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
🟠 10 miles - Fryeburg to Hiram
🟠 21 miles - Standish to Hiram
🟠 5 miles - Windham to Westbrook
🔴 5 miles - Westbrook to Portland
Latest Trail News
June 14, 2026
📢 The Friends of the Mountain Division Trail Spring 2026 Newsletter is here!
This issue includes exciting updates on the future of the Mountain Division Trail, including the proposed 10-mile trail expansion through Fryeburg, Brownfield, and Hiram. Learn about the latest engineering plans, upcoming public comment opportunities, trail events, volunteer activities, and more.
Inside this issue:
🚴 Mountain Division Trail expansion update
📝 How to participate in the MaineDOT public review process
🌲 Acadia National Park Carriage Trails feature article
🎉 Opening Day on the Trail recap
🎨 Chalk the Trail in Windham highlights
📅 Upcoming summer events throughout the region
The Mountain Division Trail continues to connect communities, support local economies, and provide outstanding opportunities for recreation and transportation across western Maine.
Read the newsletter and stay informed about what's happening along the trail!
Thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters, donors, and community partners who help make this trail possible.
👉 Spring 2026 Newsletter
June 3, 2026
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
MaineDOT has released the draft engineering study for the proposed Mountain Division Trail expansion between Hiram, Brownfield, and Fryeburg, and they are now seeking public feedback through a formal virtual public meeting and comment period.
The engineering study will help shape the future design of the trail, and public comments will become part of the official project record.
Why participate?
Show support for expanding the Mountain Division Trail Review the proposed plans and provide feedback Help improve recreation, outdoor access, and active transportation opportunities Support local tourism and economic development in Hiram, Brownfield, Fryeburg, and surrounding communities
The virtual meeting can be viewed at any time during the comment period, making it easy to participate when it's convenient for you.
Comment Period: June 4 – June 22, 2026
Whether you walk, bike, run, snowmobile, or simply support connecting communities through trails, we encourage you to review the study and submit comments.
Please take a few minutes to make your voice heard and help shape the future of the Mountain Division Trail!
👉 Virtual Public Hearing Link
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!
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