Welcome!

At the Maine Trails Coalition, we believe a great trail network should be sustainable, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. We don’t just advocate for trails, we help build the community partnerships that make them possible. By prioritizing active listening, diverse perspectives, and creative collaboration, we bridge the gaps between different trail users, whether they are riding machines or horses, plying our rivers and shores, or hiking or biking trails.

No matter your age, experience, or physical ability, there is a place for you on Maine's trails. In an increasingly fast-paced, screen-dominated world, we believe access to these natural spaces isn't just a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for everyone, a perspective shared deeply by our partners and supporters.

MTC's Strategies

The Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) was formed in 2019 to champion the development, maintenance, and connection of a robust, statewide trail network. We believe that trails are far more than recreational paths—they are vital pieces of public infrastructure that directly transform Maine’s public health, drive local economies, build climate resilience, and elevate community well-being. Together, we put our collective passion to work utilizing these strategies:

1. Team-based work: Operating intentionally with a lean, part-time staff, MTC relies on a powerful cadre of collaborative volunteers, regional partners, and local trail clubs to advance our collective goals.  
2. Regional collaboration & resource sharing: Breaking down organizational silos to connect trail stewards, builders, and users with the expertise they need through working groups, training opportunities, and convening.
3. Public awareness & engagement campaigns: Educating the public and community leaders on the irreplaceable value of sustainable trail systems. 
4. Advocacy and Coalition Building: Strengthening the voice of Maine’s trail community by building relationships with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to ensure trails remain a funding and policy priority.

Our Teams

MTC drives statewide impact through four key volunteer teams composed of our Leadership Group, local trail clubs, land trusts, municipal leaders, and nonprofit partners. Together, we transform local trail stewardship into a unified statewide movement.​

• The Maine Trails Program Working Group: Supports the state-administered Maine Trails Program and other funding opportunities by delivering accessible technical assistance and guidance to local trail groups.
  
• The Trail Skills & Industry Team: Networks with partners to share, promote, and develop professional workforce training and skill-building opportunities across the region.
  
• The Trails for Transportation Team: Convenes leaders from Maine’s flagship trail corridors to share resources, explore interconnection opportunities, support new trail initiatives, and collaborate directly with the Maine Department of Transportation.
  
• The Convening & Coalition Building Team: Builds strategic relationships with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to ensure sustainable trail networks remain a top funding and policy priority for the state.
  
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