If you’re looking for the Mountain Division Alliance, while it looks a lot different, you’re in the right place. As of January 9, 2025, we’ve rebranded our organization with a new name, logo, and website.
We welcome you to our new website and are excited to share the new name of our organization.
Friends of the Mountain Division Trail (FOTMDT)
From the Mountains to the Sea
The Mountain Division Railroad ran from Ogdensburg, NY to Portland, Maine (almost 400 miles). It was completed in 1875 and used for over 100 years. Because it was no longer economically viable, rail service was discontinued in 1958 for passenger trains and 1983 for freight trains. The eastern most section, located in southwestern Maine, runs 51 miles from Fryeburg on the NH border to Portland, Maine. The mission and vision of our organization are singularly focused on advocating for the construction of a paved recreational trail from the mountains of NH/ME to Portland and the sea.
Legislation (LD404) signed into law on 7/6/23, authorized the Maine Department of Transportation to remove the rails and ties, plan, engineer, and construct a trail until rail from Fryeburg to Standish. When completed this will connect 31 miles of new trail to the 10 miles already constructed and in use. Visit the timeline to learn more about our history.
Click below to learn more about the two open sections of the Trail.
- Standish/Gorham/Windham
- Fryeburg
🟢 4 miles - Fryeburg
🟢 6 miles - Standish, Gorham, Windham
🟠 31 miles - Standish to Fryeburg
🟠 5 miles - Windham to Westbrook
🔴 5 miles - Westbrook to Portland
Latest Trail News
April 1, 2025
Support LD 676: Help Fund the Mountain Division Trail! 
The Friends of the Mountain Division Trail are urging all trail supporters to submit testimony for LD 676, "An Act to Fund the Recommendations of the Mountain Division Rail Use Advisory Council." This crucial legislation aims to secure funding for the continued development of the Mountain Division Trail, ensuring it remains a treasured resource for future generations.
Your voice can make a real difference! Here’s how you can get involved:
Submit your testimony in support of the bill. The deadline is April 3, 2025! Your testimony will help us advocate for the trail and its positive impact on our communities.
Doug Smith, President of Friends of the Mountain Division Trail, has already submitted his testimony (see below). Take inspiration from his words or share your personal story about how the trail has impacted you.
Doug Smith's Testimony (March 31, 2025):
“As a Windham resident living within half a mile of the Mountain Division Trail, I am a frequent user of the trail and have been actively involved for over 25 years. I strongly support LD 676, which will fund the necessary improvements and allow the trail to continue thriving for generations to come.”
How to Submit Your Testimony:
Visit the Legislative Testimony Page
Select “Public Hearing”
Choose the Transportation Committee
Choose April 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Select LD 676
Upload your testimony or enter it directly
Deadline: Submit by midnight on April 3, 2025.
Thank you for your continued support of the Mountain Division Trail! Together, we can ensure this valuable resource continues to grow and benefit everyone.
March 28, 2025
Trail Conditions Page Updated HERE
Our Mission is to work with the nine communities along the Mountain Division Rail corridor, Maine Department of Transportation, and other organizations and stakeholders to create a safe, welcoming, contiguous trail that connects existing paved portions of the trail to provide for active transportation and recreation opportunities from Fryeburg to Portland.
We envision communities along the Mountain Division Line connected by trails that are safe and welcoming for active transportation and recreation, improve the health and well-being of residents and visitors, create economic benefit for Southern and Western Maine, and further connect to a network of trails across Maine and beyond.
The Friends of the Mountain Division Trail is composed of Mountain Division line community stakeholders.
Community Partners
Contact us to become a Community or Business Partner