If there is one trail that almost every family in the Sebago Lake region should know about, it’s the Mountain Division Trail.
Stretching through several communities in southern Maine, the Mountain Division Trail follows the route of a historic railroad corridor and provides one of the easiest ways for families to get outside together. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, teaching a child to ride a bike, going for a morning walk, running, rollerblading, or simply looking for a safe place to enjoy fresh air, this trail offers something for nearly everyone.
What makes the Mountain Division Trail especially unique is that it contains the only paved recreation path in the Sebago Lake region. For parents with young children, that alone makes it a local gem.
💌 Stay Connected with Local Family Fun
Love discovering places like this? Subscribe to the Lake Region Kids Calendar newsletter and get weekly updates on local events, kid-friendly trails, and family activities around the Sebago Lake region — delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday morning.
Best Section for Families
While the Mountain Division Trail extends well beyond this area, the most family-friendly section is the approximately 4.5-mile paved portion connecting Windham and Gorham.
Families typically access this section from:
Gambo Road Trailhead (Windham) or Shaw Park (Gorham)
This paved segment is ideal for:
- Strollers
- Balance bikes
- Bicycles
- Scooters
- Rollerblades
- Running
- Walking
- Wheelchairs and mobility devices
Unlike many local trails that involve roots, rocks, mud, or uneven terrain, the paved surface allows families with children of all ages to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about difficult trail conditions.
Trail Experience
The Mountain Division Trail offers a completely different experience from other walking paths or a hiking trail.
Instead of climbing hills or navigating rugged terrain, the trail provides a long, uninterrupted path through forests, wetlands, fields, and small community connections. The gentle grades left behind by the former railroad make it easy for nearly anyone to enjoy.
Families can choose a short stroll or turn their outing into a longer adventure. Because the trail is mostly flat, kids often find they can walk, bike, or scooter much farther than they would on a traditional hiking trail.
Along the route you’ll find:
- Wooded scenery
- Wetland views
- Wildlife habitat
- Historic railroad features
- Benches and rest areas in some locations
- Wide open stretches perfect for biking and running
The trail is beautiful year-round and is especially popular during spring, summer, and fall.
Why This Trail Matters
The Mountain Division Trail is more than just a recreation path. It serves as an important transportation and recreation corridor that connects communities throughout the region. Every day, hundreds of people use the trail for exercise, commuting, walking dogs, biking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
The trail provides a safe place away from vehicle traffic where residents can stay active while enjoying Maine’s natural beauty.
For families, it creates opportunities for children to build confidence on bikes, explore nature, and spend time outside without needing to travel far from home.
As the region continues to grow, trails like the Mountain Division Trail become increasingly important pieces of community infrastructure that support healthy lifestyles and connect neighboring towns.
Future Expansion
One of the most exciting aspects of the Mountain Division Trail is that work continues to expand and improve the corridor.
Community organizations, volunteers, municipalities, and trail advocates have spent years working toward the long-term vision of extending the trail farther west through additional communities while improving access and connectivity along existing sections.
Each new section helps create more opportunities for recreation, active transportation, and outdoor access throughout southern Maine.
The ongoing expansion effort ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from this incredible community resource.
Community Events
The Mountain Division Trail has become more than just a place to walk or bike. It has also become a gathering place for the community.
Throughout the year, local organizations host trail cleanups, educational events, group walks, bike rides, and family-friendly celebrations along the corridor.
One of the most popular annual events is Chalk the Trail, where families, students, artists, and community members fill sections of the trail with colorful artwork and encouraging messages.
You can learn more about this year’s event here: Chalk the Trail 2026
The event highlights exactly what makes the Mountain Division Trail so special — bringing people together outdoors.
Trail Details
Location: Windham, Gorham, Standish, and surrounding communities
Best Family Access Points: Gambo Road (Windham) and Shaw Park (Gorham)
Surface: Paved (family-friendly section), with additional gravel sections elsewhere
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Rail trail / multi-use recreation path
Uses: Walking, biking, running, rollerblading, strollers, dog walking, and commuting
Stroller Friendly: Yes — one of the best stroller-friendly outdoor destinations in the Sebago Lake region
Wheelchair Accessible: Portions of the paved trail are accessible
Restrooms: Seasonal facilities may be available at nearby parks
Parking: Available at multiple trailheads including Gambo Road and Shaw Park
Tips for Families
Ages: Perfect for toddlers through adults.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, helmets for riders, and snacks if planning a longer outing.
Bikes & Scooters: The paved surface makes this one of the best places in the region for young riders.
Strollers: Standard strollers work well throughout the paved section.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and evenings tend to be quieter during the summer months.
Why Families Love It
The Mountain Division Trail makes getting outside feel easy. Parents appreciate the smooth paved surface, kids love the freedom to ride bikes and scooters, and everyone benefits from having a safe place to move their bodies outdoors.
For families with strollers, young riders, grandparents, or anyone looking for an accessible outdoor adventure, there really isn’t another trail quite like it in the Sebago Lake region.
It’s simple, scenic, free to use, and available year-round — which is exactly why so many local families return again and again.
See It For Yourself
Whether you’re taking your baby’s first stroller walk, helping a child learn to ride a bike, training for a race, or simply looking for an easy outdoor outing, the Mountain Division Trail offers one of the best family-friendly experiences anywhere in the Sebago Lake region.
With continued expansion, strong community support, and thousands of users enjoying it every year, the Mountain Division Trail remains one of the area’s most valuable outdoor resources.
Read More:
- Family Friendly Trails in Windham, ME
- Stroller-Friendly Nature Trails Near Sebago Lake
- Family Friendly Trails in Gorham, ME
- 30 Free Things to Do With Kids This Spring
- Family Friendly Trails in Standish, ME
Leave a Reply