Latest News

Our archive of more in-depth news articles and reports (running back to the 1990’s) can be found here. You can also search for past articles using the search function in the left hand side column

ET Connectivity Feasibility Study
Latest News

Save the Date: Community Workshop for the Berwicks to the Border Feasibility Study

The next Community Workshop in our Berwicks to the Border Feasibility Study has been scheduled. Please see the details (both in-person and Zoom options) below.

The Eastern Trail (ET) Connectivity Study will recommend locations for future segments of the ET between the Route 1 Bridge (Memorial Bridge) in Kittery and North Berwick.

In-Person:
Date: Monday, November 18, 2024 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: South Berwick Town Hall, 180 Main St.

Prefer to attend virtually? Join the workshop on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89986668599?pwd=PcnnyupCREMC9coVeQiQ3j4y0lqRSE.1

Join us to learn more about the study and provide your input.

Latest News

Wear Blaze Orange – Be Safe on The Trail

Fall is here and with it comes hunting in Maine – Please be aware that hunting is permitted in Maine on many private and public lands — some in close proximity to the Eastern Trail and other local trails.

The discharge of firearms, bows or any other devices that launch a projectile is prohibited on the Trail, except in Scarborough Marsh where hunting is allowed according to the rules for the Scarborough Marsh Wildlife Management area managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W).

During the weeks ahead, please take proper precaution by wearing blaze orange clothing and putting a blaze orange vest on your pet. Also, we suggest you wear a blaze orange hat as well and NOT use a white hat or white bike helmet.

Hunting season in Maine runs primarily from early September to mid-December. Deer season with firearms runs from October 31 to December 10 this year.

Here are two other websites with more information on hunting in Maine:

Maine 2024 Hunting Season Dates
Maine Hunting Laws and Rules

 

Full moon on the Eastern Trail
Latest News

November 15 Full Moon Walk on the Eastern Trail

Join the Eastern Trail Alliance for its November 2024 full moon walk in the Scarborough Marsh. This month’s full moon will be a Beaver Moon!

The November Moon Walk will be held Friday, November 15th 4:00 – 5:30 pm. The walk leaves from the Eastern Trail’s Pine Point parking area. Registration is required (no cost), go here for more information and to register.

The walk is limited to 25 people and is first come first serve.

**NOTE: Please be aware that the trail through the Scarborough Marsh is uneven in a few spots due to storm damage sustained this winter. We always encourage proper footwear on the trail and even more so at this time. Please also bring a flashlight. Your guide will alert you to the areas of trail that require your caution.

Pets and flashlights are not allowed for this event so as to ensure guests are able to best appreciate the marsh and full moon. Please email info@easterntrail.org with any questions you may have.

Visit our EVENTS page for information on other events.

Trail Conditions Image
Latest News

Check Out Our New Trail Conditions Page

We are happy to announce the creation of a new web page on this site to provide updates on known conditions along the Eastern Trail.

This will include updates on temporary trail closures and detours, changes in surface conditions and other issues following storms or other events, and other situations that trail users should be aware of.

Our small team relies on trail users to share their trail observations and report problems by filling out this form. Trail conditions are always subject to change, be alert and use caution while on the trail.

View of the Blazing the Trail South ET segment, taken July 2024
Latest News

Maine Dept. of Transportation seeks comment on two new segments of the Eastern Trail

On July 15, the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) launched its public project on the two end segments (2.7 miles of new trail) of the Eastern Trail’s Blaze the Trail South campaign.

From now until August 7, the public will be able to learn more and comment on this process. Go here to get more information, which will include an asynchronous virtual meeting, a storymap, and other information to help you learn more about the project and to submit input prior to construction in late 2025/early 2026.

MaineDOT wants to hear from you. Click here to submit your comments formally.

Stay tuned on our Facebook Page and on this website for updates about this project.

Showing Scarborough Marsh repairs 070324
Latest News

UPDATE: Repairs Made to Scarborough Marsh Eastern Trail segment following winter storms

TRAIL CONDITION UPDATE, SCARBOROUGH: A small section of the Eastern Trail in the Scarborough Marsh segment received a new layer of stone dust and was flattened by tractor today thanks to the Town of Scarborough, Maine!
This is a big step forward and a noticeable improvement to the damage caused by storms this winter. This new topping surface will continue to harden with rain and usage.
Please continue to use caution in this segment as the stone dust was added in only one area and there is still a good bit of loose gravel in other areas.
Please excuse any brief delays to thru-traffic early next week when the tractor and dump truck are scheduled to return to add more material and to continue flattening out the trail’s surface.
Recruiting new ET Board Members
Latest News

Applications Open for 2024 Board Member Recruitment

The Eastern Trail Alliance is recruiting new board members to join our board this year. If you are looking for a way to make a difference in southern Maine and have a passion for trails or active transportation, we’d like to hear from you!

Click here to access the board member application form. Please then complete it by the May 13, 2024 for full consideration. In particular, skills and experience sought include accounting/audit, fundraising, and previous board service. Given our active trail-building campaigns south of Kennebunk, residents of southern York County are encouraged to apply.

Before after picture of trail repairs
Latest News

Trail Conditions Update

Please be advised that due to recent storms, downed trees and debris can be found along the Eastern Trail.
Our Trail Manager, Patrick Conlon, has spent long days out on the trail clearing downed trees and branches, improving drainage systems, and cleaning up trash.
In Old Orchard Beach, about 300 yards north of the Saco-OOB town line, there was a very large tree completely blocking the trail. Patrick was able to move the tree to the edge of the trail. Nevertheless, please continue to use caution while cycling and walking in this area for the time being.
Thanks to Patrick’s tireless work the trail between Biddeford and Kennebunk is now clear and safe for cyclists and walkers alike. As weather permits, he will continue to attend to the Saco to Scarborough segment.
ET Connectivity Feasibility Study
Latest News

Berwicks to the Border Story Map Released

Led by the planning/engineering firm VHB, the Eastern Trail Alliance and Eastern Trail Management District in collaboration with the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC), MaineDOT and the municipalities of Kittery, Eliot, York, South Berwick, and North Berwick are proud to release the Eastern Trail Connectivity Feasibility Study Story Map.

This story map will allow you to see information about the initial feasibility study currently underway in the Berwicks to the Border Project, considering locations for future segments of the Eastern Trail between North Berwick and Memorial Bridge in Kittery. The different types of potential route alternatives may include shared-use paths along utility corridors, shared-use paths alongside a public road, boardwalk segments over wetlands and small streams, striped bike lanes or wide shoulders on roadways, and travel lanes shared by all users on rural roads with low traffic volumes and/or speeds. The detailed information is tied to geographic information which gives the public a view of both where and how these preliminary route alternatives may be used.

This 18-month study began in late 2023 and is expected to finish in early 2025. The ultimate goal is to recommend a route for a continuous off-road trail from North Berwick to Kittery. From there, the Eastern Trail Alliance, SMPDC, and individual municipalities will seek additional funding through grants and other sources to implement the priority recommendations from the study.

To learn more, please go here to visit the Story Map.

Additionally, an Eastern Trail Connectivity Study Community Workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at Eliot Town Hall, 1333 State Road, Eliot, ME or via this Zoom link.

https://www.easterntrail.org/