The Elliotsville Foundation, Inc. is set to develop an 84-mile mountain bike trail system on a 10,000-acre property in Piscataquis County, Maine. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Maine features Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Piscataquis County, which spans 3,960 square miles, is the second-largest county in Maine but has the lowest population, with just over 17,000 residents. This region is home to some of the state’s most rugged wilderness, including the famous Hundred-Mile Wilderness.
A New Mountain Biking Opportunity
The planned trail system will provide a significant new opportunity for mountain biking in this sparsely populated area. Lucas St. Clair, President of the Elliotsville Foundation, noted that while there are many hiking trails available, options for mountain biking are limited. “I love to bike and do a lot of mountain biking,” he said. St. Clair observed how communities across the country have improved their trail systems, making them more accessible and diverse in skill levels. He wants to replicate that success in Maine.
Recognizing the positive impact of mountain bike trails nationwide, St. Clair decided to lead the effort to create bike-friendly trails on EFI lands in Maine. This project is called the “7 Ponds Preserve” and is being developed on land owned by the foundation.
Initial Trail Development Underway
A demonstration project has already been completed to give locals a preview of what the trails will offer. IMBA Trail Solutions has constructed about 1.5 miles of easy trails for public use. “This is just a real entry point for folks,” said St. Clair.
Although only a small portion of the trail system is finished, planning has been ongoing with IMBA for several years. This project could become one of the most ambitious trail-building efforts on the East Coast.
The planned trails will primarily feature cross-country styles with gradual climbs and descents. The goal is to accommodate various skill levels so that even beginners can feel comfortable riding them. The property offers ample elevation changes—estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 feet—which will allow for scenic views along the trails.
Timeline And Funding Challenges
Expanding from 1.5 miles to a full 84 miles will take time, and St. Clair cannot provide a specific completion date yet. He anticipates having a significant amount of rideable trails ready within two years and aims for over a dozen miles by year three.
St. Clair referenced an old saying among riders: they are willing to travel as far as it takes to find quality trails equivalent to how many hours they can ride. If successful, 7 Ponds Preserve could attract mountain bikers from across the eastern United States and Canada.
Funding will play a crucial role in determining how quickly this project progresses. Currently, EFI is self-funding but lacks a large enough budget to complete everything quickly. St. Clair hopes to demonstrate the trail’s potential and attract partners for additional funding support.
There is also a $30 million trail bond on this year’s ballot that could provide financial assistance if approved by voters.
While it is still early in development, the future looks promising for the 7 Ponds Preserve project. With an endowment supporting extensive land ownership and long-term trail construction plans, this initiative could significantly enhance mountain biking access in Maine and inspire similar projects across the country.
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