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| Loon Echo Land Trust has been awarded a $142,000 grant by the Maine Trails Program \to support continued development of mountain bike-optimized trails at Rolfe Hill Forest in Casco. Project construction is planned for later this year by the land trust. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
The grant will support continued development of mountain bike–optimized trails at Rolfe Hill Forest in Casco, with construction planned for 2026.
Rolfe Hill Forest is a 400-acre conserved property that was acquired by LELT in early 2024 following a successful multi-year fundraising effort. Located in an area facing increasing development pressure, the conservation of Rolfe Hill ensures permanent public access to a landscape with exceptional recreational and ecological value.
LELT began trail development in fall 2025, partnering with Mt. Abram Trails to construct a 0.7-mile downhill flow trail. Funded through a combination of private donations and a grant from the Maine Mountain Bike Trail Fund, the trail is slated to open in spring 2026 and represents the first piece of the planned trail network. Rolfe Hill has a long history of public access for recreation and hunting and hosts the “Que 5” snowmobile and ATV trail.
The newly awarded Maine Trails Program funding will allow LELT to expand the system by approximately 2.5 additional miles, including a loop designed to adaptive bike standards and two additional downhill bike trails. LELT has already secured the required local match through generous community support and is planning complementary infrastructure improvements, including expanded parking to accommodate increased visitation.
“This project reflects years of planning, fundraising, and community collaboration,” said Matt Markot, Executive Director of LELT. “We’re excited to keep building high-quality trails that welcome a range of mountain bike riders while demonstrating what’s possible when public investment and community-based philanthropy work together. The Maine Trails Program is a powerful example of what Mainers can accomplish together, and continued public support will be key to bringing this trail system to life.”
Additional donations are welcome and will help ensure that these trails are completed to a high standard, remain accessible to a wide range of users, and deliver the full community, health, and economic benefits envisioned for the Rolfe Hill Forest. Donations can be made online at LELT.org/rolfe-hill.
Rolfe Hill Forest sits within a larger network of publicly accessible, privately-owned forestland in Casco and was identified in the town’s Open Space Plan as an area of high recreational and ecological importance. Its conservation and thoughtful trail development will provide lasting benefits for residents and visitors, offering close-to-home outdoor recreation for generations to come. The forest is also a beloved destination for deer hunters in the fall. Mountain bike trails at Rolfe Hill will be closed during future deer hunts to allow for this tradition to continue.
Construction on the next phase of trails is expected to begin in 2026. More information about Rolfe Hill Forest and opportunities to support trail development can be found at lelt.org/rolfe-hill.
About Loon Echo Land Trust
Founded in 1987, Loon Echo Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that protects land, ensures public access to the outdoors, and builds and maintains recreational trails in Raymond, Casco, Naples, Harrison, Sebago, Bridgton, and Denmark. The organization currently conserves more than 9,300 acres of land and manages a 35-mile trail network across the Lake Region. LELT protects many important local landmarks like Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate Mountain, Raymond Community Forest and Hacker’s Hill.
For more details about LELT properties, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit LELT.org or their Facebook page. <
“This project reflects years of planning, fundraising, and community collaboration,” said Matt Markot, Executive Director of LELT. “We’re excited to keep building high-quality trails that welcome a range of mountain bike riders while demonstrating what’s possible when public investment and community-based philanthropy work together. The Maine Trails Program is a powerful example of what Mainers can accomplish together, and continued public support will be key to bringing this trail system to life.”
Additional donations are welcome and will help ensure that these trails are completed to a high standard, remain accessible to a wide range of users, and deliver the full community, health, and economic benefits envisioned for the Rolfe Hill Forest. Donations can be made online at LELT.org/rolfe-hill.
Rolfe Hill Forest sits within a larger network of publicly accessible, privately-owned forestland in Casco and was identified in the town’s Open Space Plan as an area of high recreational and ecological importance. Its conservation and thoughtful trail development will provide lasting benefits for residents and visitors, offering close-to-home outdoor recreation for generations to come. The forest is also a beloved destination for deer hunters in the fall. Mountain bike trails at Rolfe Hill will be closed during future deer hunts to allow for this tradition to continue.
Construction on the next phase of trails is expected to begin in 2026. More information about Rolfe Hill Forest and opportunities to support trail development can be found at lelt.org/rolfe-hill.
About Loon Echo Land Trust
Founded in 1987, Loon Echo Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that protects land, ensures public access to the outdoors, and builds and maintains recreational trails in Raymond, Casco, Naples, Harrison, Sebago, Bridgton, and Denmark. The organization currently conserves more than 9,300 acres of land and manages a 35-mile trail network across the Lake Region. LELT protects many important local landmarks like Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate Mountain, Raymond Community Forest and Hacker’s Hill.
For more details about LELT properties, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit LELT.org or their Facebook page. <
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