Bad Little Trail Run - 8mile

Bad Little Trail Run - 8mile Run and 2.5mile run/walk

The Bad Little Trail Run takes place on 27 September 2026 in Whitneyville, Maine, centered on the Machias River Preserve and the Downeast Sunrise Trail. Runners choose between two distances:

• 8 Miles
• 2.5 Miles run or walk

Both courses start and finish on the Downeast Sunrise Trail next to the Whitneyville access parking lot. After a short stretch on wide, level gravel the route crosses the Machias River on an old railroad bridge and the courses separate. The Homestead Trail is a narrow, twisting, undulating singletrack about one mile long; it can be muddy and slippery at times but is maintained. The 8 mile course continues on singletrack sections including the Heritage Trail and the Munson Pitch Trail, passes through mossy spruce fir thickets and grassy sections with occasional hidden roots and mud holes, and follows the Machias River for several miles. Runners rejoin the Sunrise Trail for the final approach to the finish.

Courses are marked with blue surveyor flags; runners are instructed to keep flags on the right. Race entries include a finisher gift, post race awards, a post race BBQ and potluck, a raffle for a RunningWarehouse gift certificate valued at $100, and age group awards for top finishers. Entry fees are $25 for the 8 mile race and $20 for the 2.5 mile run or walk; higher day of event fees apply and day of registration is limited. Washington County youth may run for free; organizers provide details. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.