HOULTON, Maine — Building a local trailhead is the first step in expanding a southern Aroostook town’s outdoor economy and infrastructure, according to planners.
As part of a multi-year outdoor economic development initiative, the Houlton Rotary is asking for community input on developing a trailhead that will add an access point to northern Maine’s thousands of interconnected snowmobile and ATV trails.
“Outdoor recreation is already a significant driver of economic activity in Aroostook County. Snowmobilers and ATV riders routinely travel in groups, often from outside the immediate area, and they typically spend money on fuel, food, lodging, supplies, and repairs,” Rotary president-elect Johanna Johnston said.
The initiative is part of a broader regional focus to boost the outdoor recreation infrastructure across southern Aroostook and neighboring Penobscot and Washington counties. Island Falls and Patten are already tackling outdoor trails projects.
The club will host a public forum March 11 to bring together riders, residents, businesses, snowmobile clubs and regional partners for a community-driven conversation about the effort. The meeting is the first step to determine whether the community wants to pursue the project and how it might take shape, Johnston said.
The group wants to explore adding value to Houlton’s existing system and complement what other communities are already doing, not duplicate or detract from their efforts. Ultimately, outdoor recreation works best as a regional strategy, and this conversation fits within that broader mindset, she said.
“This is not about competing with neighboring communities. In fact, strong regional outdoor hubs benefit one another,” Johnston said. “Aroostook County’s trail network is interconnected, and when multiple communities invest in accessibility and amenities, it enhances the overall experience for riders and visitors throughout the region.”
A clearly identified, well-designed trailhead provides a safe and organized entry point into the trail system, along with signage that helps direct riders toward local businesses and services, Johnston said.
While no single project guarantees overnight growth, communities across Maine have seen that improving infrastructure around existing trail systems strengthens their ability to capture visitor spending that might otherwise pass them by, she said.
“This effort is about positioning Houlton to better participate in an outdoor economy that is already active in our region and doing so in a thoughtful, community-informed way,” she said.
Of course, any future connection would require coordination and partnership with local trail clubs and stakeholders, according to Johnston.
“That’s part of why this public conversation is so important.” she said.
Johnston said there are areas in Houlton that appear promising for a trailhead from an access and connectivity standpoint, but nothing has been selected or finalized at this stage.
There are several considerations figuring into the decision, including proximity to existing trail connections, safe and practical access for trailers, impact on surrounding neighborhoods, environmental considerations, willingness of property owners and the cost and long-term sustainability, she said.
“Property owner interest and affordability will absolutely be key components of any future consideration,” Johnston said. “We are committed to being thoughtful, responsible and transparent as we evaluate potential options.”
Under current Rotary president Josh McLaughlin, the club set a goal of launching a project that would leave a lasting legacy. A multi-use trailhead aligns with that vision because it focuses on infrastructure that can serve residents and visitors for years to come, Johnston said.
As far as funding, Rotary has been setting aside a portion of money raised each year for a larger project. Although the venture would require additional funding beyond Rotary, several state and regional grant programs support outdoor recreation infrastructure, trail connectivity and economic development.
The club wants to explore those opportunities, she said.
“We are fortunate to have strong community expertise to lean on, including Nancy Ketch, community development director for the town of Houlton, acting town manager and longtime Rotarian,” Johnston said. “Her experience in grant writing and project development will be an asset as we evaluate feasibility and potential funding pathways.”
The trailhead public forum is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the Community Arts Center, Houlton Middle High School.
