The Down East Sunrise Trail
The Down East Sunrise Trail is 87 miles and is the longest off-road trail on the East Coast Greenway through a natural landscape of green forests and vast marshes, habitat for iconic moose, beavers, eagles, wild turkeys and white tail deer. Open to bicycles, walking, horses, cross country skiing, ATVs, snowmobiles and the occasional dog sled, the trail offers a multi-season chance to see downeast Maine in a new and very old light. This inactive rail corridor is an unpaved tour of the back country with gentle grades and opportunities for lodging, dining, camping, recreational fishing and learning about downeast history.
- The Sunrise Trail is open 24/7 to both non-motorized and motorized use (some restrictions apply).
- The Trail conditions determine which type of use, if any, is allowed at any given time.
- Special Events by groups or businesses need a Use Permit.
For official trail notices, see the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website.
The Down East Sunrise Trail is the latest chapter in the story of the Calais Branch Railroad Corridor. From freight and passenger trains starting in 1898 to bicycles, ATVs and snowmobiles of today. But it took a lot of co-ordinated effort to get where we are today.