Best Bike Rides in Maine
You’ll love Maine’s 87-mile Down East Sunrise Trail, with its flat, hard-packed gravel perfect for hybrid bikes using 35mm tires, or cruise the paved Kennebec River Rail Trail between Augusta and Gardiner, ideal for road and e-bikes. For ocean views, tackle the 41-mile Portland Lighthouse Loop, or take the family to Back Cove’s 3.6-mile gravel loop. Bring fenders and tubeless setups for muddy stretches on the Bangor and Aroostook Trail. Gear up with puncture-resistant tires and explore more trail advantages ahead.
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Notable Insights
- The 87-mile Down East Sunrise Trail is Maine’s longest rail trail, offering scenic, car-free riding on mostly gravel surfaces.
- Coastal routes like the Portland Lighthouse Loop deliver stunning ocean views and access to iconic landmarks such as four historic lighthouses.
- Family-friendly paths including Back Cove Trail and Belfast Rail Trail provide short, flat loops ideal for children and casual riders.
- The Eastern Trail and Kennebec River Rail Trail offer paved, low-traffic routes perfect for road bikes and e-bikes.
- For adventure seekers, the Mountain Division Trail and Bangor and Aroostook Trail feature remote forest riding with rugged terrain.
Top Scenic Rail Trails for Maine Bike Rides
While you might be tempted to chase rugged backcountry singletrack, some of Maine’s most accessible and scenic rides come from its network of repurposed rail trails, where flat grades, gentle curves, and well-maintained surfaces make for a smooth, stress-free pedal no matter your fitness or gear setup. You’ll find wide, graded bike paths like the 87-mile Down East Sunrise Trail, perfect on hybrid or gravel bikes with 35mm tires, its hard-packed gravel suiting commuter setups. The paved Kennebec River Rail Trail links Augusta to Gardiner, ideal for road bikes or e-bikes. The Bangor and Aroostook Trail offers a 63-mile gravel surface route through Aroostook County, while the Eastern Trail-part of the East Coast Greenway-has 22 miles of usable rail trails, and the Saint John Valley Heritage Trail follows the border with compact natural surfaces, both favoring wider treads and durable tubeless setups.
Coastal Bike Routes With Ocean Views in Maine
If you’re chasing ocean breezes and lighthouse views, Maine’s coastal bike routes deliver some of the most scenic, well-connected rides on the East Coast, with smooth pavement, low traffic, and clear signage guiding your way. You’ll pedal past iconic spots like Portland Head Light, link to Bug Light Park via the Eastern Promenade Trail, and enjoy sweeping ocean views on the Rockland ride to Owls Head Lighthouse. For longer adventures, the 87-mile Down East Sunrise Trail offers off-road serenity near tidal rivers, while Deer Isle and Bar Harbor combine island bridges and fishing villages with 31 to 46 miles of stunning Frenchman Bay vistas.
| Route | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Lighthouse Loop | 41 miles | 4 lighthouses, Eastern Promenade Trail |
| Rockland to Owls Head | 10 miles | Coastal breezes, short ride near Rockland |
| Deer Isle & Bar Harbor | 31–46 miles | Island views, fishing towns |
| Down East Sunrise Trail | 87 miles | Off-road, wildlife, tidal rivers |
| Southern Maine Coast | Flat ride | Kennebunkport, ocean views |
Family-Friendly Bike Routes in Maine for All Ages
When you’re looking for a ride the whole family can enjoy, Maine’s family-friendly bike routes offer smooth paths, gentle grades, and scenic rewards without the need for technical gear or high-end bikes-just a reliable hybrid or comfort bike with wider tires for stability on mixed surfaces. The 3.6-mile Back Cove Trail in Portland is a flat, hard-packed gravel loop perfect for young riders, linking to the Eastern Promenade Trail, a 2.1-mile paved route with dedicated lanes and sweeping bay views. In central Maine, the 6.5-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail provides a level, paved route ideal for strollers and tandem bikes. Eastern locals love the 2.2-mile Belfast Rail Trail, a flat, family-friendly path along the Passagassawaukeag River. Don’t miss the 1.5-mile Calais Waterfront Walkway, a scenic, mostly gravel trail marking the Maine start of the East Coast Greenway-eagle sightings included.
Long-Distance Bike Routes for Endurance Riders
Though you’re chasing longer miles and steady terrain, Maine’s extended rail trails deliver smooth, predictable surfaces that reward endurance riders with low-impact progress and scenic consistency. You’ll find top long-distance bike routes like the 87-mile Down East Sunrise Trail, the longest continuous rail trail in the state, offering gravel and paved sections perfect for durable hybrids or endurance road bikes. The Eastern Trail, part of the East Coast Greenway, already spans 22 miles and links key coastal hubs. For northwoods mileage, the Aroostook Valley Trail provides 28 miles of flat, open cycling routes through farm country. The Kennebec River Rail Trail adds 6.5 paved miles between Augusta and Gardiner, with plans to expand. The developing Mountain Division Trail promises 52 miles of forested terrain-10 currently open-ideal for riders seeking year-round Maine Trail challenges. These rail trails balance accessibility, distance, and consistent grading for serious endurance riders.
Quiet Forest and Mountain Trails for Nature Rides
You’ve covered the long, steady stretches of Maine’s rail trails, but now it’s time to shift gears and explore the quieter side of the state’s backcountry, where forest hush and mountain air set the rhythm. Ride the Narrow Gauge Pathway, a 5.4-mile trail along the Carrabassett River near Sugarloaf, with a natural surface perfect for hybrid tires. The Mountain Division Trail offers 10 miles of tree-lined, year-round riding ideal for spotting eastern bluebirds. In northern Maine, the Penobscot River Trails form a 16-mile network through bogs and quiet forest-great for cross-country setups. The Bangor and Aroostook Trail, a 63-mile corridor, skirts remote parks and mud-prone areas best tackled with fenders and puncture-resistant tires. Meanwhile, the Saint John Valley Heritage Trail, new and unpaved, runs 17 miles along the East Branch of the Penobscot River, where the trail skirts riverbanks and forest deep in eastern Maine.
Find Bike Rentals, Shops, and Local Maine Riding Tips
If you’re planning to explore Maine’s scenic trails and coastal routes, getting set up with the right bike and local know-how makes all the difference, especially when you’re eyeing mixed terrain like the gravel sections of the Eastern Trail or the rolling hills near Bar Harbor. You’ll find reliable bike rentals and expert advice at local bike shops in Freeport, including spots near LL Bean’s headquarters, perfect for the Brunswick and Freeport Cycling Route. In Bar Harbor, shops stock sturdy hybrids and mountain bikes ideal for hilly coastal rides. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine connects you to trusted Bike Shops statewide-email [email protected] or reach out to Erik at [email protected] for riding tips and trailhead updates. They help with everything from Down East Sunrise Trail access to gear specs and real-time trail conditions. Always start at designated trailheads, where maps and local insights guarantee a smooth, safe ride.
On a final note
You’ll want a reliable hybrid or gravel bike, like the Trek FX3, for Maine’s mixed terrain-35mm tires handle rail trails and coastal gravel well. Pack a 20L backpack with rain gear, snacks, and a repair kit; tester found the Topeak Mini 20 pump a lifesaver. Trails like the Eastern Trail and Kennebec River Rail Trail suit all levels, while skilled riders tackle the Appalachian spine. Rentals? Try Shifting Gears in Portland. Ride steady, stay seen.
