KENNEBEC JOURNAL • March 29, 2021
A trail system linking town landmarks is in preliminary stages, which could spark a project that has been billed as potentially “transformative” for the town. Chris Riley, president of the Central Maine chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association, said the demand for trails is “through the roof” currently, which would make the Manchester trail system proposal a “viable project.” Trails could increase property values, bring more visitors to town, reduce strain on other trails like Vaughan Woods in Hallowell, and provide tangible health benefits. John Daigle, professor of forest recreation management at UMaine, said the biggest thing to keep in mind for trails is keeping them maintained properly after they are built.