Wide open trails
Exploring Maine’s growing network of accessible trails
The Rhoda and Lee Cohen Trail.
By Raine Raynor
Courtesy images, unless otherwise noted
There’s nothing better than a day on the trail when Maine’s scenic woods and waters—rather than troublesome terrain— are the highlight of your hike. Accessible trails allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the great outdoors, including people using wheelchairs, pushing strollers or recovering from injuries.
What makes a trail accessible? Starting at the entrance, look for accessible parking and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)– compliant structures, such as visitor centers and restrooms. Gates and bollards with narrow openings can prevent wheelchair users from accessing the trail.
Along the trail, 36 inches is an adequate path width for one wheelchair, or 32 inches in exceptional conditions where a wider path is impossible. A 60-inch width will allow two wheelchair users to pass each other and for everyone to hike side by side. Regular resting intervals and gradual slopes also allow people of varying mobility levels to enjoy the trail.
Materials matter, too: The trail’s surface should be pavement, packed soil, crushed gravel or another firm, stable material. However, be aware that accessible trails may present potential slipping hazards from natural materials such as leaves, ice and snow.
Knowing information on trail accessibility measures can help you plan a smooth hike. The following are a few of our favorite accessible trails throughout the state. All trails are free and petfriendly, except where noted.
Back Cove Trail, Portland. PHOTO: MICHAEL RICHARD
Back Cove Trail
PORTLAND
3.6-MILE LOOP EASY
GRAVEL, PAVEMENT
This 3.6 mile loop provides views of the Portland skyline over the city’s Back Cove. The trail connects to the Eastern Promenade Trail (a paved path that follows the waterfront into downtown Portland) and the Bayside Trail (a paved path that connects to the Bayside neighborhood). A portion of the Back Cove Trail is also adjacent to Baxter Boulevard, which turns into a pedestrian-only street during summer Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 2026 dates are May 3 to September 27. Paths are crushed stone and pavement along a mostly flat elevation. Benches, water fountains, and portable toilets are available en route.
Birdsacre Sanctuary, Ellsworth
Birdsacre
ELLSWORTH
6-MILE NETWORK
EASY-MODERATE
DIRT, ROCK, BOARDWALK
The Birdsacre Sanctuary is a memorial to Victorian ornithologist Cordelia Stanwood and includes a network of interconnecting trails, educational ambassador bird enclosures, Nature Center, and the Stanwood Homestead Museum. A 540-foot wooden boardwalk circles behind the Amabassador bird zone, a quiet, pet-free area. The Pinkham Path is a gently sloping crushed stone and forest floor path ranging from 2.5 feet to 4 feet wide. Access to the Pinkham Path begins at the upper parking area. The Boardwalk begins at the base of a slight hill behind the Nature Center. The Main Entrance is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Deerfield Road entrance provides trail access and parking from dawn to dusk. Dogs are welcome on all trails, except at the birds’ part of the Sanctuary.
Fort Kent Riverside Trail System
FORT KENT
3.6-MILE NETWORK
EASY-MODERATE
GRAVEL, PAVEMENT
This downtown Fort Kent trail network winds along the Saint John and Fish Rivers, showcasing scenic woods and historic sites. The network’s Riverside West Trail and Riverside Park Loop are paved, fully accessible trails. Sights along the Riverside West Trail include the historic Fort Kent Blockhouse and America’s First Mile Monument on US-1. The Riverside South trail is an accessible hardpacked gravel trail; however, as the trail receives frequent use, be cautious of rough surfaces. Other trails in the network are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Sanford Community Forest All Persons Nature Trail, Sanford
Sanford Community Forest All Persons Nature Trail
SANFORD
0.38-MILE OUT-AND-BACK TRAIL
EASY
CRUSHED GRAVEL
The All Persons Nature Trail is a wheelchair-accessible trail designed to help people of all ages and abilities experience the woods at the Sanford Community Forest. The 2,000-foot trail features a compacted crushed aggregate surface and mostly gentle grades of 5% or less, with benches placed along the way for resting and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. The trail winds through forest and native plantings to an accessible picnic area and outdoor gathering space. Pets are permitted with leash. An accessible portable toilet is available at the trailhead from late spring through fall.
