Inland Woods, Pine Ridge Trails

This moderately hilly trail system is recouping after losing acreage to a solar array at the top of the ridge. Bike enthusiasts are hard at work constructing more trails, allowing for a long meander in this woodland tucked away between the airport runway and busy Waterville streets.

I’ve added a summer 2025 map from the Portland Press Herald below to show recent trail construction at the site. While there are a few trail signs, the trails are mostly unblazed, and it’s helpful to head out with a map or map app.

The network can be accessed via two main trailheads: one near the dog park at the end of Norman Street and one at the back of the hospital secreted away behind a shed. From this latter trailhead, you’ll start by walking uphill to the top of the ridge. In about 0.4 miles, you’ll begin to see glittering solar panels and you might see or hear small planes landing or taking off from the nearby airport. One of the paths follows the edge of the field for about 0.6 miles in a southerly direction, toward Rummels Field and the dog park. Other paths head back to the hospital down the hill to make small loops, all under a mile.

If you head toward Rummels Field, you can do longer loops through the forest, crossing a few boardwalks set up for bicycles. Again, from the dog park to the solar array, you’ll be walking up a moderate hill.

The walking overall is moderate, with rocks, roots, and occasional muddy sections — the usual Maine woods fare! I enjoyed the cairn sculptures.

More trails coming…

Directions: You can find one trailhead at Rummels Field and the Waterville dog park, at the end of Norman Street. You can also park at the hospital trailhead. After turning into the hospital from Route 11 (Kennedy Memorial Drive), you should make your way to the back corner lot, in the southeast end of the hospital campus. Tucked behind a shed is the trailhead kiosk, maps, and other information.