The League of American Bicyclists in Washington, D.C., ranked Maine as the second-most bike-friendly state in the nation. Thanks to Maine’s extensive network of trails and greenways, people of all ages can enjoy economical, healthful recreation and easy transit. The wide trail system allows for in-depth bicycle or foot exploration, allowing people to experience nature with a little negative impact on the ecosystem. While supporting the preservation of pristine areas and natural habitats for protected plant and animal species, trail hikers take pleasure in interesting discoveries in new places.
Portland was designated one of the most bikeable cities by Outdoor Magazine as a result of a variety of cycling organizations, bicycle-focused events, numerous picturesque bike lanes, and large open spaces, making it the clear highlight of your upcoming leisurely New England vacation. For epic, healthful adventures, there are a variety of trails that run beside beaches and through forests, varying in difficulty.
Maine Mountain Biking
Add a path Recognize a fresh mountain biking route in Maine relating to the top trails Using our proprietary trail ranking methodology, Singletracks members have determined the top mountain bike trails in Maine. The average trail rating, the number of members who have ridden the MTB trail, and the number of members who desire to ride the MTB trail are all taken into consideration when determining which bike trails are the best. You don’t agree with our ranking of the best mountain biking routes in Maine? Find and evaluate your favorite biking routes in Maine. Regularly updated.
Maine’s Top Bike Rides
If you’re considering a trip to Maine, spend some time exploring the state on two wheels to enjoy its rustic-chic offers. The wide coasts, pine forests, little cities, history, and culture of Maine are all highlighted by these bike routes. There is a bike ride to fit every traveler’s fancy, whether they are looking for a break in a metropolis, a national park, or someplace in between. Make the most of your trip to Vacationland by going on one of Maine’s top bike rides!
Carriage Roads in the Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, which is located on Mount Desert Island along the breathtaking coast of Maine, is home to the first sunrise in the country every season, sweeping mountains with ocean views, lighthouses, wildlife such as otters, porcupines, seabirds, birds of prey, and many other New England species, as well as trails that will take your mind and body on a journey. Carriage roads, which crisscross the park’s central area without any parking, are included in this list of trails. You may easily ride on the broken rock surface, but you should go slowly both for your own safety and take in the scenery. With 45 miles of carriage roads, this hidden gem offers countless opportunities for a fun day out.
Greenbelt Walkway
The Greenbelt Walkway is a seven-mile largely off-road path open to cyclists, walkers, runners, and dog walkers. It is a part of the East Coast Greenway, which spans thousands of miles and connects all of the east coast states from Florida to Maine. This paved walkway, which passes through four different South Portland districts, is noteworthy for showcasing waterfront views and the magnificently gorgeous Maine coast.
The Kennebec River Rail Trail
The Kennebec River Rail Trail, which leads to August, the capital of Maine, provides a beautiful and relaxing stroll through villages and forests. This accessible route is made up of hard-packed stone and pavement, and it is incredibly level, making it a great ride for families with young riders who don’t like hills or anyone else who likes to cruise.
Throughout the 6.5 kilometers, cyclists will follow the picturesque Kennebec River, a waterway with historical and ecological significance. If a long, middle, or short ride calls, parking is accessible at each end in Augusta, Gardiner, as well as in Hallowell. This gives you the freedom to customize your journey.
Start in Gardiner and bike north toward Augusta if you’re making a round-trip. Don’t forget to see the Kennebec Armory, the Maine State House, the state museum, and Waterfront Park while you’re in Augusta. In the capital city, there are many options for satisfying your hunger and thirst, so head downtown and discover what matches your needs. Hallowell is an ideal mid-trip rest stop if you just ride in one direction. There, The Liberal Cup is a quaint brewpub that offers hearty meals, while Juiced cafe is a fantastic choice for a nutritious, quick supper. The trip itself is a component of the goal, regardless of where you choose to halt. For individuals who want to experience both environment and history while having the choice of longer or shorter rides, the Kennebec River Rail Trail is fantastic.
