Maine, renowned for its stunning lighthouses, delicious lobsters, and iconic L.L. Bean, also boasts an impressive network of multiuse trails perfect for road biking enthusiasts. Visionary trail advocates have developed incredible experiences across the state, catering to cyclists of all levels.
Inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s words, “Let us, then, be up and doing,” it’s time to gear up, explore Maine’s scenic routes, and discover the best road bike trails this beautiful state has to offer. Here are ten exceptional trails that promise unforgettable road biking adventures.
1. Back Cove Trail: A Portland Gem for Road Biking
Road Biking Back Cove Trail Portland Maine
The Back Cove Trail in Portland, Maine, is a fantastic option for road biking, offering a scenic 3.6-mile loop around the city’s tidal basin. With its smooth, hard-packed gravel surface, this trail is well-suited for road bikes and accommodates riders of all ages and skill levels. Enjoy a leisurely morning ride as the sun rises over Portland, or challenge yourself with an invigorating evening workout. The Back Cove Trail also seamlessly connects to other green spaces like the Eastern Promenade Trail and Bayside Trail, allowing for extended road biking explorations within the city.
2. Bangor and Aroostook Trail: Explore Northern Maine by Road Bike
Road Bike Trail Bangor and Aroostook Maine Wilderness
For a longer road biking adventure, consider the Bangor and Aroostook Trail. Stretching 63 miles through Maine’s northeastern wilderness, this gravel trail follows the path of the old Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. While best suited for road bikes with wider tires or gravel bikes, the Bangor and Aroostook Trail offers an immersive experience in Maine’s remote landscapes. Starting near the Canadian border in Van Buren, cyclists can explore the unique flora and fauna of the region. Be mindful of potential muddy conditions during the spring thaw, but otherwise, enjoy a long-distance road bike ride through Maine’s great outdoors.
3. Belfast Rail Trail on the Passagassawaukeag: Scenic Coastal Road Biking
Road Bike Trail Belfast Maine Coastal Scenery
The Belfast Rail Trail, locally known as the “Passy Rail Trail,” offers a delightful 2.2-mile road biking experience along the Passagassawaukeag River. Since opening in 2016, this trail has become a favorite for cyclists seeking a serene and accessible route. The flat, hard-packed granite surface is ideal for road bikes, allowing for smooth and enjoyable rides. Take in the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding forests and pause on the trestle bridge to appreciate the tidal river below. This trail also provides a convenient link from downtown Belfast to the City Point Central Railroad Museum, making it easy to combine a road bike excursion with local history and culture.
4. Calais Waterfront Walkway: Road Biking at the Start of the East Coast Greenway
Road Bike Trail Calais Maine Waterfront Views
Claiming the title of the first mile of the East Coast Greenway, the Calais Waterfront Walkway is a well-maintained 1.5-mile trail perfect for a leisurely road bike ride. Located along the St. Croix River, opposite St. Stephens, Canada, this gravel path offers beautiful waterfront scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles. While short, the Calais Waterfront Walkway provides a pleasant and accessible road biking experience with historical significance, following the route of the Calais Railway established in 1832.
5. Down East Sunrise Trail: Long-Distance Road Biking in Eastern Maine
Road Bike Trail Down East Sunrise Trail Maine Forest
For adventurous road cyclists seeking a longer challenge, the Down East Sunrise Trail extends 87 miles along the former Calais Branch of the Maine Central Railroad. As the longest off-road section of the East Coast Greenway, this trail offers a multi-day road biking expedition through eastern Maine’s diverse landscapes. While the surface is primarily gravel, suitable for sturdy road bikes or touring bikes, the Down East Sunrise Trail rewards riders with peaceful forests, wildlife-rich bogs, and charming villages. Check weather conditions before embarking, as the trail may be closed during mud season. For a shorter paved ride nearby, explore the Ellsworth Trail, located just north of the Down East Sunrise Trail’s western end.
