Ride the Eastern Trail

Carole and Nancy manage the Eastern Trail, part of the multi-state East Coast Greenway, from their offices at the Pepperell Mill Campus. Photograph by Portland Headshot

Making the Eastern Trail a local favorite

Before I lived in Maine I came to this area with my family every year, and as part of that vacation, Dad and I would ride the Eastern Trail. I didn’t make the connection until I met Carole and Nancy, but seeing them at work in their office at the Pepperell Mill Campus brought all of those memories back. Check out their blog below to read a little about the great work that they are doing in our community.

Who are you and where are you from?

We are Carole Brush, Executive Director and Nancy Borg, Assistant to Exec Director of the Eastern Trail Alliance – Carole resides in Scarborough, Nancy resides in Biddeford.

Tell me a little about your business?

The Eastern Trail Alliance represents the Eastern Trail which is a 65 mile trail from Kittery, Maine to Bug Light in South Portland. We are a part of the East Coast Greenway which will eventually have a continuous trail from Key West, Florida to Calais, Maine. Our vision and goal, here in Maine, is to take the 65 miles completely off road for a safe, non-motorized trail for runners, walkers, cyclists to enjoy.

What made you choose the mill for your business?

Originally we chose the mill because of its proximity to the Eastern Trail. Biddeford is a central geographic location for the current off road sections between South Portland and Kennebunk. Now, we are so excited to be part of this great mill community, and feel part of the synergy of the various businesses and entrepreneurs now located within the mill.

How long have you been doing this?

The Eastern Trail began in 1997 as a vision of our founder, John Andrews, to create an off road multi-use bicycle and pedestrian greenway in Cumberland and York Counties by utilizing the corridor once used by Eastern Railroad that had become a gas line utility corridor.

What makes your business interesting to you?

The outdoors, the people we meet on the trail, the communities who embrace the importance having a trail system to promote fitness, wellness and peace of mind.

What makes you stand out from others in the same industry?

We are regional trail which spans 2 counties and twelve municipalities. The trail is a multi-use trail used for recreation as well as transportation. The trail is wider than most trails due to the infrastructure required by federal and state requirements.