Maine Trails Program

What is the Maine Trails Program?

The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a statewide initiative to support the design and development of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Created by the Maine Legislature in 2024, the program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. With $30 million in state funding available through 2034, the program supports motorized, nonmotorized, and multi-use trails across Maine. Up to $7.5 million per year may be awarded to trail projects to leverage at least $3 million in public and private matching contributions. To ensure transparency and community input, the Maine Trails Advisory Committee—made up of representatives from both motorized and nonmotorized trail interests—provides guidance to the program and helps evaluate and recommend eligible projects for funding.

Goals for Maine Trails Program +

  • Trails that provide linkages with existing or planned networks.
  • Trails that serve a broad range of users.
  • Proposals that address landowners' concerns.
  • Trails that will be sustainable in relation to anticipated usage.
  • Proposals that provide accessible trails, in terms of proximity and design.
  • Proposals that enhance tourism and economic development.
  • Proposals that facilitate trail use for all ages and abilities.
  • Projects that are well planned.
  • Trails that are destination oriented.
  • Trails that further SCORP or other established planning goals.
  • Multiple use trail projects that address conflicts between user groups.
  • Proposals that have documented matching resources.
  • Projects that rehabilitate existing, well-used trails.
  • Trails that provide high levels of user safety.
  • Proposals that plan for operation and maintenance needs.
  • Projects that will last.

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Status: Accepting Applications

Application Deadline for MTP Grant Cycle: Friday, September 26, 2025 
$7.5 million dollars available. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Refer to Application Timeline & Checklist (PDF) to understand what is needed in a complete application.

Attend a Workshop to Learn More!

To help introduce how this program will work and how you can apply for this funding, a series of workshops will be held. The first of these will be virtual and are set for April 10 and 11. In person workshops across the state will be scheduled for later in April and into May to further promote the program and provide an opportunity for those interested to learn more.

  • Thursday, April 10
    • 9:30 - 11:00am
    • 3:00 - 4:30pm
    • 5:30 - 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 11 
    • 10:00am - Noon
    • 2:00 - 3:30pm

Register

For More Information

Grant Information & Application

Project Eligibility

Grants may be awarded to Municipalities, other qualified subdivisions of State Government, including executive branch departments and agencies; and Non-profit organizations under guidelines established by the Bureau of Parks and Lands as advised by the Maine Trails Advisory Committee.

Eligible projects MUST include:

  • Public Use and Access: Applications for MTP funding must ensure public access to the recreation improvements funded by the grant for the greatest duration possible.

Eligible projects may include:

  • Restoration of existing recreational trails, trailheads and trailside amenities.
  • Development of new trails, trailheads and trailside amenities. Acquisition of easements or fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors.

Allocation Requirements & Local Funding Share

The MTP grants are made on a matching basis and can fund up to 90% of eligible project costs. The balance must come from the project sponsor and can include cash and or in-kind / donated services and materials.

MTP funding must be allocated to projects according to the trail types below.

  1. 25% of MTP funds allocated to the state shall be reserved for uses related to motorized trail recreation
  2. 25% of MTP funds allocated to the state shall be reserved for uses related to non-motorized trail recreation.
  3. The remaining 50% of funds shall be used for recreational projects that facilitate diverse trail use.

How Are Grants Awarded?

While the application itself is not overly complex, attendance at one of the regional grant workshops is recommended to help answer questions about the program and the application process.

Applications must be received by the announced deadline and must contain all required material to be eligible for review / scoring and possible funding. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be evaluated by Bureau staff and the Maine Trails Advisory Committee to determine their compliance with the established state goals for the program. All applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected for funding.

Grant Application & Helpful Documents

Application Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025