More than 18 miles of new trails are planned for the region
A trail project in Maine’s Katahdin region was recently awarded $1.25 million in grants to add more than 18 miles of new trails in the communities of Millinocket, Patten, and Island Falls.
The nonprofit group the Outdoor Sport Institute (OSI), based in Millinocket, was awarded the federal and state grants to expand non-motorized trail systems throughout the region, supporting the area’s growing outdoor recreation economy and enhancing its position as a premier trail destination.
The funding includes a $1 million award from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and a $250,000 grant from the State of Maine’s Maine Trails Program (MTP). With matching funds, the total project investment will reach $1,276,480.
“These awards are the result of more than a decade of community partnership building and continuous investments in professional planning, design, and construction,” said Mike Smith, OSI Executive Director. “This project will attract private investment, support local workforce development, and expand world-class trail experiences for both residents and visitors. Most of all, it will support and enhance a quality of life in these communities that’s rooted in the outdoors.”
Project Overview
The multi-year project, spanning 2026 to 2028, will deliver more than 18 miles of natural surface, non-motorized trails across northern Penobscot, and southern Aroostook counties. Work will be completed by the OSI Katahdin Region Trail Crew and professional contractors.
The project includes four distinct trail systems within the Katahdin Area Trails (KAT) network:
Hammond Ridge Trail System
More than 4.5 miles of singletrack will be added to this destination trail system, including technical shared-use trails, beginner-friendly flow trails, and advanced bike-only gravity trails originating from the Knife Edge Brewery trailhead at New England Outdoor Center.
Millinocket Community Trail System
Trails extending from Katahdin Pride Park will be expanded and rehabilitated to improve community access between schools and local neighborhoods.
Peavey Brook Outdoor Center Trail System
More than 3.5 miles of new singletrack will be added to this growing trail system established by the Elliotsville Foundation near Patten and Mount Chase, including beginner loops, bike-only gravity trails, and technical shared-use trails offering a remote backcountry experience.
Pleasant Pond Trail System
In partnership with the town of Island Falls, an entirely new trail system will be established on town-owned working forest land, featuring trails for hikers, runners, mountain bikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
The NBRC funding was part of the commission’s fall 2025 competitive round, which awarded $37.2 million to 59 projects across Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The grants support infrastructure improvements, tourism development, and economic revitalization in rural communities throughout the Northern Border region.
“This project builds on extensive planning and community engagement to position the Katahdin Region as a destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts from across the country,” added Steve Kasacek, OSI Trail Development Director. “While these trails will serve the region’s communities and economy, we hope the Katahdin Area Trails initiative as a whole can inspire investment in community-based trails across the state.”
