Could you share best bike rides in Maine?

Lighthouses, lobsters, L.L. Bean ... Maine may be renowned for these things, but we’re confident that its miles of multiuse trails belong on this list as well. Teams of visionary and devoted trail advocates across the state have created plenty of these amazing experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

As Portland native Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote:

Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.

Let us, then! Labor to get the bikes or cross-county skis on the car, and don’t forget to wait and see what that chickadee or dancing fall foliage will do next. Here are just 10 of our favorite trails in Maine.

County: Cumberland

At the heart of the Portland trails system, the 3.6-mile Back Cove Trail provides a wonderfully accessible route all the way around the city’s tidal basin. With a hard-packed gravel surface and plenty of room for users of all ages and abilities, the trail is the perfect place to take your little one’s training wheels off. You can leisurely watch the sun come up over the city or get in a strenuous evening workout. The pathway also offers connections to several other greenspaces, so you can extend your experience on the Eastern Promenade Trail, Bayside Trail or in Payson Park.

County: Aroostook

Second only to the Down East Sunrise Trail on our list in terms of length, the Bangor and Aroostook Trail offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilds of Maine’s far northeast corner. Running 63 gravel miles along the old corridors of its namesake railroad, the trail forms an upside down “Y.”

At the northern end in Van Buren, just across the St. John River from New Brunswick, Canada, you’ll find a statue commemorating many of Maine’s official things: a moose, a Maine Coon cat, chickadees, a landlocked salmon and, of course, a can of Moxie (a soda created in the state in 1876). ATV riders enjoy and maintain the trail, so you’re likely to pass a few of them on your journey. One thing to keep in mind is that the trail may prove a challenge in mud season.

County: Waldo

Since opening in 2016, the Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag—or the “Passy Rail Trail” as it’s colloquially known—has been delighting visitors across all four seasons. With a flat, hard-packed granite surface, the trail provides a serene 2.2-mile escape along the Passagassawaukeag River, named by the native Penobscot people.

Enjoy the quiet of the forested bedrock cuts and stand on the trestle bridge watching the tides rush under your feet. The trail also connects downtown Belfast to the City Point Central Railroad Museum, where visitors can see the old train cars up close and learn about the history of the region.

Note: Per the museum’s website, scenic train rides are normally available from the Belfast museum, but during summer and fall 2021 they are only available from the depot in Unity, about 20 miles north of the trail.

County: Washington

Laying claim to the first trail mile of the East Coast Greenway (or last, depending on your direction of travel), the well-maintained Calais Waterfront Walkway runs along the banks of the beautiful St. Croix River across from St. Stephens in New Brunswick, Canada. You’ll find plenty of benches to enjoy the view, which often includes bald eagles snatching a meal from the water.

Although only 1.5 miles long, the flat, gravel route packs in plenty of scenic beauty along the old route of the Calais Railway, chartered in 1832 (just 12 years after Maine gained independence from Massachusetts).

Counties: Hancock, Washington

Stretching 87 miles along the old corridor of Maine Central Railroad’s Calais Branch, the Down East Sunrise Trail is the longest off-road section of the East Coast Greenway and could be the highlight of your whole trip. Travel through peaceful forests, bogs teeming with wildlife and welcoming villages.

While the trail is well-maintained, the weather should always be considered before setting out; the trail, like others in the region, is closed during mud season. A more leisurely, paved rail-with-trail experience can be found just north of its western end on the 1.6-mile Ellsworth Trail.

County: Cumberland

The Eastern Trail, another of Maine’s East Coast Greenway components, is a beloved multiuse pathway that is being developed to connect communities along a 65-mile corridor from the New Hampshire border in Kittery to Bug Light Park in South Portland. Today, 22 of those miles are open in safe, off-road sections, like the trail through beautiful Scarborough Marsh. In the nearby Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, you can learn about the surrounding wildlife or rent kayaks.

The last 5-mile section of the trail—which leads to Bug Light, a historical lighthouse on the Portland Harbor—is known locally as the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway and passes by the site of a Lovell Arms factory that produced 10,000 “Lovell Diamond” bicycles a year at its peak in the late 1890s.

County: Kennebec

On the Kennebec River Rail Trail, you’ll travel right alongside the disused but still visible tracks of the old Kennebec and Portland Railroad that was completed in 1851. And the pleasantly flat, winding trip provides plenty of opportunities to stop and take in river views and explore the charming downtowns of Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner.

