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There’s Nothing Like Hitting the Bike Trails in Maine

Maine from a bike – not much could be better! The roads, backroads, gravel roads, paved trails and natural trails are virtually endless, and endlessly unique. If the spirit — and your legs — move you, you can even pedal a rail cycle on the old Belfast and Moosehead Lake Rail Line.

Choose your own adventure: there’s the coastline, with charming seaside towns, unique natural habitats, granite cliffs and a watercolor masterpiece called the Atlantic Ocean. The notable Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park are one of the premier bicyling trails in the Northeast U.S.

Then there’s the vast woodlands, with more scenic roads and trails than you could make on an Etch A Sketch. And, of course, mountain biking in Maine reaches its peak in the rugged Maine Highlands where you'll be treated with views of Katahdin.

Speaking of mountains and the bikes named after them, the Maine Trail Finder lists nearly 200 mountain bike trails throughout the state. While not quite as high as the top of Katahdin, the rugged terrain offers breathtaking scenery and pulse-pounding excitement.

Maine Biking Events

Trek Across Maine - Brunswick

This multi-day, multi-route and multi-awesome event has been around for over 35 years. With start and finish lines at the beautiful Brunswick Landing, 2,000 cyclists and 750 volunteers put hearts and hands together in the largest fundraising event of its kind in the nation for the American Lung Association.

Maine Lighthouse Ride – South Portland

Biking in Portland, Maine, is great in any direction. This event benefits the Eastern Trail Alliance and its goal of building a 65-mile greenway from Kittery to South Portland. The greenway will be part of the East Coast Greenway, a more-than-3,000-mile trail from Maine to Key West, Florida. It’s a multi-route event with phenomenal views of the coastline and nine historic lighthouses.

Dempsey Challenge – Lewiston

The Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston is an annual run, walk and cycle experience, and it’s the primary fundraiser for the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing. Cycling routes range from 10 to 100 miles through countryside and coastline, with a free family “Festival in the Park” featuring food, children’s activities and live music.

Maine Bike Tours

Self-Guided Tours – Statewide

The Maine Department of Transportation offers a comprehensive list of self-guided bicycle tours and routes throughout the state. You can enter your preferences for region, distance, difficulty/terrain and features. Originality and inspiration are at the heart of life in Maine. Self-guided tours hit the sweet spot for both.

Summer Feet Cycling – Portland

Sixteen unique, guided, themed and personalized tours are the specialty of these special folks who’ve been making feet and their owners happy for almost two decades. From the half-day 5 Lighthouse Tour to weekend and weeklong tours, Summer Feet Cycling serves up the best of Maine cycling, adventure and fun, spring through fall.

L.L.Bean Biking Tours and Trips – Various locations

Ride past lighthouses, seaside villages, working harbors, coastal vistas, lush fields and farmlands. Hit new trails on a mountain bike. Or pedal and paddle on a fun multi-activity tour. With bikes, gear and expertise included, all you need to bring is a sense of adventure.

Maine Bike Rentals

• Gorham Bike and Ski, Brunswick
• The Portland Encyclepedia, Portland
• Lighthouse Bikes, South Portland
• Green Machine Bike Shop, Norway
• Maine Bike Works, Saco
• Sidecountry Sports, Rockland
• Fun and Sun Rentals, Scarborough
• Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike, Kennebunk
• Southwest Cycle, Southwest Harbor
• Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop, Bar Harbor

Look Out for ME Biking Tips

• Stay on established trails and roads, riding along the right side
• Avoid making motorists guess your next move – know and use your hand signals
• Wear proper footwear, a helmet, and bright reflective clothing
• Pack an extra tube, CO2 cartridge and flat repair kit

For more info on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, visit our Look Out for ME page.