It’s a 35-foot prefabricated bridge over the Nonesuch River.
The bridge is an effort to close the gap on a multi-use trail between Scarborough and South Portland.
Officials believe this will create a safer, off-road connection for walking and biking.
Greetings!
Everyone likes an upgrade – whether it’s a better seat on a plane or new tires on your bicycle. As the Trail Manager, I’m happy to share a few upgrades that are already improving your Eastern Trail experience and more that are on the way.
Over the last couple weeks, I’ve installed newly designed kiosk signage at trailheads along the Eastern Trail from Scarborough to Kennebunk, marking the successful completion of our 2025 signage project. The response from trail users has been extremely positive. The next time you’re out, take a moment to stop and check one out – I think you’ll notice the difference!
There’s another major upgrade underway, too: new trail construction. The gap between Scarborough and South Portland is finally being closed with a safe, off-road trail connection complete with two bridges. In fact, the bridge over the Nonesuch River was just installed this month. After years of planning and persistence, this exciting project is moving forward, with completion expected in 2027.
This past year, I had the pleasure of meeting many of you on the Eastern Trail. You’ve shared how you use it to commute by bicycle, walk daily for your health, train for races, watch birds in the marsh, or simply find a moment of peace in an often chaotic world. No matter how you enjoy it, one thing is clear: the Eastern Trail is a true gem.
My job is to keep that gem polished. I monitor and maintain the Eastern Trail day to day so it’s safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone. That work is only possible because of supporters like you. As we approach the year’s end, I invite you to make a tax-deductible donation to support this essential work in 2026. Your gift helps maintain the trail you love today and makes future upgrades possible. Please make a generous contribution today.
Thank you for being part of the Eastern Trail community. I look forward to seeing you on the trail in the new year!
Thank you,
Patrick Conlon
Trail Manager
Eastern Trail Alliance
In late November, the Eastern Trail Alliance was thrilled to install newly designed kiosk signage at trailheads along the Eastern Trail from Scarborough to Kennebunk, marking the successful completion of our 2025 signage project.
These new kiosks present clear, welcoming, and easy-to-use information that will better serve the many people who enjoy the heavily used Eastern Trail each year.
Each multi-paneled trailhead kiosk features a large, full-color horizontal map highlighting on-road, off-road, and future sections of the Eastern Trail from South Portland to Kennebunk. Visitors will also find trail rules and guidelines in one easy-to-read place, information about upcoming events and ways to get involved, and a convenient cashless donation option to support trail care and future improvements. The modular panel design also makes it easy to update individual sections, such as updating and replacing the map, without having to redo the entire kiosk.
While most of the posted trail rules are not new, bringing them together in one place helps improve safety and enjoyment for everyone by clearly outlining permitted and prohibited uses, safe cycling speeds, pet policies, and equestrian access. A complete list of trail rules and guidelines is also available here.
This transformative improvement to the Eastern Trail was made possible by a generous grant from the Davis Conservation Foundation and the continued support of Eastern Trail Alliance donors. Thank you for helping us create a safer, more welcoming trail experience for all today and into the future.
The Close the Gap project adds 1.6 miles to the Eastern Trail is ahead of schedule.
The Close the Gap project on the Eastern Trail reached a milestone last week with the installation of a bridge over the Nonesuch River in Scarborough.
The effort will add 1.6 miles to the Eastern Trail, a large step toward having a fully connected 65-mile offroad trail from South Portland to Kittery. When the section is completed, connecting the trail segment off Eastern Road to the Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland, there will be a continuous 16-mile trail without on-road gaps linking Bug Light Park with downtown Saco.
Scarborough Town Manager Tom Hall said he expects the project will cost around $7 million by its completion. Most of the funding comes from federal dollars, but it also includes state and local funding, as well as individual and corporate donors.
The Close the Gap project has two phases, both of which are ahead of schedule thanks to the contractor, Shaw Brothers, and the subcontractor, Scott Construction, Hall said.
“They’re certainly going to far exceed the contractual obligation because they have all the way until October 2027 to complete the trail,” Hall said. “I can’t imagine in my wildest dreams that that time frame would be needed.”
The Eastern Trail has been groomed from the Pine Point Rd parking lot to the Black Point Rd parking lot—thanks to our friends at the Town of Scarborough!
Happy skiing and fat biking to all!
⚠️ Please use caution on the Scarborough Marsh Bridge where coverage is very thin and icy. ⚠️
A huge thank you to our partners at Scarborough Community Services for piloting occasional winter grooming on the Eastern Trail this season.
Winter Trail Etiquette reminders:
Happy trails!
Dear Friend of the Eastern Trail,
This year, we are celebrating something truly extraordinary — construction is officially underway to Close the Gap on the Eastern Trail between Scarborough and South Portland. For more than a decade, we have dreamt of this moment. This summer, thanks to your steadfast support, that dream became reality. Your year-end gift will ensure that the Eastern Trail you helped build continues to thrive, evolve, and provide entirely free access to nature close to home.
We each had the privilege of shepherding the Close the Gap project at different points in its long journey. As construction progresses, we are filled with gratitude — for John Andrews’ vision for a long-distance walking and cycling trail in southern Maine, the many volunteers and partners who worked tirelessly, and most of all, for you. Your belief in the Eastern Trail and your support of the Eastern Trail Alliance have made this possible.
The Close the Gap project is a powerful reminder that trails do not just appear. They are built on collaboration, sustained investment, and a shared belief in their transformative power to bring people and communities together. Once completed, this 1.6-mile segment will make it possible to safely commute along the Eastern Trail from communities like Saco and Scarborough to Portland. It will support healthier lifestyles, foster well-being, and promote economic development.
As one dream is realized, the next is already underway. Our team is working with the Maine Department of Transportation to advance permitting and right of way planning for our expansion south of Kennebunk in West Kennebunk, Wells, and North Berwick. In May, we completed an initial feasibility study examining possibilities for Eastern Trail expansion south of the Berwicks. Like the Close the Gap project, this southward expansion will take ongoing care and patience, thoughtful planning, and significant financial support.
After seeing one major goal through, we need to replenish our resources to take on the next. Your support now ensures we have the power to keep building south. Your generosity maintains over 20 miles of existing trail used by over 250,000 people each year. Your year-end gift supports year-round community programming like Full Moon Walks with Carole, Chats with Chelsey, and Bike and Brew Rides with Patrick. All of which are free, accessible, opportunities for more people to experience the Eastern Trail in a fun and welcoming way.
We are counting on you to help ensure this regional treasure continues to connect families, neighbors, and outdoor enthusiasts to nature for generations to come. As we look ahead, every contribution—large or small—helps lay the groundwork for what comes next. Please consider making a donation to support the Eastern Trail before the year ends.
Thank you,
Chelsey Berlin
Executive Director
Carole Brush
Former Executive Director
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