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This trail was originally developed as a route for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. It is also a good ride for anyone with a little mountain bike handling experience, because of sandy and rutted sections. The state, along with local user groups, are actively working together to improve the trail. A trestle has been re-decked and the surface of the trail may already have been improved. The grade is gentle, yet runs through Maine’s western hill country. The trail passes through dense forest, meadows, wetlands and across several streams. Watch for beaver activity along the trail. It also passes through the backyards of small communities and the sites of old rail stations. It is an exceptionally beautiful ride during fall foliage season! You can access the trail at many different points and make the ride as long as you want. There are picnic areas along the way and services in the towns you pass through.
History: The trail is an abandoned railbed of the Maine Central Railroad which served manufacturing plants in the area. During World War I, the Maine Central participated in the war effort by forwarding Canadian troop trains over its line. Because the United States was neutral at that time, this practice was illegal and was loudly protested by Germany. A lone German army lieutenant was sent to try to stop them. He walked up to the Maine Central's St. Croix River bridge on the U.S. Canadian border and proceeded to wire it with explosives. Luckily he was apprehended before he could blow it up. Shortly after the war competition from automobiles and trucks began to shrink growth and many routes and services were discontinued and abandoned. In 1980, the line was sold. The Jay to Farmington corridor came under the management of the Maine Department of Conservation in 1982, after snowmobile riders around the state showed a strong interest in the abandoned corridor. The trail is now used by a wide range of users.
For more information: ME Bureau of Parks and Recreation Phone: (207) 287-4958
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