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
October 31, 2025
Fall 2025 Newsletter Out Now!
Our latest issue highlights major trail progress, community events, and local partnerships that keep the Mountain Division Trail moving forward.
📄 Read the Fall 2025 Newsletter (PDF)
October 30, 2025
FOTMDT Brochures are now available at the following locations:
-Johnson Field – Standish
-Shaw Park – Gorham
-Gambo Parking Area – Windham
-Brown Memorial Library– Baldwin
-Steep Falls Library – Steep Falls
-Pine Root Farm & Market - Steep Falls
-Standish Municipal Office - Standish
-Dan's Variety Store - Steep Falls
-People's Perch - Baldwin, Maine Water Tower - Baldwin
Brownfield Country Market - Brownfield
-Spice & Grain - Fryeburg
-Fair Grounds Coffee - Fryeburg
-Maine State Visitor Information Center - Fryeburg
-The Local Gear - Cornish
More locations to come!
October 16, 2025
New Mountain Division Trail Brochures Coming Soon!
Fresh off the press — our updated Friends of the Mountain Division Trail brochures are here! 
They’ll be installed at trailhead kiosks across Standish, Gorham, Windham, and Fryeburg in the coming weeks.
Each brochure includes maps, trail etiquette, QR codes for events, and ways to stay connected.
Grab one on your next visit and Explore the MDT!
View Brochure HERE
October 21, 2025-UPDATE: The trail is patched, thank you Windham Public Works!
August 28, 2025
🚧 Trail Alert – Pavement Repair 🚧 Windham MDT
Windham Public Works has let us know that one of the larger pavement sections cut out for repair will not be completed today. They expect to return to it on Tuesday.
Cones have been left in place to mark the area, but please use extra caution when passing through.
Thank you for your patience while this work is being completed.
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