Greenbelt Walkway
SOUTH PORTLAND
5.6 MILES
EASY
PAVEMENT
This 5.6-mile off-road path is a segment in the Eastern Trail, the entirety of which is built to ADA standards. The Greenbelt Walkway is also a designated segment for the East Coast Greenway, a project that aims to span the entire East Coast from Key West to Calais. Thirty-inch spaced bollards at entrances keep out motorized vehicles while allowing access for wheelchair users. The Greenbelt Walkway winds through wetlands, marshes and woods, as well as several residential neighborhoods, connecting the Wainwright Athletic Complex to Bug Light Park, a 9-acre waterfront park where picnic facilities can also be found. Note: use caution at curb ramps, as some do not have detectable warning plates.
6 Kennebec River Rail Trail
AUGUSTA, FARMINGDALE, GARDINER, HALLOWELL
6.5 MILES
EASY-MODERATE
PAVEMENT
This trail follows a historic rail line, passing through several Maine towns along the way. Multiple access points along the trail provide abundant parking opportunities. The trail is 10 feet wide for its entirety and has gentle, gradual hills. Stopping points include scenic views of the Kennebec River and a wooden bridge overlooking a waterfall. Annual marathons, half-marathons, and 5Ks are hosted by the Friends of Kennebec River Rail Trail.
Ocean Path, Acadia National Park
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
2.2 MILES
EASY
GRAVEL
The smoothest and flattest section of Ocean Path is a ¾-mile stretch between Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, where the booming sound of crashing waves provide the name. The remainder of Ocean Path is mostly wheelchair accessible with occasional rocky or bumpy moments. Abundant parking lots can be found between Sand Beach and Otter Point. Other accessible paths in Acadia National Park include Jesup and Hemlock Paths, the eastern side of the Jordan Pond Path, Ship Harbor Trail and Schooner Head Path. National Park entrance fee required.
Orono Bog Walk
ORONO
1 MILE LOOP
EASY
BOARDWALK
FACEBOOK.COM/ORONOBOGBOARDWALK
Starting at the Bangor City Forest, this 1-mile loop trail passes through the Orono Bog, providing a chance to experience peatland ecosystems up close. The 4-footwide boardwalk is wheelchair accessible (wheelchair available for use), with benches placed every 200 feet. To protect the wetland biodiversity, trail users must always remain on the boardwalk and refrain from running, cycling or collecting plants. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Open May 1 through late November.
The Rhoda and Lee Cohen River Trail, Damariscotta
The Rhoda and Lee Cohen River Trail
DAMARISCOTTA
0.6-0.8 MILE ROUNDTRIP
EASY
CRUSHED STONE
COASTALRIVERS.ORG/OUR-WORK/ACCESSIBLE-TRAILS
This short trail winds along the Damariscotta River connecting Round Top Farm, Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site and Twin Villages Foodbank Farm. At 8 feet wide, the packed stone dust is wide enough to walk side by side and firm enough to support bikes, strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. Several benches provide restful spots to enjoy the river views. Van accessible parking is available at both Round Top Farm and Whaleback. For a nearby shaded trail (.35 miles out and back), visit the newly opened Castner Brook Community Forest.
10 Rockland Harbor Trail
ROCKLAND
3.5 MILES
EASY
GRAVEL, PAVEMENT, BOARDWALK
This waterfront trail connects downtown Rockland with the working waterfront. Along the way, explore public parks, harbor views, and the city’s arts and culture. There is a quarter-mile boardwalk from Sandy Beach to Harbor Park, near the public pier. The flat, 12-foot-wide boardwalk provides plenty of space for strollers, wheelchairs and others with mobility devices.
Webhannet Marsh Trail, Wells
Webhannet Marsh Trail
WELLS
.3-MILE NETWORK
EASY
GRAVEL
This short but scenic trail is a popular spot for birders. Expect to see shorebirds, waders, ducks and geese; yellowrumped warblers also can be found in fall and winter. The 6-foot-wide trail includes no steps or ramps and is adjacent to an accessible public dock at Wells Harbor. Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Bicycles and pets are allowed.