Locations For Biking In Portland, Maine
Maine’s Best Cycling…
The allure, cuisine, artistic scene, and availability of outdoor activities in Portland, Maine, contribute to the city’s attractiveness as a destination to live and visit. While numerous lakes and mountains are accessible by short drives, Casco Bay offers countless possibilities to enjoy the water. Some of the best cycling in Maine can be found in Portland, which has a thriving bike scene and several wonderful spots to ride. These popular bicycle routes are listed below.
Mount Bike Riding
In and around Portland, there are several locations where mountain biking is possible. We appreciate Jim Tasse of the Maine Bicycle Coalition for providing us with this information. There are numerous mountain bike paths on the Portland Trails. The majority of the rides are brief but quite beautiful. Among the most preferred choices are:
The Permanent (easy)
Evergreen Cemetery, which was founded in 1855, is the second-largest cemetery in Maine, with 239 acres. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features several notable headstones. There are four ponds and a network of forested trails in the cemetery’s park area. On weekdays, the cemetery office is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and has maps accessible. The cemetery is open every day from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
A network of gently sloping trails, some paved and some left unpaved, can be found throughout the cemetery. To reach Baxter Woods, trails cross Stevens Avenue.
Maine’s Projected Network Of Cycling Trails
A strategy to connect Maine’s 25 major municipalities with off-road trails has been developed by the Maine Trails Coalition and seven other organizations. These “active transportation arterials” are designed to encourage people to leave their automobiles at home.
A 57-page document outlining the coalition’s strategy has been released. The price is estimated at $160 million. The $160 million is a significant sum of money, but according to Kristine Keeney, the Northern New England Manager for the East Coast Greenway Alliance, it is significantly less than the $240 million the Maine Turnpike is willing to spend on a six-mile-long highway spur into Gorham.
One will increase traffic and place more cars on the road, according to Keeney. “And make sure Mainers continue to rely only on their cars for transportation.
It is “an investment in economical, equitable, and accessible transportation for everyone,” she claims, for them to complete their plan for active transportation arterials.
According to Keeney, if the state agreed to allocate just 2.5 percent of its transportation budget to bicycle and pedestrian pathways, the work listed in the report could be finished by 2030.
Maine’s Longest Biking Route
The Down East Sunrise Trail is the longest bicycle route in Maine. This is the longest off-road section of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, a protected path for bikes and pedestrians that runs from Maine to Florida.
In addition to New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, the East Coast Greenway also crosses through Maine and Florida. The Down East Sunrise Trail is one of its 450 points of connection!
Eastern Maine is connected to the East Coast Greenway by the 87.9-mile Down East Sunrise Trail. The Down East Sunrise Trail will take you through peaceful forests, a wide variety of fascinating species, and lovely coastal communities in the state of Maine.
Route Of The Down East Sunrise Trail
Along Maine’s Down East coast, this walk follows the coastline. It links numerous beautiful conservation areas. In the end, the trail runs along the East Coast Greenway from Ayers Junction, which is close to Moose horn National Wildlife Refuge, to Washington Junction. Additionally, there is a different on-road path that primarily parallels the off-road course. There are three sections to this route: Western Trail: This section of the trail extends from Washington Junction to Unionville Crossing. Take in a spectacular view of Mountain or go camping at Franklin Crossing, go hiking and swimming at Tunk Lake Road, and have a great picnic in the historically significant salmon pool at Unionville Crossing. You may see wildlife and visit numerous parks near Washington Junction. From Whitney ville Crossing to Cherry field Crossing, the Central Trail travels through this area. Along the way, you can spend some time in Cherry field Crossing’s historic district, visit the Pleasant River and the blueberry barrens at Harrington and Columbia Falls Crossings, relax in a secluded and charming setting at Jonesboro Station, and take in Whitney ville Crossing’s upland forests and freshwater marshes.
