New hiking trail system open to public

Posted November 2

Sun Journal

NEWRY — Inland Woods + Trails, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Bethel, in collaboration with Sunday River Resort in Newry, has opened a new 2.8-mile walking/hiking trail system at the Jordan Hotel, located at the Resort. This partnership contributes to ongoing efforts in the region to increase outdoor recreational opportunities while supporting year-round economic development and tourism in Western Maine.

“This collaboration speaks to our shared commitment to connecting our valued guests with nature while aiming to enhance their outdoor experiences and help create lasting memories in the natural beauty of Western Maine,” said Ellen Wainwright, Communications Manager for Sunday River Resort.

The new trail system includes the Beechnut Loop, approximately 1.3 miles of newly constructed, hard-packed, easier walking trail that will appeal to novice hikers or those looking for an easier hike, as well as the Jordan Loop, 1.5 miles of traditional hiking trail that includes a re-route of the trail that previously existed on the property. The Jordan Loop brings hikers to the top of Jordan Mountain with incredible views of Mount Carlo and Goose Eye Mountain from the viewing deck just below the summit.

“What excites me and my colleagues about this trail system is that it will attract a broad range of users,” said Gabe Perkins, Executive Director of Inland Woods + Trails. “Inland Woods + Trails wants everyone with a love for the outdoors to have the opportunity to experience that feeling you can only get with being in the woods. We purposely created this trail system to appeal to the most people.”

This project brings together two important contributors to outdoor recreation in Western Maine. Sunday River Resort is one of the largest alpine ski resorts in the area with 883 acres of terrain that includes 53 trails and 8 peaks. Inland Woods + Trails, who will maintain the trail system, currently stewards over 85 miles of trails in five towns throughout Oxford County, including trails for hiking and mountain biking in the summer; fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter; as well as several snowmobile trails in the Bethel Community Forest.

The trails are open to the public year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts can access the trailhead at the back of the Jordan Hotel near the firepit. Those who are not guests at the hotel are asked to please access the trail from the outside by walking around the building. For more information about the trail system, please contact Inland Woods + Trails at (207) 200-8240 or info@woodsandtrails.org.