West Side Trail

The West Side Trail is a multi-use trail that brings off-road single track bicycling to Yarmouth. For walkers, runners, and bikers, the trail connects neighborhoods, office parks, preserves, and public beaches. The western-most sections of this trail are universally accessible.
Trail Activity
Accessible Adventure Mountain-biking Hiking
Length
9.40 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Yarmouth
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Grass, Gravel/Crushed Stone
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The West Side Trail is a multi-use trail that brings off-road single track bicycling to Yarmouth. Offering multiple loops within each section, this multi-use walking/running/ biking trail presently stretches from the Cousins Island power plant to US-1 in the CMP power line corridor. There are also two discrete sections of universally-accessible trail to the west of US-1. 

Much of the trail is under the cover of the adjoining tree canopy, presenting a remarkably pleasant experience from what might otherwise be anticipated along a power line corridor. The trail can be accessed at any of the numerous road crossings (look for crosswalks and trail crossing signs) and parking is available at the Fels-Groves Farm Preserve on Gilman Road and at the Tyler Technologies upper parking lot on Tyler Drive. The West Side Trail is entirely within the boundaries of the Central Maine Power transmission corridor.

Recent additions to the nearly 8 miles of single track trail of the West Side Trail were built to Universal Access (UA) Standards with gentle slopes and firm gravel surface. The trail section between West Elm Street and the I-295 Park & Ride crosses railroad tracks, which may be difficult for users with certain mobility devices. This section provides a pedestrian and bicycle connection from several Yarmouth neighborhoods to the Park & Ride facility with bus service to Freeport and Portland. 

Walkers/bikers can connect the 0.6-mile UA section of trail to the rest of the trail by traveling along US-1 and Tyler Drive. As of summer 2022, trail managers are working to connect the two UA sections with more trail.

Visit Enock's Adventures at MTF Stories to read about Enock's experience using his wheelchair on the West Side Trail. 

Other Information

With dogs, walkers, mountain bikes and runners all frequenting this multi-use trail, caution and courtesy is required of everyone. Dog walkers must comply with the town’s Dog Control Ordinance, which should be consulted for current requirements and information.

Trail Manager

Visit Yarmouth Community Services online for more information or contact:

Yarmouth Community Services

Yarmouth Community Services
200 Main Street
Yarmouth ME 04096
Phone: 207-846-2406
kmacneill@yarmouth.me.us
View website

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Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails and campsites. If there's no trail, try to walk on rock, gravel, or snow and spread out so that your group doesn't create a trail.
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Trailhead Information

Parking is available at multiple points along the trail. 

For the northeasterly-most section, parking is available at Frank Harrison Middle School. Parking is also allowed along roads, except where posted with "No Parking" signs.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
lenzdb@yahoo.com
October 30, 2020
My husband and I tried this trail today. Very nice. Very well marked. Good workout. Dog owners beware- a fox went down the trail ahead of us in the Gilman Road area!
jac177
June 18, 2020
I've recently made two visits to the West Side Trail, both times our group was overwhelmed and uncomfortable by the number of mountain bikes. Repeatedly, our group felt that we were in way, too slow, and we had to step to the side or completely off the trail while the bikes passed us. This was not just one surly bicyclist, but repeated groups. As walkers we did not feel welcome. This is not a dog friendly trail either.
chasfranklin
April 14, 2020
As of 4/14/20 this trail system is closed.
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