SCARBOROUGH — A new 1.6-mile stretch of the Eastern Trail that links Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough opened Tuesday, much to the delight of local residents, bicyclists and trail supporters.

“This is so exciting,” said Jackie Tselikis , the health coordinator for Old Orchard Beach schools, who was already thinking ahead to potential field trips to the new section. “This will be a terrific area for the students to come, for biking and hiking or even cross-country skiing in the winter.”

Tselikis was among about 40 people present for the official opening of a trail between Milliken Mills Road off Route 98 in Old Orchard Beach and the Scarborough Marsh, a popular bird-watching site. Under sunny skies, a half-dozen bike riders used the new trail to head out on a 13-mile round-trip ride to the Nonesuch River in Scarborough, while walkers meandered along the sun-dappled path toward the marsh.

“I am not only happy, I’m inspired,” said Larry Cilley , executive director of the Eastern Trail Management District. “Things like this don’t happen without inspiration and perspiration, and we’ve had plenty of both.”

The complete Eastern Trail is envisioned as an 80-mile-plus off-road path from South Portland’s Bug Light Park on Casco Bay to the Piscataqua River in Kittery. Parts of the trail, like the new section, are off-road and follow old railbeds or utility pathways, while many sections still require going along a road.

The newest section is part of a larger $3 million project to add six miles to the trail. The plan includes building a bridge to carry the trail over the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk.

Funding for the new stretch was awarded through the Maine Department of Transportation, and made possible through partnerships with local town officials and Central Maine Power Co., which owns the utility pathway.

Not long ago, the 1.6-mile section was mostly wetland, particularly in mud season, said Eastern Trail Alliance President John Andrews, a retired computer-chip designer who has led the group since its inception in 1997.

“A year ago, this trail would have required the highest Bean boots they sell,” he joked. “We’ve had this vision for 10 years. It’s a slow process, but if you are patient, you can do anything.”

Several speakers and supporters also noted the convenience of using the Eastern Trail for transportation.

“This trail is probably the most direct route from here to downtown Portland, unless you have a boat,” said Tony Barrett of Harpswell.

Barrett is a trustee for the East Coast Greenway, an effort to link pathways from Florida to Maine. “This is a great example of active transportation,” he said.Some sections, such as a link from Scarborough to South Portland, have yet to be created, Barrett said.

“We need to close the gap,” he said. “Every year we do a little bit more. It’s like connecting these little pearls.”Eastern Trail Alliance member and trustee Bruce Wakefield said the trail is a great way to meet people and get exercise.

“I just think it’s important that people get up off the couch and get outside,” he said. “This is everybody’s trail.”

Staff Writer Noel K. Gallagher can be contacted at 282-8226 or at:ngallagher@pressherald.com