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Region: Maine Beaches
Highlights: beaches, swimming holes, galleries, historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, lighthouses, museums, ocean views, rural, state/national park, urban
Name | Distance | Terrain |
---|---|---|
York?Nubble Light | 12 | Gentle terrain, some hills, for almost all cyclists |
Kittery?Eliot | 17 | Gentle terrain, some hills, for almost all cyclists |
York?Kittery | 22 | Gentle terrain, some hills, for almost all cyclists |
Historic Kittery (the oldest incorporated town in Maine) has many historic sites and spectacular views of the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. The roads in the Kittery coastal area are a cyclist?s paradise. They feel as rural as the middle of nowhere, yet they?re in the midst of a tourist hotspot where there?s a world of fun for the whole family. Great beaches, historical treasures to explore, the best seafood, and great shopping offer something for everyone.
The 12-mile ride takes you to Nubble Light (Cape Neddick Light Station), one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The 17-mile ride starts in Kittery, then goes through scenic Eliot back along the Piscataqua River. The 22-mile ride goes from York to Kittery past Fort McClary, a revolutionary war fort that has extraordinary views of Portsmouth Harbor.
Special features: Sewall?s bridge, national historic civil engineering landmark; Perkins House; Emerson Wilcox House; Jefferds Tavern; historic Old Gaol Museum; one-room schoolhouse; Nubble Lighthouse; the Wiggly Bridge, the smallest suspended footbridge in the world; Fort McClary; Kittery Historical Naval Museum
Road conditions: Good roads; most roads do not have a shoulder.
Cautions: Heavy traffic on US 1, especially in the summer
Starting point: The 12- and 22-mile rides begin at York Chamber of Commerce on US 1 directly across US 1, off Exit 7 ramp from I-95. The 17-mile ride begins at the public parking lot at the intersection of ME 236 and ME 103 (Whipple Rd) in Kittery. NOTE: please do not park in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. Use the Park & Ride lot located right off of Exit 7 on Spur Rd near Chase Pond Rd.