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) was 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.
🟢 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 15, 2026
📊 We Want Your Input!
Help shape the future of the Mountain Division Trail by taking a quick survey. Your feedback plays an important role as we continue planning, improving, and expanding the trail for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you walk, bike, run, or just love the idea of the trail — we want to hear from you!
👉 Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/WkJp6ujRSmANmBhf7
April 10, 2026
🌿 Trail Conditions Update 🌿
Great news, trail users! Both sections of the Mountain Division Trail are now clear of snow and ice. 🙌
It’s a perfect time to get outside—whether you’re walking or biking. And with beautiful weather in the forecast, tomorrow is shaping up to be a great day to hit the trail!
🚲 Join us in Fryeburg and enjoy the fresh air, scenic views, and smooth conditions.
See you out there!
March 31, 2026
📬 Our Winter Newsletter Is Here!
There’s a lot happening along the Mountain Division Trail—and we’re excited to share the latest updates with you!
In this issue:
🚧 Progress on trail expansion in Brownfield & Hiram
🌲 The growing impact of rail trails on local communities
🚴 Bike recycling program making a difference
📅 Upcoming events you won’t want to miss
From economic impact to community connections, the momentum behind the Mountain Division Trail continues to build.
Take a few minutes to check it out and stay connected with what’s ahead!
👉 Read the Newsletter 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