It’s a Maine Thing - Hezzy’s Sidewalk Talk

Twenty years ago when we lived in Ellsworth the sound twice a day of the freight train that clicked and clacked along the tracks was a predictable event that stirred emotions for all of those who lived there. Some people loathed the intrusive sound of the whistle and clatter. The fumes from the diesel engine that lingered in the air for a period of time were bothersome to others. The pesky railroad crossings were another nuisance. However, others romanticized the sounds and vibrations as each train passed through the small, Maine city as the train was headed to other destinations east or west of town. We fell into that category so when the last train passed through the city in 1985 we were sad as a piece of rail and social history was coming to an end in Downeast Maine.

Another generation of townies has come along since the last train ambled through town, and a new use has evolved for the former tracks in Ellsworth and points east, as well as similar tracks that have been abandoned throughout Maine. After 15 years of planning and developing support for the project, the State of Maine is ready to begin work rehabilitating the former Calais branch rail line, turning the 87 mile inactive trail bed into the Down East Sunrise Trail. This ambitious project will be overseen by the Maine Department of Conservation and will be the 12th and longest rail trail created in Maine. The Downeast Sunrise Trail will go from Ellsworth to the Washington County town of Ayers Junction with the 87 miles stretching through woods, mountainous areas, blueberry country, bogs & wetlands and towns. There will be stopover points for camping in Public Reserve Land as well as links to coastal and inland towns that offer B&B’s and other lodging.

As with other existing rail trails throughout the state, this one will be open to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts from ATV riders, equestrians to bicyclists, skiers and hikers. This is going to be a wonderful opportunity for slower travelers to go a good distance through the Maine woods while meandering through some of our country’s last unspoiled space. We are so fortunate to have the development of projects like this throughout Maine.

Beginning this summer the rails and cross-ties will be removed from the abandoned line and the rail trail bed will be rebuilt to railroad standards where needed. (On a recent bike ride to Schoodic Mountain in Franklin from Ellsworth we discovered a number of places where the bridges are washed out or have fallen into disrepair. Knowing that the bridges will be rebuilt to such standards is reassuring.) As a funding mechanism the state plans to recycle or resell the steel rails that will be removed from the rail bed, earmarking that money toward the project for creating the pathway. One key element to the project is obtaining cost estimates from contractors and finding out whether the revenue from the steel rails will cover the project’s expenses. Judging by the current market prices being paid for recycled steel, the project should be self-funding as soon as construction begins. A huge challenge will be working with contractors who have the equipment available to them to be able to haul materials to and from the sites as some of the rail trail is in fairly remote areas.

Our friend, Bill Ceckler of Hancock, is vice president of the Sunrise Trail Coalition and one of the original visionaries for this ambitious project. The Sunrise Trail Coalition has been working patiently over the past 15 years to make this section of Maine’s trail rail system a reality. “The idea is that we’ll have the job done by this fall,” Ceckler said. “I think it’s just great. We really can’t wait to get out there and give it a try.” Besides being open to snowmobilers and ATV riders, the trail will be open to hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers. Initially there was concern of making this a multi-use trail, but similar multiuse trails in Canada and elsewhere have shown that the uses are compatible and that the trails provide an economic boost to the communities they pass through. Jim Fisher, a planner with the Hancock County Planning Commission, has worked closely with the coalition in their efforts to get the project approved. He understands the economic advantages and aspects that the creation of this trail will be bring to eastern Hancock and Washington County and is working with small business and communities in these areas to help create economic opportunities near the trail.

Details regarding how to connect the trail through Ellsworth is still in the works. That particular section of the trail will run parallel to the train tracks between Washington Junction and Ellsworth’s city area. The rails between Washington Junction and Brewer will be left in place to be used for seasonal use as a tourist excursion scenic train, Downeast Scenic Railroad, a project that is also in the works. The Downeast Scenic Railroad undertaking is similar in vain to the excursion train that runs from Rockland, Maine and points south daily during the summer months.

This ambitious project is very exciting for those in Downeast Maine and who understand and respect the intrinsic beauty of the area. The Downeast Sunrise Trail is yet another remarkable legacy where another generation of Mainers had the vision and ambition to create a recreational opportunity with all Mainers in mind to use and share with others. We applaud all of those who have had a hand in this project. Can’t wait for our first bike-ride or ski along the new trail rail.