The 6.5-mile trail is also a key link in the Maine Trails Coalition’s Maine Rail-Trail Plan, a vision which would see about 250 new miles of interconnected trails built around the state.

Counties: Cumberland, Oxford

Envisioned as a 52-mile multiuse pathway from Portland to Fryeburg on the New Hampshire border, the Mountain Division Trail is currently open in two sections totaling 10 miles and is enjoyed by users of all ages and abilities throughout the year. It serves as the backbone of a growing bicycle and pedestrian culture in the area and is a wonderful example of what rail-trails are all about: safe, enjoyable connections to communities and access to nature. As you travel the tree-lined route, keep an eye out for many species of birds, including small eastern blue birds with their beautiful, iridescent plumage.

County: Franklin

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2021, the Narrow Gauge Pathway, also known as the Carrabassett River Trail, rolls 5.4 miles along the Carrabassett River in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s iconic ski destination. With a well-maintained natural surface, the trail offers a gently sloping journey through a forested railroad cut and a wonderful way to explore the area’s picturesque terrain.

County: Aroostook

A trip to the northern reaches of Maine wouldn’t be complete without a ride along the Saint John Valley Heritage Trail, which stretches 17 wide, natural-surface miles between Fort Kent and Saint Francis. The trail skirts the Canadian border and, prior to the Aroostook War (also known as the Pork and Beans War) of 1838-39, it was contested as to which country this area belonged.

Between 1903 and 1970, the route the trail now follows carried Bangor and Aroostook Railroad cars loaded with timber and potatoes. Travelers today can enjoy a peaceful mix of forest and river views with town amenities on each end.

VIEW MORE TRAILS ON TRAILLINK

If you’re planning a vacation to Maine, take some time to appreciate the state’s rugged-chic offerings by exploring on two wheels. These bicycle routes highlight the attributes that make Maine so special: its sweeping coastlines, pine forests, small cities, history, and culture. Whether you’re seeking a getaway to a national park or a city – or somewhere in between – there’s a bike ride that will suit any traveler’s fancy. So make your trip to Vacationland memorable by taking one of the best bike rides in Maine!

Situated on Mount Desert Island along the stunning coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is home to the first sunrise in the United States seasonally, sweeping mountains with views of the sea, lighthouses, wildlife including otters, porcupine, seabirds, birds of prey, and many more New England species, and trails that will whisk you away mentally and physically.

Among these trails are carriage roads, car-free pathways that criss-cross the heart of the park. The crushed rock surface is easy to ride on, and you’ll want to take it slow both out of precautionary safety and to revel in the beauty that surrounds you. With 45 miles of carriage roads, there are endless options for enjoying a day out in this gem of a destination.

You’ll have more stunning vistas than you can count as you ride around mountains and valleys amidst the wondrous forested oceanside landscape. Just be sure to check the website or with a ranger before you set out, as bikes aren’t allowed during mud season.

For an especially scenic, albeit somewhat challenging ride, try the Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond Loop. If you’re staying in Bar Harbor,  bring your bike aboard the Bicycle Express, a shuttle bus that has space for bicycles and will bring riders to various carriage road destinations within the park.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can ride the entire loop around Acadia on Park Loop Road, which is shared with vehicles. And, if you don’t have a bike of your own, don’t worry – there are numerous shops on Mount Desert Island where you can rent one! For accommodations, stay in a national park campground or at an inn in downtown Bar Harbor.

South Portland

Part of the East Coast Greenway that connects all of the east coast states from Florida to Maine over the course of thousands of miles, the Greenbelt Walkway is a seven-mile primarily off-road path open to cyclists, walkers, runners, and dog walkers. Winding through four of South Portland’s neighborhoods, this paved trail is special because it showcases waterfront vistas and the splendidly scenic Maine coast.

At the coastal end is Bug Light Park, a nine-acre park that’s perfect for picnicking, admiring the iconic tiny lighthouse, learning about the World War II ships that were built here, and taking in the expansive views of Portland Harbor. Connecting and nearby trails and boardwalks mean you can spend even more time in the woods and on trails or overlooking the water.

The best places to access the trail are Bug Light Park, Mill Creek Park, and Wainwright Athletic Complex, all of which have plentiful parking available. This ride is an excellent add-on to a trip to Portland if you want to see the city from a new perspective, wish to get away from the city without going too far, or if you’re just seeking some exercise or time to reflect in nature.

Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, Gardiner

Leading to Maine’s capital city of Augusta, the Kennebec River Rail Trail offers a stunning and pleasant jaunt through woods and towns. A combination of pavement and hard-packed stone, this accessible route is extremely flat, making it an ideal ride for families with young riders who aren’t up for hills, or anyone else who wants to cruise along.

During the 6.5 miles, riders will hug the scenic Kennebec River, which is a historically and ecologically significant waterway.  Parking is available at either end, in Augusta and Gardiner, as well as in Hallowell, so you can choose to make your trip your own, whether a long, middle-distance, or short ride beckons.

If you’re riding round trip, start out in Gardiner and ride northward toward Augusta. In Augusta, don’t miss a visit by the Maine State House, the state museum, the Kennebec Armory, and Waterfront Park. There are loads of locations to quench and satiate your thirst and hunger in the capital city, so head downtown and see what suits your desires.

If you’re riding in one direction only, Hallowell is a perfect mid-trip resting spot. There, Juiced cafe is a good pick for a healthy quick meal, and The Liberal Cup is a cozy brewpub that serves up hearty meals. No matter where you decide to stop, the journey itself is part of the destination. The Kennebec River Rail Trail is great for those who are seeking both nature and history while having options for longer or shorter rides.

Lisbon

The Papermill Trail is an asphalt rail trail that offers four miles of historical wonder in each direction. As you ride through the woods and along the Sabattus River in this Androscoggin County town, you will pass by repurposed mill buildings and the remains of other industrial sites of days gone by.

History isn’t the only attraction of the Papermill Trail though; the confluence of the Sabattus River and Androscoggin River, farmlands, woodlands, and a waterfall provide ample nature that will have you feeling refreshed. This ride is easy to navigate on a bike, and while it can be completed quickly, you’ll likely want to make a stop or two and  savor the surroundings and feel the peacefulness it offers.

Besides its historic and natural attributes, Lisbon, Maine has its quirky sides too. Horror novelist Stephen King attended high school in Lisbon and has featured the town, including specific sites that still stand, in some of his books.

In July, the Moxie Festival takes place during the second weekend of the month. This festival, which honors the soda of the same name and the people who’ve got moxie in their spirit, is a huge gathering that also includes such whimsical and energizing activities as a whoopie pie eating contest, a Moxie recipe contest, a car show, a road race, and a parade. While the Papermill Trail may be the draw for cyclists, a visit to Lisbon has a whole lot more to offer.

Calais

The town of Calais, which borders Canada and the Saint Croix River, offers riders an international experience. The Calais Waterfront Walkway is short, at only 1.5 miles in each direction, but it’s also the northernmost point of the East Coast Greenway, a path which will eventually connect all the way to Key West, Florida.

The path begins in Pikes Park, where there are views of Whitlocks Mill Lighthouse. Shortly after leaving downtown Calais, riders will encounter more wooded and peaceful surroundings. The pathway, made of crushed gravel that is easy to ride on, offers vistas so you can take in the stunning riverfront views. You may even see a bald eagle!

About halfway down the path, you’ll pass by the Maine State Visitor Information Center. Open daily all year long, the center has bathrooms, internet, and of course, information on activities and accommodations in the region.  When you look across the river, you’re gazing upon St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Canada.

If an international adventure is on your itinerary, you can cross into Canada at one of three points in Calais. For a meal in town, try Crumbs Cafe and Coffee Bar, Riverview Restaurant, or Karen’s Main Street Diner.

Portland

Maine’s most populous city, Portland, is also a fun-packed place that exemplifies Maine’s spirit and relationship with the outdoors, plus has gained a reputation as a hip foodie spot in recent years. The Back Cove Trail is a great way to experience nature right in this cool city.

The loop path, which is made of a combination of stone dust and pavement, circles Back Cove, a tidal basin at the heart of Portland. If you’re an early riser, the Back Cove Trail is an amazing place to watch the sunrise from the east. Even if you’re not a morning lark, this trail will inspire you.

As you ride along this waterfront path, you’ll cover 3.6 miles with skyline views, tree-lined neighborhoods on one side, and parks and open space all around. Start out at Back Cove Park on the southern side or Edward Payson Park on the northern side, where parking is available. These parks also make for good picnic or resting points at the start, middle, or end of your ride.

The trail is flat and wide, making it suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. If your jaunt in this expanse of urban nature has you craving a longer ride, you’re in luck, because the Back Cove Trail connects with the Eastern Promenade Trail and the Bayside Trail.

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