The Down East Sunrise Trail

With 85 miles of reused rail corridor, the Down East Sunrise Trail truly is a spectacular multi-use trail and attracting attention from not only snowmobile and ATVs riders, but also pedestrians, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and equestrians.

The 85-mile Down East Sunrise Trail runs from Washington Junction in the west, just east of Ellsworth (gateway to Acadia National Park) off of US Route 1, and Ayers Junction in Pembroke on Maine Route 214 (4 miles northwest of the Route 214 intersection with US Route 1). The scenic rail corridor runs along the entire Downeast coastal area, connecting multiple scenic conservation areas and intersecting with Downeast salmon rivers through a scenic portion of Maine.


The trail occupies part of the 127-mile Calais Branch rail corridor, which linked Brewer to Calais. From 1898 to 1954, Maine Central Railroad trains rumbled north through then-booming Washington and Hancock counties, bringing tourists, mail and commodities to points north before hitting a turntable at the end of the line, flipping around and transporting lumber, gravel and blueberries south. The right-of-way stays fairly close to the coast. The ocean is often visible, especially near Machias, which is right on the water. Other sections of rail bed are as much as 15 miles inland.

The trail runs through thick stands of birch and conifer as it meanders among charming communities, scenic rural landscapes and spectacular outdoor adventure. For more information, visit wwwsunrisetrail.org.