For Immediate Release
Contact: Charles Corliss
Maine Department of Conservation
charlie.corliss@maine.gov
(207) 546-2730

The Down East Sunrise Trail is officially opened for winter use today for the entire 85 miles. The trail will remain open while there is sufficient snow cover for snowmobiles and cross country skiing. All terrain vehicles are not permitted to use the trail at this time.

Winter users are encouraged to access the trail at locations between Washington Junction in the Town of Hancock and Ayers Junction in the town of Pembroke. A map of trail heads is available at www.sunrisetrail.org.

Gasoline and food are available at several locations along the trail, including:

• Mile Post 11 at the Franklin Trading Post for food and fuel
• Mile Post 29½ for food at the North Street Café in Cherryfield
• Mile Post 37½ for food and fuel at the Harrington Irving Station
• Mile Post 58½ for food, fuel, lodge and other services in Machias
• Mile Post 62½ for food and fuel at Archibald's in East Machias

Be warned that there are no services on the trail east of East Machias. However, a snowmobile trail extends 5 miles east of Ayers Junction to Perry where gas is available.

The Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center and the Narraguagus Snowmobile Club proudly present a first for Down East Maine  -  the Andy Santerre Down East Snow Ride, Banquet and Auction, featuring Cherryfield native and NASCAR 2002-2005 Busch North Series Champion Andy Santerre, on Saturday February 27, 2010.  Proceeds from the event will benefit both organizations. 

Details are available about the trail opening and the Andy Santerry Down East Snow Ride at www.sunrisetrail.org. Photos of winter recreation are available on this website or in higher resolution from Jim Fisher, Hancock County Planning Commission.