‘This is the long view’: Gabe Perkins’ ambitious vision for Bethel’s trail future

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • July 5, 2026

Gabe Perkins is pursuing an ambitious vision for Bethel as a recreation mecca: connecting Greenwood’s Mt. Abram Ski Area and Bike Park to Newry’s Sunday River Resort through a roughly 13-mile corridor of year-round recreation. The proposed route would create a recreational spine linking Greenwood, Newry and Bethel. Along the way, Perkins imagines additions — both practical and playful — perhaps a sledding hill, or even a snowmobile-powered shuttle to move visitors along the route in winter. For Perkins, the concept is bigger than a trail. “It’s a state of mind,” he said.