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Project cost: $50,000
Inland Woods + Trails is looking to raise $50,000 to upgrade the Community Access Trail System (CATS) from Vernon Street in Bethel through the wetland heading toward Mount Abram which has had drainage issue for several years. A donor has very generously pledged $10,000 to boost our efforts in getting this very important project funded and completed this summer.
Background
When Inland Woods + Trails was originally established as Mahoosuc Pathways, a foundational goal was to connect Sunday River ski area to Bethel Village and nearby Mt Abram in Greenwood through a system of multi-use, year-round trails. In 2022, IWT opened the CATS between Mt. Abram and Bethel Village and has continued to construct portions of the CATS in the Bethel Community Forest which lies between Bethel Village and Sunday River Resort. CATS was identified in the Main St to the Mountains plan as a high priority project central to IWT’s mission and is the literal backbone of shared-use recreation in the region. This trail provides important connectivity options for the greater community (towns of Bethel, Newry, and Greenwood) which as collaborators will help draw people to the area as a unique recreational opportunity in Western Maine often seen in other parts of the state.
The Project
Despite finally making the connection from Bethel Village to Mount Abram in 2022, the final thousand or so feet of route connecting the woods roads and Vernon Street has needed improvements due to heavy rain fall over the past several years, and the trail was soon after flooded by Kendall Brook. It has not been rideable or walkable since 2023. The situation was only made worse by the loss of the bridge over Kendall Brook in Spring 2025. While the roads below Mt Abram are in pretty good shape, it is not possible to connect to the greater trail network in Bethel from the CATS Trail.
IWT has permission from the landowner to raise up the trail, install culverts, lay down gravel, and replace the bridge with one that is suitable for walking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.
How You Can Help
Become a Volunteer!
Support Them by Making a Donation!