Down East Sunrise Trail

The Down East Sunrise Trail is a 87-mile multi-use corridor traversing the rural coastal plain of Washington and Hancock counties in eastern Maine, running from Ellsworth east through Cherryfield, Harrington, Columbia Falls, Machias, and on toward Calais at the Canadian border, one of the longest converted rail-trail corridors in New England. The trail follows the former Washington County Railroad grade, which gives it the characteristics of all former railroads converted to trail: nearly flat grades (rail grades rarely exceeded 2%), wide treadway, and consistent surface quality across the full length. For OHV riders, the Sunrise Trail is a rare Maine option: ATVs and snowmobiles are permitted on the trail surface, which alternates between packed gravel, ballast rock, and compacted earth depending on section and maintenance cycle. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological character of Downeast Maine: blueberry barrens, spruce-fir forest, boggy lowlands, salt marsh approaches near tidal river crossings, and the occasional broad river ford with an improved crossing structure. The corridor passes through some of the least-developed land in the eastern United States; this is genuine backcountry rather than a suburban greenway, and self-sufficiency is important, services are limited to the small towns the trail passes through. Parking areas with trailhead access are located at the major communities along the route. A Maine ATV registration and current trail pass are required. Snowmobile use is permitted in winter when snow conditions allow.