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
March 31, 2026
Trail Conditions Update – Standish / Gorham / Windham / Fryeburg
Standish, Gorham, and Windham sections still have patches of snow and ice—please use caution, especially in shaded areas.
Fryeburg is reporting the trail is mostly clear, but isolated icy spots may remain in shaded sections.
Both sections are walkable, but if you’re biking, please be extra careful due to the potential for lingering ice.
The recent warm weather and rain are helping, and conditions should continue to improve over the coming days.
Let us know if what you see by emailing fotmdt@gmail.com
March 27, 2026
🌿🚴♂️ Trail Opening Day – Fryeburg 🚶♀️🌿
Join us as we celebrate the return of spring on the Mountain Division Trail!
📅 Saturday, April 11, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (weather dependent)
📍 Maine State Visitor Information Center – Fryeburg
Come out to:
✅ Walk or bike the trail
✅ Learn about upcoming trail expansion in Brownfield & Hiram
✅ Share how you use the trail (we want your input!)
✅ Sign up to volunteer
✅ Connect with fellow trail supporters
This is a great opportunity to enjoy the trail as the snow melts and the season begins. Whether you're a regular user or just curious about the future of the Mountain Division Trail, we’d love to see you there.
Bring your friends, your bike, or your walking shoes—and help us kick off another great year on the trail!
👉 Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bb9RSEgX6/
March 9, 2026
🌷 Trail Conditions Update – Mountain Division Trail
With the warmer temperatures, the snow is melting quickly and snowmobile trails are now closed for the season.
The Mountain Division Rail Trail remains open to foot traffic, but please use caution. Snow, ice, and slush are still present in many areas, and conditions can change quickly from one section of the trail to another as the spring thaw continues.
Please plan accordingly, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of slippery spots.
Enjoy the trail and stay safe!
December 11, 2025
Your gift to the Mountain Division Trail can go TWICE as far!
A long-standing donor is matching donations up to $7,500 through 12/23.
Help us build more trail, more events, and more community.
Donate today and double your impact!
https://fotmdt.org/donate/
December 8, 2025
❄️ Trail Conditions Update - Winter is here!
Both sections of the Mountain Division Trail have snow coverage — with Fryeburg seeing more accumulation than Gorham/Windham.
If you're out walking, please use caution. Icy conditions may exist, especially in parking areas and trailheads.
If you notice an issue on the trail, please email us at fotmdt@gmail.com so we can address it promptly.
Stay safe and enjoy the winter scenery! ❄️🚶♀️🚶♂️
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