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Region: Maine Lakes and Mountains
Highlights: historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, museums
Name | Distance | Terrain |
---|---|---|
Cornish?Hiram?Brownfield Loop | 28 | Moderate terrain, hilly, for intermediate cyclists |
Cornish?Porter?East Parsonsfield Loop | 42 | Moderate terrain, hilly, for intermediate cyclists |
Cornish?Parsonsfield?Limerick Loop | 69 | Challenging terrain for experienced cyclists |
The 28-mile loop along the Saco and Ossipee River Valleys covers the flattest sections in this area. The 42-mile loop passes near the historic Parsonsfield-Porter Covered Bridge and avoids very steep climbs. The hilly 59-mile loop is recommended for bicyclists in good physical condition so they can explore the back roads and byways of southwestern Maine. A marvelous network of country roads is hidden in the foothills of western York and Oxford counties where life seems to have changed little during the last century. This is quintessential New England?old stone walls and maple trees line the narrow country roads. Along the way, cyclists encounter river views, mountain scenery, and gracious old homes.
Special features: Pretty villages of Cornish and Maplewood; spectacular mountain and river views; Parsonsfield-Porter Covered Bridge in Porter; Parsonsfield Seminary; Willowbrook Country Museum in Newfield; gracious old homes in North Parsonsfield
Road conditions: Generally good, some broken pavement on the 59-mile ride
Cautions: Narrow, winding roads; moderate traffic, no shoulders, and blind hills on short sections of ME 5 south of Limerick; moderate traffic and no shoulders on ME 113
Starting point: Rides originate from Cornish Town Office on ME 25 (Maple Street) in Cornish. Park as far from the entrance to the town office as possible.