6. Eastern Trail: Road Biking the Maine Coastline
Road Bike Trail Eastern Trail Maine Coastal Marsh
The Eastern Trail, a Hall of Fame trail and part of the East Coast Greenway, is a developing 65-mile corridor ideal for road biking along Maine’s southern coast. Currently, 22 miles of safe, off-road sections are open, offering cyclists a chance to explore communities from Kittery to South Portland. A highlight is the section through Scarborough Marsh, where you can enjoy scenic views and even rent kayaks at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. The final 5-mile stretch, known as the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway, leads to Bug Light in Portland Harbor and passes the historical site of the Lovell Arms bicycle factory, adding a touch of local history to your road bike adventure.
Road Bike Scarborough Bridge Eastern Trail Maine
7. Kennebec River Rail Trail: Road Biking alongside Maine History
Road Bike Trail Kennebec River Rail Trail Maine River Views
The Kennebec River Rail Trail offers a historical road biking experience alongside the visible remnants of the Kennebec and Portland Railroad, completed in 1851. This 6.5-mile trail provides a flat and winding route with ample opportunities to admire river views and explore the charming downtowns of Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner. The Kennebec River Rail Trail is also a crucial component of the Maine Trails Coalition’s Maine Rail-Trail Plan, contributing to a vision of interconnected trails throughout the state, enhancing road biking possibilities across Maine.
8. Mountain Division Trail: Road Biking Connecting Maine Communities
Road Bike Trail Mountain Division Trail Maine Forest Canopy
The Mountain Division Trail, envisioned as a 52-mile pathway from Portland to Fryeburg, currently offers two open sections totaling 10 miles, perfect for road biking. This trail serves as a central part of the growing cycling culture in the region, providing safe and enjoyable connections between communities and nature. Road cyclists will appreciate the tree-lined route and the chance to spot local wildlife, including eastern bluebirds. The Mountain Division Trail exemplifies the rail-trail concept, creating accessible road biking opportunities for everyone.
9. Narrow Gauge Pathway: Road Biking in the Shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain
Road Bike Trail Narrow Gauge Pathway Maine River Ride
Celebrating over 20 years, the Narrow Gauge Pathway, also known as the Carrabassett River Trail, offers 5.4 miles of road biking along the Carrabassett River. Located near Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s renowned ski destination, this trail provides a gently sloping ride through a forested railroad cut. While the surface is natural, it is generally well-maintained and suitable for road bikes, offering a picturesque way to experience the area’s terrain and enjoy a road bike ride amidst stunning mountain scenery.
10. Saint John Valley Heritage Trail: Road Biking Maine’s Northern Border
Road Bike Trail Saint John Valley Heritage Trail Maine Rural Landscape
For a unique road biking experience in northern Maine, explore the Saint John Valley Heritage Trail. This 17-mile natural-surface trail runs between Fort Kent and Saint Francis, skirting the Canadian border. While best suited for hybrid or touring road bikes due to its natural surface, the trail offers a peaceful ride through forests and along the river, with town amenities at each end. Historically, this route was part of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, transporting timber and potatoes. Today, road cyclists can enjoy a tranquil journey with scenic views and a sense of Maine’s northern heritage.
Honorable Mentions for Road Biking:
Sipayik Trail
Road Bike Trail Sipayik Trail Maine Coastal Views
The Sipayik Trail, the easternmost rail-trail in the U.S., offers 1.9 miles of paved road biking through the Pleasant Point Reservation of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. This paved route travels along the Little River and waterfront, providing beautiful coastal views, including Canada’s Deer Island across the bay. Keep an eye out for seals and porpoises as you enjoy a scenic road bike ride with cultural significance.
Eastern Promenade Trail
Road Bike Trail Sipayik Trail Maine Coastal Views
The Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland offers breathtaking ocean vistas for road bikers. This 2.1-mile trail travels from Portland’s Old Port along the peninsula, connecting to the Back Cove Trail. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and panoramic views of islands and sailboats as you ride. Look for the historic St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad swing bridge along the way. The Eastern Prom is part of the Casco Bay Trail vision, promising even more interconnected road biking routes in the future. Consider visiting the Maine Narrow Gauge Train Museum near the trail for an added attraction.
Explore these top road bike trails near you in Maine and experience the state’s natural beauty and rich history on two wheels. For more detailed trail information and maps, visit TrailLink.
Derek M. Strout
Derek Strout, from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, is passionate about exploring and mapping trails. Growing up in Maine and residing in Portland, he continually seeks out new trails to enjoy with his family.
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