Information on Lisbon's Trail System

Submitted by  Justin                  Posted as submitted



Q: What is the Lisbon Trail System?

A: The Lisbon Trail System is the result of 10 years dedicated volunteer and community involvement.  The physical trail exists as one length and as many different features.  The 5 miles of trail feature local downtown trail heads, rural farm land, deeply wooded forest, exceptional river views and linked to area schools.

Sabatus River from trail in October.

 Q: Who are involved in building this trail system?

A: Local community support and local government as well as participants from away have built this trail system.   Lisbon citizens have always provided the key to the success of this trail. success being continued use and interest in maintenance as well as identifying enhancements.  Trail commission volunteers surveying participants have noticed over 50% of people using the trail are from out of town.  The Lisbon Trail Commission is a 7 person commission that holds public meetings every fourth Wednesday at the town offices, 7pm to 9pm.

Q: Where are the different sections of trail?

A: The most northerly terminus is located at the Webster St. bridge in Lisbon Village.  Continuing .5 miles south on Upland Rd. you reach Ricker Farm Trail.  At the corner of Upland and Mill rd. the Ricker Farm Trail traverses .75 miles of farm land dotted by 25 red maples.  After one road crossing and entering into the Lisbon Community School entrance you reach the Paper Mill Trail.  This highly used section of trail winds through deeply wooded forest along the Sabatuss River.  Exceptional river views are seen the entire length.  At the parking lot and boat launch this trail continues under the bridge and south along the Androscoggin River ending in Lisbon Falls.  Construction of this final section is possible with monies awarded by the Maine DOT.  A November 3rd Vote on Bond Question 1 will approve the acceptance of this money. 

Q: When will the entire Lisbon Trail System be completed?

A: It is feasible to have completed construction of all sections of trail within a few years.  The commission has received a
grant for 1.3 million to complete the trail and needs to raise $320,000 for match. Once this match is approved by Lisbon citizens, the trail can be completed.  It is possible to raise additional funds to decrease the amount Lisbon will match.  This opportunity will become available to us with the support of the Lisbon community.  

Q: Why has Lisbon been supportive of a trail that links every section of Lisbon? 

A: Many people use trails for recreation and to stay fit.  Many people use trails as a family meeting place.  Many people use the trail as a way to experience Lisbon's many characteristics unavailable by car. And some believe that it is a attraction to people from other areas or to people passing through town.  An attraction such as a trail serves to connect people to a community and what a community offers to them.  A trail is more than a road and more than place from A to B.  A trail is a place where you come back to time and time again to experience your life the way you like to see it, and you always welcome others to walk along with you.  

Another October trail photo.