2025 Builders Recap
Our second year in operations as a non-profit organization deepened our roots in restoration. Through working with our regions diverse terrain, we maintained, built and restored 5.04 miles of midcoast trails.
Georges Highland Path - Restoration
The project resulted in the construction of approximately 0.5 miles of new sustainable trail, bypassing a chronically wet, beaver-influenced corridor while preserving the scenic and rugged character that defines the Midcoast’s only thru-trail.
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Project goals included:
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Eliminating persistent erosion
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Protecting sensitive wetland ecosystems
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Improving year-round trail usability
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Reducing long-term maintenance needs
The new alignment has already proven resilient through multiple seasons, improving hydrologic flow and restoring safe access along the trail.
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Project Metrics
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Total labor hours: 814
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Total project days: 30
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Volunteer days: 8
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Volunteers engaged: 47
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Volunteer hours: 185
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In-kind volunteer value: $6,436
Funding and support came from:
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Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund
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American Trails
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Maine Mountain Bike Trail Fund
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Georges River Land Trust
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Midcoast Trails Stewardship
Additional partners included:
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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District
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Camden National Bank
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Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative
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Mountain Sea Expeditions
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Midcoast Chapter of NEMBA
Northern Boundary Trail
Over the past decade, the Thomaston Town Forest network has become the cornerstone of the Midcoast riding community. Its accessible trail design has introduced countless new riders to the sport and has served as the region’s primary on-ramp for youth riders, families, and beginners. As that user base has grown, so has the demand for more dynamic trails that allow riders to progress their skills. The Northern Boundary Project represents the natural next step—expanding the system with progressive terrain, while remaining connected to the welcoming foundation established at Thomaston.
The full project will create 4.5 miles of purpose-built singletrack, including four directional, bike-only downhill trails paired with an efficient climbing route; introducing purpose-built mountain bike trails that elevate the riding experience and create a destination-quality system for the region. The regional impact is significant by linking two established trail systems—the Thomaston Town Forest and the Rockland Bog—into a cohesive regional network.
The first downhill line and climbing trail were successfully completed in June 2025, demonstrating strong community support, excellent terrain suitability, and effective collaboration between partners.
Phase 2, proposed for 2026, will construct approximately 2.5 miles of trail to complete the exterior loop and develop a signature river overlook along the Oyster River corridor. This work will formalize and sustainably upgrade existing corridors into durable, well-drained, and clearly signed multi-use trails. The loop will not only expand recreational opportunity but also serve as a key segment of a long-planned off-road corridor supporting adaptive mountain biking and gravel travel routes connecting ten rural communities.
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Funding was provided through the Maine Mountain Bike Trail Fund and supported by MTS Volunteer Crew.
Education and Workforce Development
A core goal of Midcoast Trails Stewardship is to develop the next generation of trail professionals and land stewards.
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In 2025 we hosted volunteer trail days, educational workshops, and hands-on training opportunities for community members and youth organizations.
Working with the Sundog Outdoor Leadership Initiative, students participated in trail construction and stewardship activities that introduced them to conservation careers.
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MTS also partnered with the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District and Georges River Land Trust to host a public Trail Ecology Workshop focused on sustainable trail construction in sensitive environments, invasive species management, and native plant restoration.
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Our collaboration with the Midcoast School of Technology Outdoor Leadership Program continued to grow, providing field-based training opportunities for students. One graduate of the program successfully transitioned into employment with the Town of Camden’s newly formed trail crew, demonstrating the value of a regional workforce pipeline in conservation and recreation infrastructure.