Blazing New Trails: A Look Back at 2024

At the Maine Trails Coalition, 2024 was a year of big wins, heartfelt transitions, and powerful momentum. As trail lovers, advocates, and partners, we’ve come together in remarkable ways, proving once again that when communities unite around a shared purpose, incredible things can happen.

This past year brought a major milestone with the passage of the $30 million Maine Trails Bond. In November, voters overwhelmingly approved this initiative to expand and improve trail infrastructure across the state. What makes this so exciting isn’t just the funding itself, but what it represents: broad, bipartisan support for a future where trails play a central role in recreation, transportation, tourism, and public health. We saw endorsements from over 500 towns, businesses, and organizations, and polling showed that 74% of Mainers backed the bond. That’s a resounding affirmation of our collective work.

2024 was also a year of change and appreciation. After six years of dedicated service, our longtime coordinators, Carrie Kinne and Gabe Perkins, passed the baton. Their passion and leadership have been at the heart of this coalition from the beginning. While they are stepping down from their formal leadership roles, they remain deeply involved in the work. We’re incredibly grateful for all they’ve done—and continue to do—to strengthen Maine’s trail network.

We also brought back something special this year: the Maine Trails Statewide Gathering. Held in Winthrop at the YMCA Camp of Maine, it was a day full of connection and inspiration. More than 80 trail stewards, advocates, and community leaders came together to share ideas, learn from each other, and re-energize for the road ahead. One standout session was a powerful presentation on equity and inclusion in trail work, led by Angelique Bitshilualua of Portland Trails. Conversations like that remind us why inclusive access to the outdoors matters.

June brought the third annual Love Maine Trails Month, and the enthusiasm was off the charts. Across the state, more than 35 organizations and community groups hosted 78 events, everything from volunteer trail days to stewardship workshops. Altogether, over 3,000 hours of volunteer labor were logged, improving nearly 60 miles of trail and even building new paths. That’s more than just numbers. It’s people showing up, getting their hands dirty, and investing in Maine’s future, one trail at a time.

Behind the scenes, our Trail Until Rail Working Group laid the groundwork for some exciting developments. Focused on repurposing unused rail corridors for trail use, the team spent 2024 collaborating, aligning strategy, and building legislative momentum. Several key bills are expected to be introduced in 2025, and we’re ready to advocate hard for them. It’s been a year of prep—but next year promises to be a breakthrough.

All of this was made possible by a solid financial foundation. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we brought in over $86,000 in donations and grants this year and directed those funds right back into programs and people. That includes our passionate staff, our trail projects, and our capacity to dream even bigger.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re building a new leadership structure and refreshing our strategic plan. Our goal? To grow stronger, connect more communities, and be the spark that drives lasting change. We believe the future of Maine’s trails is bright—and we’re committed to helping it shine.

If you’ve been part of this journey already—thank you. And if you’re just discovering us, welcome! Whether you want to volunteer, donate, attend an event, or simply spread the word, there’s a place for you in this movement.

Let’s keep blazing new trails. Together.

To get involved, visit www.mainetrailscoalition.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook  @MaineTrailsCoalition.