This section of the Eastern Trail connects Machias with Ayers Junction. You can visit the farmers’ and flea markets along this route, as well as Machias Dike, a restaurant known for its blueberry pies. Make a trip to the Rocky Lake camping and boating grounds in East Machias, take in the scenic Rocky Lake Crossing and explore the nearby state parks, including the Moose horn National Wildlife Refuge.
Making Plans To Ride The Longest Bike Trail In Maine
This is undoubtedly a terrific initial move if you’re willing to take in the sights and the trail. You should be aware that the actual trail is not paved. You will primarily ride your bike on gravel and crushed stone as a result.
Before you leave on your journey, it would be wise to do some study about the route. On this path, there are a ton of sights and activities to enjoy. Decide which ones most appeal to you, then focus on those.
Beautiful, Paved Paths In Maine Are Ideal For Family Bike Rides
While spring and summer are our favorite seasons in Maine, there are many activities you can do outside year-round. Biking is one of our favorite activities. Cycling is a fantastic method to get the heart rate up and is great for families. Most importantly, however, is how much of the state can be seen while cycling. The list of stunning paved bike trails in Maine that provide wonderful views, easy routes, and loads of enjoyment is provided below. You’ll have a terrific experience exploring the great outdoors, even if you prefer to walk them.
The Papermill Trail in Lisbon, first
Since this route is only 3.8 miles long, it is ideal for a first bike trip with the family. Do it twice if you like it! the next day, take a longer trip to one of the other places on this list. From Mill Street to the Androscoggin River, your route will follow the Sabattus River. At Village Street in the heart of Lisbon, the walk comes to an end. We really appreciate the possibility of visiting Miller Park, which offers a boat launch, a picnic area, and restrooms.
2.) Brunswick’s Androscoggin River Trail
Kids will love this trail because it is flat and easy to navigate. Additionally, there is a playground at the end of the 2.7-mile journey, adding a little bit of anticipation for when the one-way trip is through. We appreciate that there are beautiful places to enjoy the scenery. Additionally, keep in mind to pack refreshments because there are numerous rest stops. The walkway can be reached in a few different ways. The major trailhead is situated in Brunswick at the conclusion of Water Street.
3.) South Portland’s Greenbelt Walkway
This coastal route is stunning when it comes to waterfront hiking trails in Maine! The almost 6-mile trail travels primarily through residential neighborhoods and visits Bug Light Park. As the trail crosses a few tiny roads, be ready to start and stop a few times. In South Portland, the starting places are at Bug Light Park and Madison Street off Broadway.
4.) Farmington’s Whistle Stop Rail-Trail
Along this path, one passes through residential areas before entering the Western Mountain region’s wetland areas. There is lots of parking along the route in Farmington, Maine. If you’re out and about in the cold, you can locate a warming hut south of the route that has a wood-burning heater and is filled with split wood. Between Oak St. and Bridge St. in Farmington and Bridge St. and Water St. in Livermore Falls, respectively, the route starts and ends.
5.) Augusta’s Kennebec River Rail Trail
To access this 6.5-mile trail that passes through Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner, go to Capitol City Park in Augusta. This one is enjoyable if you want to include some sightseeing because Hallowell has a number of stores and eateries. Every explorer should include this incredible hike down an abandoned railroad in Maine on their bucket list.
(Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Maine’s Road Biking Trails)
Which national parks in Maine include pathways for road biking?
Several well-known national parks in Maine are recommended by hikers on AllTrails.com. Six road riding paths in Acadia National Park have received an overall rating of 4.6 stars from 1,998 reviews by locals.
Which Maine road bike route is the longest?
Acadia Carriage Road from Bar Harbor to Jordan Pond is the state of Maine’s longest road biking route, according to AllTrails.com. The estimated length of this trail is 40.7 kilometers, and the average hiking time is 9 hours and 0 minutes.
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