By Erika Blauch Rusley
Exploring the 5,500 miles of Maine’s coastline by boat, bike, or foot is not only sustainable, but also offers the closest views of the many nooks and crannies that give our ruggedly beautiful shore its renowned character.
Boats
Join the residents of the eight Casco Bay islands who regularly use the Casco Bay Line ferries to commute or escape to vacation homes. A trip to Peaks Island, just a 20 minute ride from Portland, is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon; the four mile loop around the island is easily traversed by bike or foot. Sailors and kayakers will love the Maine Island Trail, a 375-mile waterway that winds around the entire length of the coast and includes sites along the route for day visits or overnight camping.
Bikes
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine website provides excellent information about bicycling along the coast and beyond. Find a seaside route or a weekly ride group and join in on the fun. With designated bike paths and formal and informal routes up and down the coast, the East Coast Greenway network provides many opportunities for paved and unpaved rides for cyclists of all abilities. Or for a great weekend getaway in a classic Maine setting, head up to Acadia National Park and bike the historic Carriage Trails. More experienced cyclists can conquer the Down East Sunrise Trail, an 85-mile off road path,which can be ridden in parts as a series of day trips, or as a whole (though it is best to allow at least one overnight).
Feet
Every Mainer should climb Cadillac Mountain at dawn at least once, and be the very first in the United States to see the sun rise over Frenchman’s Bay. Camden Hills State Park is an easy getaway for a day hike with breathtaking coastal views from many points around the state. Traversing the coast by foot is a four season affair and can be especially fun on a pair of snowshoes or cross country skis.
