The mission of the Waldo County Trails Coalition is to connect Waldo County communities through trails to celebrate our heritage of natural and working landscapes. Our group came together in 2011 because we wanted to build a footpath from the town of Belfast on the coast inland to Unity Maine. Completed in 2016, the 46-mile trail built entirely by volunteers, stretches nearly the length of Waldo County. The only footpaths in Maine that are longer are the Appalachian Trail and International Appalachian Trail. We envisioned a trail that would connect communities, farms and schools, and inspire people to get outside and explore the beauty of the midcoast region. We also envisioned a resource that would support environmental education, increased opportunities for outdoor exercise to support community wellness, and increased economic opportunities for businesses and private landowners along the trail. The trail passes through or borders nine towns (three town centers); connects with ten farms, several working woodlands, and at least four businesses; connects directly with three schools and a daycare center; and, traverses more than 7,000 acres of conserved land. One outgrowth of our work is the development of trails we build and maintain at five outlying schools, with more trails planned.