The Eastern Trail
This segment takes you from Machias to Ayers Junction – 28 miles
There are many points of interest in each of the three segments of the Down East Sunrise Trail.
The Eastern Trail includes the following points: Machias, East Machias, Rocky Lake Crossing and Dennysville/Ayers Junction.
MACHIAS
Location: Trail crosses US 1 in Machias.
Parking: At green boxcar and Station 98 just west of causeway (dike) and on causeway (no trailers).
Trail Section Length: 4 miles, Machias to East Machias
Points of Interest & Side Trips:
On this trail section visitors cross over extensive salt marshes and experience beautiful views across the Machias and East Machias rivers. The trail crosses the Machias Dike, where both flea and farmers’ markets take place in the summer. A motel, ATM and nationally famous blueberry pie-making restaurant provide amenities just west of the dike (causeway). Explore town, then consider a side trip to Roque Bluffs State Park for an on-road bike loop ride.
EAST MACHIAS
Location: Trail crosses US 1 and ME 191
Parking: Limited at ME 191/DEST crossing
Trail Section Length: 7 miles, East Machias to Rocky Lake Crossing
Points of Interest & Side Trips:
This section of the trail runs through fields and forest while paralleling ME 191. The trail intersects the SE corner of Rocky Lake Public Lands, accessed by a multi-use trail, before swinging east toward Dennysville. It is just a short side trip to the boating and camping areas on Rocky Lake’s shore.
Visit the East Machias Aquatic Research Center (EMARC) to learn about Maine’s fisheries. Cutler Coast Public Lands, Cobscook Bay and Quoddy Head State Parks and lighthouse are recommended side trips.
ROCKY LAKE CROSSING
Location: Trail crosses ME 191 just south of Diamond Match Rd.
Parking: West side of ME 191 at trail
Trail Section Length: 10 miles, Rocky Lake Crossing to Dennysville
Points of Interest & Side Trips:
Forests and numerous ponds and streams define this trail section. Don’t miss Rocky Lake Public Lands. Consider a picnic by the smaller Patrick Lake (access off ME 86). Enjoy beautiful views over Harmon’s Stream, the East Ridge, Great Works Wildlife Management Area, and the Denny’s River. Cobscook Bay and Quoddy Head State Parks are great side trips from Dennysville.
DENNYSVILLE/AYERS JUNCTION
Location: Trail crosses Milwaukee Rd. in Dennysville.
Parking: US 1 north to ME 86 west to Milwaukee Rd. north 100-ft. to where trail intersects the road.
Trail Section Length: 7 miles, Dennysville to Ayers Junction
Points of Interest & Side Trips:
The trail continues through relatively remote forestland until it reaches its eastern terminus at Ayers Junction, just a few miles north of Pembroke.
Add to your adventure by visiting the village of Pembroke, Reversing Falls, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Gleason Cove Park, Shackford Head State Park, and historic Eastport.
Central Trail Segment
Western Trail Segment
