Tomorrow is National Walking Day, so let’s take a stroll down a few of our favorite rail trails. Asa and I love rail trails because they tend to be flat and easy on the paws; straight so you can see everything ahead and behind you, with no surprises; and wide so that even on a busy day there is plenty of space to walk. If you’d like to learn more about any of our recommendations, click on the highlighted names. At each of these dog friendly rail trails, dogs must be on-leash, and as always please clean up after them.

Clipper City Rail Trail, Newburyport, MA: This approximately 3 mile out and back trail begins at the MBTA commuter rail station and winds its way through an industrial area, abuts quaint neighborhoods, and leads to the waterfront. From there you can follow the trail left to Cashman Park or right to enjoy the Harborwalk along the Merrimack River. Along the way there is public art, as well as historic markers describing the railway, including a whistle-stop campaign speech by Teddy Roosevelt in 1912.

Belfast Rail Trail, Belfast, ME: Also known as the Passy Rail Trail, because of the Passagassawaukeag River it follows. This is an easy 2.3 miles walk one way. The trail follows the former route of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad, along the way you will see historic landmarks including remnants of both the shipbuilding and train industries, cross over a picturesque trestle bridge, with scenic river views throughout the entire route.

Sanford to Springvale Rail Trail, Sanford, ME: The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail runs from the Lebanon town line to Springvale, and passes through Sanford, Maine. Following the former corridor of the old Portland to Worcester rail line, this 6 miles one way trail is a straight, flat walk through forest and neighborhoods, with scenic views of Deering Pond.  Along the trail there are also smaller paths including the Glenn K. Wildes Wildflower Trail and the Deering Pond Hall Environmental Reserve Trail. 

Eastern Trail Kennebunk to Biddeford, Kennebunk, ME: The Kennebunk to Biddeford section of the Eastern Trail offers 6 miles of scenic easy walking. Winding along former sections of the Eastern Railroad, this trail takes you past wooded vistas, over rivers, and interestingly enough over the Maine Turnpike on a footbridge!  Not recommended for skittish dogs, it offers a unique perspective of the Interstate 95 traffic rushing below.