WILLOW CREEK — ATV riders will have expanded access to Willow Creek this spring under a new trail agreement that connects town roads to the statewide Interconnected Trail System, opening a corridor that tourism officials believe could bring a significant new visitor demographic to town.
The agreement, negotiated by the Recreation Commission and approved by the Board of Selectmen, designates 8 miles of town-owned road right-of-way and two bridge crossings as ATV-accessible routes, linking the existing snowmobile trail network to the ITS corridor. The connection allows riders traveling from Canada and southern Maine to pass through Willow Creek without detouring onto state highways.
First Selectman Arthur Pendelton said the town worked with the Maine Department of Conservation and the Aroostook County ATV Club to ensure the routes avoid residential areas.
“We are not opening Main Street to ATV traffic,” Pendelton said. “These are designated routes on the perimeter of town — river road, the old logging spur, the mill access road. Riders come in, they can gas up at Boucher’s, grab a meal, and get back on the trail without disturbing anyone’s quiet afternoon.”
Randy Boucher, whose Irving station is the only fuel stop on the new route, said he has already seen an increase in ATV traffic during the winter months when snow conditions limit snowmobile use.
“Those guys ride year-round,” Boucher said. “They burn gas, they buy snacks, and they’re usually traveling in groups of four to six. A group of ATV riders spends more at my store than a snowmobiler does — they’re not pulling a trailer, so they need to buy everything on the road.”
The expanded access was opposed by some residents who raised concerns about noise and safety, particularly on the River Road segment that passes near the boat launch.
The tourism committee has budgeted $2,500 for new wayfinding signage to direct riders to the fuel stop and downtown businesses.
ATV traffic is expected to increase significantly when the extended trail network opens in April.