Explore the best rated trails in Sanford, ME, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Northern Rail Trail and Eastern Promenade Trail . With more than 52 trails covering 355 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Great parking lot off rt3 in Hooksett. Packed gravel trail for the most part. Absolutely beautiful wetlands and woods. A wildlife paradise.
This was an OK trail. We enjoyed that it was pretty well marked with the exception of one crossing near some train tracks. Too many road crossing points. Portions of the trail were rough because of roots growing under the pavement. We actually saw a runner take a pretty nasty spill because of the rough surface. It was nice to check it out, but we won’t go out of our way to come back.
Nice section starting from the Kennebunk elementary school parking lot. The trail switches to road riding in Biddeford turn left when the trail ends and you’ll see a Dunkin Donuts. Can you say coffee and pee
The trail itself is excellent. A great place for a leisurely walk, bike or skate between Newburyport and Amesbury with options to continue/connect to the rail trail for a longer trek. But while the trail is awesome, I don’t understand why people feel entitled to let their dogs roam off leash along the trail? This makes it not only uncomfortable for those walking, but dangerous for those biking or skating that don’t want to be chased by a dog, friendly or not, that can be the cause of an accident. It’s really not the dogs fault… it’s the owners ignorance and disrespect for anyone that shouldn’t have to alter what they are doing in order to be deal with your dog. If you want to walk your dog off leash, there are numerous other places nearby that can accommodate you.
We did the first two miles from Park n Ride in Newburyport up until the intersection in Salisbury before returning back for the two mile trek back. Crossing over the Merrimack River 95 Bridge was beautiful. Recommend for all bikers but especially first time riders as it’s a smooth ride.
I live in the area & have walked my dog using the section from S. Beech to Gold Street for years. A new section from Gold to Perimeter Road is finally completed as well. I can't wait to try the new section in the summer when I can ride my bike or rollerblade.
At only 2.1 miles, Eastern Promenade Trail packs a great deal of interest into its short length.
Starting near the Highway 295 bridge you'll be blessed with sensational views of the bay. Next, as you make your way past Fish Point, you'll be rewarded with the sight of massive cruise ships, vintage narrow gauge trains, and historic buildings.
What brought the greatest pleasure to me on this October Sunday morning bike ride were the throngs of people walking their dogs! It was like being at the National Dog Show! I had to stop at East End Beach which is essentially a dog park to watch the dogs happily play and cavort. This trail was most heavily populated with the dog walkers, joggers, and other pedestrians. We bicyclists were few and far between.
Be sure to combine this with the Back Cove Trail loop for nearly 8 miles of riding and get more bang for your buck!
(But do not bother combining it with another connecting trail - the Bayside Trail, which doesn't go along a bay and is about as appealing as riding down an alley)
Back Cove Trail is short, but sweet. The hard packed dirt is perfect for a jog, walk, or quick bike ride.
I started at 8:00 on an exceptionally still, brisk, mid October Sunday morning. The water was like glass and provided a perfect reflection of the downtown Portland skyline.
Other photo ops of the cove, wildlife, and beautiful classic homes were revealed to me as I made my way around the loop.
At only 3.6 miles, be sure to combine this with the also interesting Eastern Promenade Bike Trail for a total of nearly 8 miles between the two.
(Don't bother including the Bayside Trail which also connects to Back Cove and Promenade. It doesn't go by a bay and is about as appealing as riding down an alley)
Imagine having a country estate in the woods of Maine and being afforded the opportunity for long, leisurely strolls down your own private lane. That's the feel of the Eastern Trail experience from Biddeford to Kennebunk.
I did it on a bike rather than on foot, but most of the friendly locals I encountered were walking or jogging to take advantage of the ideal weather and perfectly flat, smooth trail for a mid October afternoon outing.
Because of the natural trail surface and the spectacular fall color, I chose to take it nice and slow in order to savor my time there. I can't imagine doing this trail any other way since I found myself carefully peering into the woods on both sides taking in the sights.
My memories of this trail are of simplicity and peacefulness: a beaver pond here, a small creek winding through the woods there, the crossing of the Kennebunk River, a single track muddy path up to Alewive Road in Kennebunk after crossing over busy Highway 95, conversing with friendly local bicyclists, and of course the wooden rail fences lining much of the leaf carpeted trail through the gloriously colored woodlands.
My wife and I love this trail. We ride trails throughout NE and in NY and PA. This one is right up there among the best. The first leg from the Sanbornville roundabout has some rough sections that can be easily avoided by starting at the next parking area. ( where there is a spotless rent-a potty). From there the trail is smooth dirt surface. It is one lane wide either along side of the old tracks or between. Although it doesn’t make for good side by side riding it gives the trail an intimate charming feel. It crosses inside and outside the tracks often which is easy and makes it more interesting. The views constantly amaze and a f
One of the most beautiful rail trails in NH. In the fall it is breathtaking. It is quite narrow though, so passing requires one to step off the trail. The trail crosses over the tracks every mile or two and there's been mats or planks placed there to make crossing easier with bike tires. However for the most part the mats have been worn down so much they're mostly useless. There are also many spots where the chip and sand have eroded away so dismounting is necessary.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
