Sanford Trails

04/17/2026

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04/17/2026

Guest trail report tonight!

A family of three, Mom, Dad and a handsome toddler were the only people we shared the trail with this evening. I thank them for chatting with me. Here is their report:

First time visitors.
Prettiest part of the trail was the bridge with surrounding birch trees.
Favorite quality of the trail, their toddler running happily around without roots and rocks to trip on.
And, from observation I think the youngest family member enjoyed the benches as well.

It was a true joy to see a family enjoying a perfect evening. For those who have not visited this trail, ample parking at the lovely trailhead on Oak Street. Maintained/owned by Three Rivers Land Trust. Native plants abound on this accessible trail that is wide and great for walking and wheelchairs.

04/13/2026

Pictures from both ends of the trail clean-up, Emery Street and School Street. It was a group effort for sure, Parks and Rec, Public Works, Sanford Trails, Mousam Way Land Trust, Sanford Clean Air and Water (if I missed you shoot me a DM). Shout out to the Sanford Trash Force for the work they are doing as well.

04/13/2026

A HUGE thank you to Strengthen Your Mind and Body Hiking Group for volunteering to help with the trail clean-up Saturday.

04/13/2026

We were overwhelmed by the amount of people who volunteered for this clean-up project! Thank you all so much.

It follows landowners sharing their concerns about the trail's condition on social media.

04/09/2026

This is not an easy post to write for the Sanford Trails.

The volunteer City committee meets once a month to discuss structural repairs, weather debris, future plans and concerns. We have been reading all the posts about a very serious issue near the Mousam Way South.

Personally, I have been fretting about tackling this topic because I don't want to see all the things that come with a post about a very difficult topic. But, I do feel that everyone who loves the City of Sanford deserves an update. Here is my best attempt to show the negative and the positive.

There are two pictures.

One is the amazing Boardwalk Trail (currently closed) that runs along the Mousam River. We heard the wildlife coming alive and saw several beautiful birds. I think most can agree this would be an amazing trail to save and preserve for all to use, birders, families and walkers.

The second picture is one of many I took along the walk. It is the current state of area. It is disheartening.

Here is where we are starting. Several committee members have been working with local landowners, the City of Sanford and Sanford Parks & Recreation to start the process of clean-up. This Saturday at 9 a.m. we have organized committee members and volunteers to get out there and begin what could be a long process!

Huge thank-you to all involved! Please don't let this discourage you from using our lovely trails. This is one trail from many miles of beautiful trails.

As always, please reach out with questions or concerns. Wave to us on Saturday if you see us out and about.

While we do respect everyone's right to free speech, we ask that your comments are profanity free and respectful. Our hope is to begin the process of taking back a beautiful trail for our community.

04/02/2026

Hello everyone!

Happy Thursday afternoon. Here is the trail report from today.

Trail: Area behind the YMCA, Marginal Way, Photo Park, toward the rail trail going to Shaw's Ridge.
Parking: Back area of the Y directly onto the trail, plenty of parking, two cars in the area.
Number in party: Two humans and two dogs.
Trail conditions: Dry, uneven ground with some roots and branches, tar in areas and even dry gravel in others.
Observations: A few items of trash and several bags of dog poo, we saw two other dog walkers from a distance. (Please note, there are no Trail P**p Fairies, so we ask that you carry in/carry out. Yes, we carried our stinky dog poo.)

04/01/2026

Photos from the mushroom experts I met on the trail today. They were foraging for wild medicinal mushrooms. These will be used in a tincture.

04/01/2026

Hello everyone!

I've seen lots of posts about safety concerns on our trails. Here is a trail report for those how have not ventured out lately...will try to keep you up to date of trail conditions.

Trail: Hanson's Ridge toward Lebanon to the McKeon Preserve.
Parking: Hanson's Ridge (5 cars at start afternoon and 4 at conclusion)
Surface: dry, flat gravel (except for a brief walk through the park)
Number in party: 1 older lady human and 1 dog
People encountered: Two mushroom foragers

03/28/2026

Is it finally spring?