• Home
• Things To Do
• Biking
• Mountain Biking

The Best Mountain Biking Trails in Maine

The sprawling backcountry landscapes of Maine are the ideal canvas on which to carve out winding trails for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore on two feet or two wheels. A variety of mountain biking trails can be found throughout the state, some close to Portland, others tucked away into the westernmost corners, and even a few scenic trails perched right along the coast. Much of the terrain here is typical to New England where root-studded single and doubletrack trails thread through the hardwood forests leading to big climbs with equally big views and plenty of downhill fun.

Even though some might be rugged and packed with technical features, there are plenty of smooth and flowing trails that are rideable for beginners and intermediates looking to master the basics of mountain biking and enjoy the scenery. This is in large part thanks to the many non-profit groups that actively maintain, build, and recreate on these ever-growing trail networks—yet another aspect of Maine’s mountain biking culture that sets it apart from the rest.

Want to extend your biking season? Find yourself a fat bike and a snow-covered trail. These winter-friendly bikes, with their huge tires, allow riders to continue biking on routes once reserved for skis and snowshoes. Some places to try it include Pineland Farms; The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center; and Carter’s Cross Country Ski Centers.

Maine Mountain Biking Experts and Guides

The New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) is a community-driven non-profit with multiple chapters throughout Maine that focuses on engaging local riders in trail building, maintenance, and recreational use. NEMBA uses TrailForks to help mountain bikers discover trail systems, parks, and routes in their region with detailed information, and frequently updates an events calendar for group rides, retreats, and community membership opportunities on their website.

L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs offer a beginner-friendly Introduction to Mountain Biking course designed to develop skills, technique, and knowledge, along with a Mountain Biking Discovery course that’s geared towards general riding along local mountain biking trails in Freeport, Maine.

Can’t-Miss Mountain Biking Trails in Maine

Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley has 35 miles worth of fun, flowy single and doubletrack for cyclists of all levels. There are no trail fees, so riding is free for all and always accessible. From here, riders can link to a broad network of trails including those of the Maine Huts & Trails, which features an 80 mile-long multi-use trail system through a scenic portion of western Maine backcountry that makes a semi-circle around the picture-perfect Flagstaff Lake.

Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel, the Inland Woods + Trails maintains a growing trail system called the Bethel Village Trails which connects to the Bethel Community Forest for 20+ miles of smooth, beginner-friendly trails and tight, technical rides. In nearby Greenwood, try the family-friendly lift-serviced Mt. Abram Bike Park.

In Rangeley, Saddleback Bike Park has six downhill trails ranging from Don’s Delight, a two-way traffic trail allowing uphill pedal power and the green Bar Hopper – the easiest downhill trail.

Maine’s state parks and public reserved lands offer a mix of rowdier riding and all-level mountain biking trails with wide-open vistas and scenery that is quintessentially Maine:

Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal is a long-time rider favorite close to Freeport and Portland with a variety of challenging steep singletrack and flatter, fast rides with views to boot.

Camden Hills State Park packs in a lot in one punch. Throughout its nine miles of mountain biking trails, riders will find everything from steep hike-a-bike trails to short singletrack loops that anyone can enjoy. While the biking is a blast, it’s safe to say that the lofty views of Camden and Penobscot Bay steal the spotlight.

Pineland Farms in New Gloucester offers 27 multi-use wide trails open to mountain bikers catering to families and beginners with more challenging options for riders craving steeper, hilly sections to get their heart-pumping.

In the Maine Highlands town of Greenville, the Moosehead Outdoor Alliance now has about 12 miles of trails with more to come. Once complete, these trails will be one of the most diversified systems in New England, reaching a minimum of 25 miles of trail for all ages and ability levels.

At the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, bikers can choose their own adventure on the 25 mile-long trail network full of a variety of terrain that focuses primarily on moderately challenging to advanced. There’s also a terrain park for riders to test their skills on technical features before hopping back onto the trail.