Mountain Biking in Carrabassett Valley
Where: Carrabassett Valley
Regions: Maine’s Lakes and Mountains
Activities: mountain biking
For incredible mountain biking, whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert rider, the mountain biking in the town of Carrabassett Valley is unparalleled. The Carrabassett Region Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association and the town of Carrabassett Valley have developed a network of professionally built cross-country trails, originating at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain and spanning more than 80 miles throughout the valley, approximately 22 miles of which are new or completely rebuilt trails. Riders love the beauty of the uncrowded wilderness and mountains.
There are no trail fees, and bikes are available to rent from Allspeed Cyclery & Snow at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center or from Carrabassett Valley Bike.
The primary hub of the trail network is located at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center off Route 27, approximately 1 mile south of the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort Access Road. The Outdoor Center has 35 miles of amazing track.
You can head out on your own or join a regular weekly group ride that meets for a couple of hours in the evening and welcomes all levels. To help you find the perfect track, this [trail map](https://www.sugarloaf.com/documents/Sugarloaf/Trail Maps/Carrabasett-Region-NEMBA-Mountain-Bike-Trail-Map-2021.pdf) has all the trails in the town.
For beginners, check out the Narrow Gauge Pathway, with over 6 miles of riding on a smooth crushed-gravel surface that hugs the rugged Carrabassett River following an old railroad bed. Another great beginner track is Round the Pond at the Outdoor Center. Enjoy this 20-30-minute ride, perfect for the brand-new rider who is getting the feel of a mountain bike. It has very little climbing and offers some great views. For intermediate riders, Jabba the Hut is a fun and moderately challenging single track that dances in and out of the dense woods with some spectacular views of the Bigelow Mountain Range. More difficult single tracks — T.O.A.D. and Buckshot — have over 2 miles that are a blast, and from T.O.A.D. you can hop onto The Real Deal for a black-diamond-level ride with a challenging and technical descent.
After a day of riding, you’ll be ready for an amazing meal. Head to the Bull Moose Café (open Friday-Sunday) at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center or Strokes Bar & Grille, overlooking the Sugarloaf Golf Club, with breakfast, lunch and dinner all summer. Another favorite is The Bag and Kettle, open 12:00-8:00 p.m. Friday-Tuesday with wood-fired brick oven pizzas, local beers and much more.
Driving Distance
Bangor: 98 miles
Portland: 130 miles
Lewiston/Auburn: 80 miles
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