West Side Trail

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The portion of West Side Trail from the trailhead to Gilman Road is very popular for mountain bikers, so be alert!

The West Side Trail is a multi-use singletrack trail that connects neighborhoods, office parks, preserves, and public beaches. Much of the trail is under the cover of the tree canopy adjacent to the CMP power line corridor that the route follows. The route includes ravines, rocky bluffs, and vistas to Casco Bay and the Royal River estuary. There are a few steep, rocky sections, but for the most part it is a well-groomed, meandering trail that feels isolated even though it is cutting through neighborhoods.

When heading out, at the first road crossing (Lafayette Street), make sure to follow the road to the left for a few hundred feet to find where the trail continues. At Gilman Road/Cousins Street, use the crosswalk and follow the sidewalk on the bridge across Royal River estuary to Cousins Island. The trail continues from the parking lot on the left; there is a trail kiosk marking the continuation of the trail. When hitting end of trail, the service road can be followed back to Wharf Road for a small variation (as marked on trail signs).