Eight new segments approved for East Coast Greenway designation

Eight impactful connector segments in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia recently earned official East Coast Greenway designation, bringing this year’s total of Greenway additions to 18 segments across 11 states.

Approved by the Alliance’s Greenway Council and Board of Trustees in December, the latest additions to the East Coast Greenway (from north to south) include: 

(Note: click the trail name to view each segment on the East Coast Greenway mapping tool)

Brewer Riverwalk - Phase 3, Brewer, Maine (0.2 miles): Following this latest extension, the scenic Brewer Riverwalk runs from South Main Street north to the Penobscot Bridge. The paved 0.8-mile trail follows the eastern bank of the Penobscot River and features cross-river views of Bangor, Maine, plus amenities, including lighting, benches and access to restaurants and a children’s garden.  

Cobbosseecontee Stream Trail - Phase II, Gardiner, Maine (0.1 miles): The second phase of Gardiner, Maine’s Cobbossee Trail, the Cobbosseecontee Stream Trail connects Water Street to Arcade Street, extending a 0.4-mile, off-road connection to the Kennebec River Rail Trail, which continues north to Augusta. Once complete, it also will provide a connection to the proposed Merrymeeting Trail, an in-development, 26-mile multi-use trail linking Gardiner to Topsham and Brunswick, Maine.

Route 1 & Route 88 Intersection, Falmouth, Maine (0.1 miles): New sidepaths at this high-traffic Falmouth, Maine, intersection have created a safer way for bicyclists and pedestrians to navigate the intersection with traffic-separated facilities, designated striping and signage. These new sidepaths now provide a more comfortable active transportation connection to the popular Mackworth Island State Park. In the future, Falmouth could be connected to Portland and Auburn, Maine, via the proposed Casco Bay Trail.

Cape Cod Rail Trail, Wellfleet, Massachusetts (0.8 miles): The latest addition to the Cape Cod Rail Trail extends the popular and scenic trail north from the Lecount Hollow Road trailhead. Now 25 miles in total, the Cape Cod Rail Trail links six charming coastal Massachusetts towns, as well as two state parks with campgrounds, and is part of the East Coast Greenway’s complementary route. 

Mattapoisett Rail Trail, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts (0.7 miles): The first phase of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail (Shining Tides, Phase 1B-1) links Mattapoisett Neck Road and Reservation Road via a paved pathway and scenic bridge over the Mattapoisett River. Another 0.5 miles are currently under construction. The trail is part of the envisioned 50-mile South Coast Bikeway, which aims to link Rhode Island to Cape Cod.  

Bronx River Greenway - Starlight Park II, Bronx, N.Y. (0.7 miles): The latest phase of the Bronx River Greenway features two bridges and a 10- to 12-foot paved trail within Starlight Park. Part of the East Coast Greenway’s complementary route, this segment runs through the scenic park and connects East 174th Street with Westchester Avenue. When complete, the Bronx River Greenway will be a 10-mile linear park through the heart of one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in New York City, connecting the Bronx and Manhattan via trail.

Cobbs Creek Connector Trail - Segment D, Philadelphia, (0.3 miles): Segment D of the Cobbs Creek Connector Trail stretches from the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to 84th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in the Eastwick neighborhood. When complete, the Cobbs Creek Connector Trail will cover 2.5 miles, creating a key link in the East Coast Greenway and The Circuit Trails network in Southwest Philadelphia, connecting the Cobbs Creek Trail with the Heinz Refuge.

Chatham Bridge, Fredericksburg & Stafford County, Virginia (0.2 miles): Running along Virginia Route 3 Business in northeastern Virginia, the 1,100-foot Chatham Bridge crosses the Rappahannock River and links Fredericksburg to Stafford County, Virginia, and the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail. Nominated for a national award, the bridge was recently rebuilt with a 10-foot wide separated bike lane added on the south side.