Photo by Scott Prokop
Maine is home of some of the most beautiful scenery in the New England area, however it’s mostly recognized by it’s coastline filled with brilliant light houses and lobster boats speckled through the ocean waters. But let’s go deeper into Maine. Let’s dig into the thick, green, lush Maine woods… see, what you’re missing out on is the lakes and wilderness, the log cabins and fresh water streams, and the wildlife that ranges from our massive bull moose population, or our infamous white tailed deer. An old family friend of ours once said “Anyone can cruise the coastline, but if you haven’t traveled a dirt road in Maine, you’ve never been on an adventure”, and boys was he right. Now, wouldn’t it be nice to pile on an ATV or snowmobile, with a group of friends, and ride until the sun sets? Allow me to introduce you to the Sunrise Trail.
The Sunrise Trail used to be known as the Calais Branch railroad corridor. It was a 127 mile long railroad track that connected Calais to Brewer. After business potential for freight travel failed in 1987, the Maine DOT purchased the railroad. In 2005 and along with Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Governor Baldacci signed a trail maintenance and travel plan. This would allow construction of 87 miles of the track between Ellsworth and Ayers Junction, to be ATV & Snowmobile friendly, as well as biking, walking, skiing, and horseback riding. There were debates. Oh yes, several debates. Many people hated to see a part of Maine’s History destroyed to allow for a transportation trail. It was hated by some, and loved by many. But the fact still remained that it was no longer a working railroad track, and it could be transformed into a usable and enjoyed recreation. The Sunrise Trail was born.
The Sunrise Trail provides great opportunities for winter sports including cross country skiing and snowmobiling. For more information and updates on the Sunrise Trail visit the Hancock County Planning Commission’s Web site at hcpcme.org/transportation/sunrise
Now, when word got out that the Sunrise Trail was created, the recreational vehicle lovers were in their glory. How exciting that there was a new trail, designed specifically for them, that could allow a nice day ride with a bunch of friends. Word traveled fast, and now there’s not one day that goes by, where the trail is not busy with the sound of atv’s, snowmobiles, or bicycles. If you was to pick one spot on the trail, and just sit… you wouldn’t have to wait long before you heard the roar of a group of good friends piled on their 4-wheelers for a sunny spring days ride. Let me clarify for you, the only section of the Sunrise Trail that is open to recreation is the stretch from Whitneyville east to Ayers Junction in Pembroke. The trail west of Whitneyville is currently under construction. But enough description and fact sharing… lets discuss riding!
All winter long, my friends would meet to take a snowmobile ride along the trail. Up until now, it wasn’t easy to ride your snowmobile around the downeast area, because you were pretty limited. Many people would go to Nicatous for the weekend where they could ride the trails there, but now we have the Sunrise Trail, so there is less driving by vehicle, and more riding our Polaris’s! There’s a mechanic in every pack. That Mr. Fix-it-all who can repair parts on your machine in a 10 minute pit stop. There is usually always a part break, and a repair on every days trip. The great thing is you’re with your friends, no one is left behind. The entire group will sit and wait for you to be on the road again. While the men all stand around discussing the spark plugs, the women are laughing and joking about last night’s supper, or the kids and the homework. It’s truly a fun filled day.
Do you own a 4-wheeler? Do you and your friends love to ride? I know of many groups of my friends who take advantage of the Sunrise Trail. It doesn’t get much better than a cooler packed with lunch, and a full tank of gas, and a group of happy couples piled on an ATV for a day’s ride. You can meet at many places for parking along the trail. Many people park on the Dyke in Machias and start their rides there. If you like to ride, and you have friends that like to ride, I encourage you to enjoy this new recreational Sunrise Trail. Spring is here, and it’s mud season. I will speak for the hundreds of riders that ask you not to disrupt the track. This was given to us for free usage. Don’t abuse the trail, don’t litter, and don’t ride unsafe. Remember, along with the snowmobilers and 4-wheelers, are pedestrians on foot, and on bikes. Strap on your helmet, strap on your smile, and enjoy a dust flying, scenery enjoying, bugs in your teeth ride… Enjoy our Sunrise Trail!
