Running in Maine: Trails, Marathons and Races

Whether you’re training for distance, easing into a morning jog or chasing views that make the miles melt away, Maine delivers a running experience shaped by fresh air and wide-open scenery. Get outdoors with trails across the state, or set a new goal with a marathon, trail race or laid-back fun run.

Running Trails and Routes

Take your pick from a variety of trails, from salty coastal loops to old rail beds reclaimed by nature. No matter what you go with, Maine’s running trails offer a glorious mix of scenery, accessibility and breathing room. Get a start with these routes, or explore even more trails on the interactive, state-wide Maine Trail Finder.

Back Cove Trail

Portland
A local classic, the 3.6-mile Back Cove loop pairs skyline views with flat, forgiving surfaces of stone dust and pavement. It’s social, scenic, and well-equipped with benches and seasonal water fountains—ideal for everyday miles.

Explore even more Portland-area trails on the Portland Trails website, showcasing nearly 100 miles of routes for running, hiking, biking and wheelchair-accessible exploration. 

Cross Town Trail

Cape Elizabeth
This 8-mile route strings together some of Cape Elizabeth’s most beautiful conservation areas, including Robinson Woods, Spurwink Marsh, Gull Crest and Great Pond. Expect a changing backdrop of tidal marshes, forested paths and open water views that keep the run feeling fresh from start to finish. It’s scenic without being showy—and perfect for runners who like variety without driving far from Portland.

Eastern Trail – Kennebunk to Biddeford section

Kennebunk/Biddeford
Part of the Eastern Trail, a 62-mile greenway stretching from South Portland to Kittery, this 6-mile off-road section is flat, easy and scenic. Highlights include mixed pavement and gravel surfaces—and the only pedestrian bridge over the Maine Turnpike—making it a standout for longer, uninterrupted runs.

Powder House Hill Trails

Farmington
Just a few blocks from downtown Farmington, this 4.5-mile network of easy-to-moderate forest trails through Flint Woods and Village Woods delivers far more than you’d expect. Dirt paths, gravel stretches, rocky ledges and woodchip-lined paths wind past old wells, vernal pools and impressive overlooks. As leaves fall, views open up toward Mt. Blue and the Sandy River Valley, making fall in Maine an especially rewarding running experience.

Rotary Centennial Trail

Benton & Winslow
Built on an old railroad bed, this 3-mile trail offers a smooth, nearly flat run on packed dirt and gravel. It’s wide, welcoming and ideal for runners of all abilities—or anyone recovering from an injury. Wildlife sightings are common, and the former rail bridge abutment at the end rewards you with long, peaceful views in both directions.

Ocean Path Trail

Mount Desert Island
For dramatic views of Acadia National Park, this coastal trail cruises past pink granite cliffs, crashing surf, Thunder Hole and Otter Point. The 4.4-mile out-and-back route keeps things interesting with gravel, rock and stair climbs, so trail shoes with good traction are key. *Tip: This is a popular trail, so visit during off-season or outside of peak times (weekends 9am-4pm) to avoid crowds.

Bethel Village Trails – Summer Trails

Bethel
With 5.6 miles of trails, this network was made for easy exploration. Wide paths, sculpted berms and boardwalks loop past the Bethel Inn Resort golf course and into the forest, connecting to Gould Academy’s Pine Hill trails. It’s an easygoing option for families, beginners or runners looking to keep things light.

Sanford–Springvale Rail Trail

Sanford
Stretching just under 6 miles one way, this multi-use trail follows an old rail corridor through Sanford. Its straight, steady terrain makes it great for longer out-and-back runs, and it’s used year-round by everyone from runners and walkers to cross-country skiers.

Belfast Rail Trail

Belfast
This 2.2-mile (one way) riverside run traces the Passagassawakeag River, offering constant water views and frequent chances to spot wildlife. A river crossing near the northern end adds a scenic payoff, making it an excellent choice for a short but memorable run.

Maine Marathons and Running Races

From fast road races to rugged trail ultras, Maine’s race calendar delivers big scenery and varied terrain all season long. 

April 28, 2026
Moosehead Marathon & Half-Marathon
Distances: Marathon & Half
Greenville
Circle the shores of Moosehead Lake on this spring classic, where quiet roads, forested stretches, and mountain views make the miles feel remote, peaceful, and deeply Maine.

May 2, 2026
Big A 50K Trail Race
Distance: 50K (31 miles)
York
A tough, technical trail race made up of three rugged loops on Mount Agamenticus, featuring mostly singletrack, steady climbs, and a true test of endurance and grit.

May 2–3, 2026
Maine Coast Marathon
Distances: Marathon, Half & 5K
Wells
A seaside favorite that winds past marshes and beaches, offering flat, scenic miles and salty air—perfect for runners looking to pair race day with a coastal getaway.

May 17, 2026
Sugarloaf Marathon & 15K
Distances: Marathon, 15K
Carabassett Valley
Known for speed and scenery, this point-to-point race follows Route 27 with river views, mountain backdrops, rolling mid-miles, and a net downhill finish. A fast sellout every year.

May 23–24, 2026
Trail Festival at Pineland Farms
Distances: 100K, 50K, 25K, 15K, 10K, 5K, canicross
New Gloucester
A full weekend of trail racing with something for everyone—including dogs—set on rolling farmland and wooded trails, capped by a festive, community-focused atmosphere.

June 6, 2026
Shipyard Old Port Half-Marathon & 5K
Distances: Half & 5K
Portland
Run through Portland’s most iconic neighborhoods, passing Casco Bay, Back Cove, and the Old Port for a high-energy race that blends urban charm with coastal views.

June 21, 2026
Bay of Fundy International Marathon
Distances: Marathon, Half & 10K
Lubec
Start at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, cross into Canada mid-race, and return to finish in Lubec—an unforgettable international course framed by ocean and harbor views.

June 28, 2026
Kennebec Savings Bank East Bayside Trail Fest
Distances: 10K, 2K
Portland
Part race, part neighborhood celebration, this trail-forward event supports Portland Trails and wraps up with music, food trucks, local beer, and a strong sense of community.

September 5, 2026
Last Man Standing Ultramarathon
Distances: Variable
New Gloucester
This backyard ultra challenges runners to complete a 4.2-mile loop every hour on the hour until only one remains—testing endurance, strategy, and mental toughness.

September 12, 2026
Megunticook Trail Festival
Distances: 10K, 20K & 50K
Camden
Run from shaded forest trails to rocky, exposed peaks with sweeping views of Penobscot Bay in one of Maine’s most dramatic and demanding trail race settings.

October 4, 2026
Maine Marathon
Distances: Marathon, Half & Relay
Portland
A fall classic with gentle rollers, waterfront views, and peak foliage, this out-and-back course showcases Portland’s skyline and delivers a quintessential New England race-day vibe.

October 18, 2026
Mount Desert Island Marathon
Distances: Marathon, Half & Relay
Bar Harbor & Northeast Harbor
Wind through Acadia National Park past lakes, mountains, seaside villages, and Somes Sound—New England’s only fjord—for one of the most scenic marathons in the country.

December 5, 2026
Millinocket Marathon & Half
Distances: Marathon, Half
Millinocket
Bundle up and bring your hand-warmers to this free, Boston-qualifying race held each December in the former mill town of Millinocket. Entirely volunteer-run and organized by Crow Athletics run club, it’s a true grassroots running event.