The Eastern Trail (ET) is a great opportunity for some longer, off-road running in southern Maine. The overall vision is a 65-mile off-road trail between Kittery and Portland. As of early 2025, most of the completed off-road part of the trail is the 28 miles between Kennebunk and Portland. The trail is primarily gravel surface, 10 feet wide, and is well-signed. Terrain is mainly wooded Notes: Trail not maintained in winter. Updated February 2025.

The excellent brochure provides detailed maps of the route, both for completed sections and connections to roads. The most complete sections of the ET are between Kennebunk and Biddeford, from Saco to Scarborough, and in South Portland.  A 1.6 mile gap between Blackpoint Rd. in Scarborough and Wainright Sports Complex in S. Portland is being developed, which would result in a 16-mile continuous off-road section. Below is a description of the most developed and scenic some sections of the trail for running (headed north, with mile indicators):

Kittery to Kennebunbk. Mile 0 to Mile 37.2.   From Kennebunk Elementary School (parking lot, 0.25 mile connector to trail) it’s 6.2 miles headed north. Mainly wooded, with a couple of ponds and a bridge.This first 37 miles of trail are almost entirely on-road. There are some nice sections off the trail along the ‘scenic byway’ along Main St./River Rd. to South Eliot.

Kennebunk to Biddeford. Mile 37.2 to Mile 42.8.   From Kennebunk Elementary School (parking lot, 0.25 mile connector to trail) it’s 6.2 miles headed north. Mainly wooded, with a couple of ponds and a bridge.

  • 4.8-mile on-road section between Biddeford and Saco

Saco to Scarborough. Mile 47.6 to Mile 55.8.  Starting at Thornton Academy off Clark St. (parking lot), it’s 7.8 miles off-road to Scarborough, where the trail ends just south of Black Point Rd. Great section for 2.5 miles through marshlands — the largest salt marsh in Maine (starts at approx. mile 51). Spur trails to Old Orchard Beach Area.

  • 4-mile on-road section north of Scarborough. A 1.6 mile gap between Blackpoint Rd. in Scarborough and Wainright Sports Complex in S. Portland is being developed.

South Portland. Mile 59.8-Mile 65.2. Paved section for 5.4 miles from Wainright Sports Complex to Bug Light. Great section along Casco Bay. This section of trail is also called the South Portland Greenbelt Pathway.