Trails & Public Access
Trails and public access to outdoor recreation are essential to the health of Maine’s environment, local economies, and quality of life. Through policy advocacy, partnerships, and public engagement, NRCM works to identify collaborative, community-based solutions that invest in maintenance and expansion of trails, expand public access, and support our growing outdoor recreation industry.
Latest in Trails & Public access
Access to the outdoors is an important part of Maine’s way of life. Trails open up opportunity for exploration, and a wide range of recreational uses can be encouraged to ensure everyone has a way to explore and enjoy this place we love.
NRCM collaborates with local recreation groups as well as statewide organizations like Maine Outdoor Brands and the Maine Trails Coalition to open up opportunities for a wide range of recreational uses, including.
Investing in Trails Statewide
Maine’s trail systems—used for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, paddling, skiing, and walking—are critical public assets. Trails support:
- Outdoor tourism and local businesses
- Community health and wellness
- Access to conserved lands and waters
- Stewardship and appreciation of Maine’s natural resources
The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a key funding source for trail planning, construction, and improvement across the state. The Program was established after voters approved a first-ever Maine Trails Bond in 2024, supported by more than 520 towns, organizations, businesses, and clubs. The $30 million in state funding available through 2034 will also help catalyze local economic development.
Supporting Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy
We partner with Maine’s outdoor recreation community to support a wide range of recreation opportunities, encourage job growth, and invest in our local communities.
Maine Outdoor Brands and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation lead work statewide and have developed Maine’s 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap to guide thinking about the next ten years of Maine’s $3.3B (and growing) outdoor recreation industry. It identifies trends, challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth and diversification of the outdoor recreation economy.