Bad Little Trail Run

Save the Date!

6th Annual Bad Little Trail Run
Sept 24th, 2023

Join Downeast Coastal Conservancy and Bold Coast Runners and wind through the woods and along the river in this trail running event through the Machias River Preserve to celebrate conservation in our community and help raise awareness for the protection of Downeast Maine’s wild places.  The Bad Little Trail Run is named from the Passamaquoddy word “Machias” meaning Bad Little Falls in reference to the falls on the Machias river.

Both races start and end in Whitneyville, followed by post-race awards and our traditional potluck food and drinks.  Your race entry fees include participation in either the 7.9 mile run or 2.5 mile run/walk as well as the post-race celebrations and awards.

Course Descriptions:​ NEW courses for 2023

Both races start and finish on the multi-use Downeast Sunrise Trail adjacent to the access parking lot in Whitneyville.  After about 1/4 mile on the wide and level gravel trail you cross the Machias River on the old railroad bridge where the two course split. Please read accordingly below.

The 2.5 mile runners and walkers  follow the Sunrise Trail for about 3/4 mile to the Homestead trail. Make a Left onto the Homestead trail climbing up to the old Homestead site. The trail is a narrow twisting, undulating and sometimes muddy and slippery, but well maintained, mile of single track. A left onto the trail and the bridge gives you a 1/4 mile sprint back to the Finish.

The 7 mile runners After about 1/4 mile on the wide and level gravel trail you cross the Machias River on the old railroad bridge and make a sharp left turn into the woods on the Homestead Trail – a narrow twisting, undulating and sometimes muddy and slippery, but well maintained, mile of single track.  After climbing to near the site of the old homestead the trail drops quickly back to the Sunrise trail. Turn left off the 0.7 mile Homestead Trail onto the Sunrise Trail  After about a 1/2mile you turn left onto the NEW Munson Pitch Trail. This single track trail twists and winds through mossy spruce fir thickets slowly climbing up to the Court Street parking lot. Following the flags through the parking lot you bear left  and pass your self serve water station. This single track trail descends quickly (just under a mile) to the Machias river.  Be careful of the bog bridging on the way down and along the river as it can be extremely slippery when wet.  Follow the trail upstream (to the right) alongside the river – with one short hilly section inland to avoid some riverside cliffs! There are a few grassy sections with hidden roots and a few mud holes to enjoy if it’s been wet. After 2.5mi miles along the river you turn RIGHT onto the Sunrise trail, quickly turn left and after about 50ft of Sunrise Trail turn right on the Homestead trail. Following the Homestead trail in reverse (from the beginning) takes you back to to the sunrise trail and a quick right onto the Sunrise trail and the bridge gives you a 1/4 mile sprint back to the Finish.

Both courses are marked with blue surveyors flags which you should keep on your right at all times.  Where there are no turns you may see the odd flag for reassurance, but if you come to a cluster of flags it means “pay attention” – there is a turn or junction.