Cycling in Maine

Maine’s quiet back roads, dramatic coastal scenery, and extensive trail network make it a cycling destination for riders of all abilities. From paved rail trails to challenging mountain climbs, the options are diverse.

Signature Cycling Experiences

Acadia Carriage Roads: John D. Rockefeller Jr. built 45 miles of car-free carriage roads through Acadia National Park in the early 1900s. Today they’re perfect for cycling, with gentle grades, 17 stone-faced bridges, and mountain and ocean views. Bike rentals available in Bar Harbor.

Midcoast Island Hopping: Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro, and the Cranberry Isles offer car-light environments perfect for cycling exploration. Take the ferry over, ride the quiet roads, and catch the boat back.

Kennebec River Rail Trail: Paved multi-use path from Augusta to Gardiner following the river. Part of the growing East Coast Greenway network connecting Maine to Florida.

Road Cycling

Best Regions:

• Midcoast: Quiet peninsula roads, harbor views, lobster shack lunch stops. The St. George peninsula, Route 131 corridor, and Camden Hills area are favorites.
• Western Mountains: Challenging climbs and rewarding descents. The Rangeley area and Evans Notch offer serious elevation.
• Aroostook County: Flat to rolling terrain through vast potato fields and open farmland. Light traffic but long distances between services.

Popular Routes:

• Park Loop Road, Acadia: 27-mile loop with ocean views. Best ridden early morning before traffic builds.
• Camden to Rockland: Scenic coastal riding on Route 1 alternative back roads.
• Belgrade Lakes Loop: Rolling terrain through classic Maine lake country.

Rail Trails & Multi-Use Paths

• Eastern Trail: 65+ miles from Kittery toward Portland and beyond (sections still in development).
• Down East Sunrise Trail: 85 miles of former rail corridor from Ellsworth to Calais. Gravel surface, remote and beautiful.
• Mountain Division Trail: Paved sections through Portland suburbs with planned expansion.
• Whistle Stop Trail: Farmington to Jay through rural Franklin County.

Gravel & Adventure Cycling

Maine’s vast network of logging roads opens up backcountry exploration for gravel and adventure cyclists. The North Maine Woods requires checkpoint registration but offers hundreds of miles of maintained gravel roads through wilderness.

Events & Group Rides

• BikeMaine: Annual week-long supported tour exploring different regions of the state.
• Trek Across Maine: Three-day ride benefiting the American Lung Association, crossing the state from Sunday River to Belfast.
• Local Club Rides: Bicycle Coalition of Maine connects riders with clubs throughout the state.

Practical Considerations

• Traffic: Varies significantly by location. Coastal Route 1 in summer has heavy traffic; parallel back roads are often better.
• Shoulders: Inconsistent throughout the state. Research routes in advance.
• Services: Rural areas may have 30+ miles between convenience stores. Carry supplies.
• Ferries: Most Maine ferries accommodate bicycles; some give cyclists priority boarding.