• Become a member of the Eastern Trail

Ideas for Getting Out on the Eastern Trail

There are SO many ways in which you can recreate on or otherwise enjoy the Eastern Trail. If you are new to the trail, or just haven’t been able to figure out how to get out, this article is for you. Here are some suggestions:

1. Join a group trail activity. Check our Events page for activities near you, or that interest you. Here’s some ongoing options:

  • Maine Lighthouse Ride — Our Biggest Event takes place Sunday, September 10, 2023. This is our premier event for the year – four great ride options.
  • Lunch and Loop Rides. These rides are held to acquaint participants with the beauty of the Eastern Trail and to increase two wheeled camaraderie. More information here.
  • Eastern Trail Moonlight Walks are scheduled throughout the year, every month -— walking in the summer, snowshoeing and skiing as possible in the winter. Check our Events page for upcoming scheduled walks.
  • Volunteer to help with one of our exciting group trail activities – more information here.

2. Get to know the trail better.

3. Spread Your Knowledge and Enthusiasm about the Trail. Once you know the trail better, consider becoming an Eastern Trail Ambassador. As an Eastern Trail Ambassador, you can provide a presence on the trail in a non-enforcement capacity, offering information to trail users, getting comments from trail users including any trail problems, and actively promoting the trail.
There are other volunteer opportunities as well – check out our Volunteer page.

4. Find out how others are using the trail for fun and exercise.

The website MapMyRide.com and its sister site MapMyRun.com have routes for running,  walking or cycling on or near the Eastern Trail that others have mapped and shared. Here are some examples (links below are to MapMyRun, the same routes are found in both sites):

The Eastern Trail is featured in Maine: Southern Coast Running Guide. Check out the Eastern Trail segment, which highlights three specific sections that it calls “the most scenic off-road sections for running.”

5. Check our Videos page – this is another way to see how others have enjoyed the trail. View videos related to cycling, running, walking, and other ways to enjoy the trail.

6. Other considerations when you are out on the trail:

a. Parking – Our Parking page helps find easy and safe access to the trail.

b. Need a bike? Check out our Rentals page

c. Visiting the southern Maine area? Check out our Lodging page.

d. Enjoying the trail with a pet? Check these two resources:

  • Bring Fido – Pet Friendly Travel (focuses on the Eastern Trail in Scarborough)
  • Living with a Golden – focuses on the Eastern Trail from Kennebunk to Biddeford.
https://www.easterntrail.org/