The Calais Waterfront Walkway is a one and half mile trail following the route of the former Maine Central Line to the heart of downtown Calais, Maine. The railroad right of way has been transformed into a spectacular promenade, which follows the St. Croix River from the Library at Pikes Park to Todd Street and to South Street. This is the original bed of the Calais Railway (Chartered 1832), the first charter issued by the State of Maine. The Walkway's gravel surface is about 6 feet wide and of a mostly level grade, making it accessible to hikers of a wide range of abilities and challenges and wheelchair users.
Visitors can enjoy the transition from the bustle of the downtown to the tranquility several hundred feet down the trail after passing through the Main Street underpass. The historic river offers many outstanding vistas along the way. Bald Eagles scan the waters for prey from several perches located only feet from the trail. The opposite shore is St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, where a system of parks and trails is also being developed on the waterfront, and within easy walking distance via the international bridge 100 yards from the Waterfront Walkway.
Read about Accessibility Ambassador Enock Glidden's visit to the Calais Walkway in his wheelchair in MTF Stories...
Cobscook Trails Project: The Calais Walkeay is part of a larger network of hiking trails in known as Cobscook Trails. Cobscook Trails is a cooperative project of conservation landowners and community partners that seeks to expand opportunities for nature-based recreation and tourism in eastern Washington County. The group produces "Cobscook Trails: A Guide to Walking Opportunities around Cobscook Bay and Bold Coast Region", a 55 page booklet describing walks on 19 area properties. Find more information about Cobscook Trails, including how to purchase the guidebook, visit: The Cobscook Trails Project.
For more information contact:
City of CalaisTo reach the trailhead at Pikes Park, take ME-9 east to its junction with US -1. Turn right, and follow signs to downtown Calais. The road becomes North Street, and the park is on the waterfront.
There are no dedicated ADA parking spaces, but the lot is paved and entirely on level with the trail.
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