Kennebunk Bridle Path

A Trolley Line Reborn

The Kennebunk Bridle Path follows the route of the old Atlantic Shore Line Railway, an electric trolley system that once connected the beach towns of southern Maine from Kittery to Biddeford. The trolley stopped running in 1927, and the right-of-way sat unused for decades before being converted into this paved multi-use path that now serves as the main non-motorized connection between the Sea Road neighborhood and downtown Kennebunk.

The path is about a mile long, completely flat, and paved with smooth asphalt. It runs through a corridor of mature trees, past backyards and small parks, across a few residential streets, and into the village center near the shops and restaurants of Main Street. It is the kind of infrastructure that every small town wishes it had, a safe, pleasant route for walking, running, biking, and rolling that keeps you off busy roads.

For visitors, the Bridle Path offers a practical way to get from accommodations near the beaches to downtown Kennebunk without driving. For locals, it is the daily exercise route, the commute to the coffee shop, and the after-dinner stroll. The path is used year-round and maintained in all seasons.

The Walk

Starting from the Sea Road trailhead, where a small parking area provides access, the path enters a tree-lined corridor heading north toward downtown. The canopy is thick with maple, oak, and elm, providing shade in summer and a tunnel of color in fall. The path is wide enough for walkers and cyclists to pass comfortably.

The route crosses several residential streets at marked crosswalks. The traffic is light and drivers in this area are accustomed to path users. Between crossings, the path feels sheltered and private, screened from adjacent properties by trees and bushes.

The northern end of the path connects to downtown Kennebunk near the junction of Route 1 and Main Street. From here, you are steps from bookshops, restaurants, galleries, and the historic brick buildings of the village center. The Kennebunk Free Library, the First Parish Unitarian Church, and the brick storefronts of Main Street are all within a short walk.

History

The Atlantic Shore Line Railway operated from 1900 to 1927, carrying passengers between beach resorts, villages, and cities along the York County coast. At its peak, the system covered over 80 miles of track, connecting Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Sanford. The trolley was a lifeline for summer visitors and year-round residents alike.

When automobiles became dominant, the trolley system declined rapidly. The tracks were pulled up, the cars were scrapped or sold, and most of the right-of-way was abandoned. The Kennebunk Bridle Path is one of the few sections that has been preserved and repurposed, maintaining the original route through the town.

When to Go

Accessibility

The Bridle Path is one of the most accessible trails in York County. The paved surface is smooth and flat, suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and mobility devices. The street crossings are at grade with curb cuts. There are a few benches along the path for resting.

The path is also popular with joggers, dog walkers, and families with young children on bikes. During peak summer hours, it sees moderate traffic but is never crowded.

What to Bring

FAQ