Downeast Sunrise Trail Extension From Hancock To Ellsworth To Officially Open

With the new extension between Hancock and Ellsworth, the Downeast Sunrise Trail is now complete!

The $800,000 project by the Lane Construction Company will now take ATV and snowmobile riders from the current trail end on the Washington Junction Road to the Comfort Inn on High Street in Ellsworth.

The 87-mile recreational Downeast Sunrise Trail system used by both those on foot and on machine no extends from High Street in Ellsworth to Ayer's Junction in Pembroke, with many off shoots from the main trail that users can take further north and west!

“This new trail, part of Maine’s transportation network, will encourage trail users to visit Ellsworth’s local restaurants, lodging facilities, fuel stations, merchandise sales and other services,” said Commissioner David Bernhardt. “Having the trail head in the City of Ellsworth will entice tourists to visit this unique trail system. It is also is included in the East Coast Greenway which runs from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida.”

On Friday, December 2nd, there will be ceremonial ribbon cutting commemorating the opening of the new two mile section of trail. The ceremony, hosted by the Sunrise Trail Coalition, Inc. and the City of Ellsworth, will take place at the new High Street Trail head by the Comfort Inn on High Street in Ellsworth at 11:00 a.m. Both Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb and MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt will attend.

More information on the Trail can be found HERE!