Trail