Hikers can now enjoy a new trail system of roughly three miles near Maine’s Sunday River Resort.
The Maine conservation group Inland Woods and Trails collaborated with the resort in Newry, Maine, to recently open a new 2.8-mile trail system, which begins at the resort’s Jordan Hotel.
The new trail system includes the Beechnut Loop, approximately 1.3 miles of newly constructed, hard-packed walking trail ideal for novice hikers or those looking for an easier hike, as well as the Jordan Loop, 1.5 miles of traditional hiking trail that includes a re-route of the trail that previously existed on the property.
The Jordan Loop brings hikers to the top of Jordan Mountain, which features beautiful views of Mount Carlo and Goose Eye Mountain from the viewing deck just below the summit.
A section of the new hiking trail system on Maine’s Jordan Mountain. (Inland Woods + Trails Photo)
“What excites me and my colleagues about this trail system is that it will attract a broad range of users,” said Gabe Perkins, Executive Director of Inland Woods and Trails. “Inland Woods and Trails wants everyone with a love for the outdoors to have the opportunity to experience that feeling you can only get with being in the woods. We purposely created this trail system to appeal to the most people.”
Inland Woods and Trails, who will maintain the trail system, currently stewards over 85 miles of trails in five towns throughout Oxford County, including trails for hiking and mountain biking in the summer; fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter; and several snowmobile trails in the Bethel Community Forest.
The trails are open to the public year-round. Hikers can access the trailhead at the back of the Jordan Hotel near the firepit. Those who are not guests at the hotel are asked to access the trail from the outside by walking around the building.
A map of the Jordan Mountain trail network in Newry, Maine. (Inland Woods + Trails)