Maine Boasts of the Coast on the Down East Sunrise Trail

Down East Sunrise Trail

Distance: 87 miles

Ride With GPS Map

The Down East Sunrise Trail runs 87 miles across Maine’s coastal wilderness, following the route of a former rail line from Ellsworth to the outskirts of Calais. It’s one of the longest off-road multi-use trails in New England and passes through a landscape of pine forest, marshland, tidal rivers, and quiet towns that still feel far from the beaten path.

Starting near Ellsworth, the trail heads northeast through a mix of woods and open stretches where the sky seems to go on forever. The surface is mostly crushed gravel and packed dirt, with some sandy sections that can feel loose after rain. In the early miles, the route crosses wooden bridges and narrow waterways before passing through long forest corridors.

Into the wild

Beyond Cherryfield, the surroundings grow wilder. The trail runs beside bogs, ponds, and low hills, with glimpses of deer, herons, and the occasional moose. The scenery feels especially remote between Columbia Falls and Machias, where cell service fades and traffic noise disappears, what some might consider advantages of cycling in Maine. Towns along the way, such as Milbridge and Machias, are places where you will find small diners, gas stations, and grocery stops, but amenities are otherwise limited.

Farther east, the route begins to pick up the scent of the sea. Salt marshes and tidal flats appear, and stretches near Harrington and Jonesboro open into views of distant inlets and fishing wharves. The old rail bridges that cross these tidal streams make for some of the most photogenic spots on the trail, particularly at sunrise or late afternoon when the light hits the water. In this section, the sense of isolation deepens, and the rhythm of the trail falls in sync with the slower pace of Maine’s Down East coast.

Long summer days on the trail

The Down East Sunrise Trail is maintained by Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and it’s generally in good shape, though the surface can vary depending on recent weather and ATV use. Summer brings the fullest foliage and longest days, while fall turns the route into a tunnel of red and gold leaves. Spring can be muddy in places, and some sections develop ruts after heavy rain.

The biggest drawback is that certain portions can feel monotonous—miles of straight, tree-lined corridor without much change in scenery—and the gravel can become washboarded in dry spells. Dust can be an issue on busier weekends, and the remoteness means you’ll want to carry extra water and basic repair tools.

Still, from Ellsworth’s old rail yards to the quiet marshes near Ayers Junction, it’s a trail that captures the rough beauty of coastal Maine.

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