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Explore Maine By Bike
The unspoiled mountain vistas, placid lakeshores and majestic forests of Western Maine offer cyclists plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, museum visits and hiking.
Highlights: lake, pond, river views, mountain views, rural
These bike loops pass over constantly changing terrain, with short steep hills and narrow winding roads that are reminiscent of southern New England. Bicyclists meander through wooded countryside, passing small ponds and streams. This is a great tour if you only have a few hours to ride. Approaching Buckfield, the route climbs up to exposed ridges permitting views of Streaked Mountain and the Oxford Hills.
Highlights: hiking trails, historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, museums, rural, state/national park, wildlife
Earmuffs, Stanley Steamers, the Narrow Gauge Railway, lumber, mountains, and moose all contribute to the diverse and colorful heritage of Franklin County. How they all relate to this wonderful county is explained at the many museums and historical societies along the route. This rich heritage, combined with world-class scenery, makes these rides unforgettable.
Highlights: beaches, swimming holes, historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, rural, state/national park, wildlife
AAll loops start from the pretty four-season resort town of Bethel. The 14-mile loop is short and flat through a forested area south of Bethel. The 18-mile loop meanders along the Androscoggin River with great views of the countryside. The 33-mile loop takes you to one of the area?s most famous landmarks?the Artists? Covered Bridge. The 67-mile loop is truly a classic northern New England ride?great during spring, summer, or fall when the leaves turn color.
Highlights: beaches, swimming holes, hiking trails, historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, rural, state/national park, wildlife
The 8-, 18-, and 30-mile rides explore the rural scenic landscape on both sides of the Ellis River. Each ride takes you to the Lovejoy Covered Bridge built in 1867. These three loops are easy to moderate rides, suitable for recreational cyclists. Old Speck Mountain guards the passage through Grafton Notch, one of many hidden scenic treasures in western Maine and a major sight on this challenging 53-mile ride.
Highlights: historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, museums
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.
Highlights: historical landmarks, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, rural, wildlife
Fryeburg is a unique one-day or multi-day trip destination packed with history, recreation opportunities, and great mountain views. The town is one of the oldest in the region and boasts 11 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour loops follow gentle country roads that meander through the Saco River Valley past farms, fields, and forests, with views of the western mountains.
Highlights: beaches, swimming holes, fairs, festivals, galleries, hiking trails, historical landmarks, islands, lake, pond, river views, lighthouses, mountain views, museums, ocean views, rural, urban
Two of Adventure Cycling?s bike routes traverse Maine, including the Atlantic Coast Route and the Northern Tier Route.
Highlights: beaches, swimming holes, fairs, festivals, galleries, hiking trails, historical landmarks, islands, lake, pond, river views, lighthouses, mountain views, museums, ocean views, rural, urban
Adventure Cycling?s Northern Tier route begins in Anacortes, Washington and traverses 13 states before ending in Bar Harbor, Maine. The Maine section of the route takes cyclists on a 224 mile ride from Fryeburg through lakes, mountains, forests, and farms across rural southwest Maine and then follows the coast to historic Bar Harbor.