By Carey Kish
Maine abounds with many miles of wide, off-road, paved and gravel-surfaced trails for bicycling with road or hybrid bikes, all built through amazing partnerships between local communities and state and federal agencies. These accessible pathways serve not only bicycle enthusiasts but walkers, runners, x-c skiers and snowshoers, and even horseback riders. Here’s just a brief sampler of what’s available.
Androscoggin River Bicycle Path
Extending for nearly three miles along the scenic Androscoggin River, this path connects downtown Brunswick with the Cooks Corner shopping district. Parking is at Water Street in town or at Grover’s Lane at Cook’s Corner. Access from Topsham is via the bike lanes on ME 196. More info: www.brunswickme.org
Kennebec River Rail Trail
Pedal through history on this 6.5-mile paved trail along the Kennebec River from Augusta and Gardiner. Fun side trips include the State Capitol and Museum and Fort Western. Parking is at the Maine State Housing Authority on Water Street in Augusta and at Hannaford in Gardiner. More info: kennebecriverrailtrail.org
Mountain Division Trail
A paved, six-mile section of this former narrow gauge rail corridor between Portland and North Conway, NH leads through the beautiful countryside near the Saco River and Sebago Lake in Windham, Gorham and Standish. Parking is at Gambo Road in Windham and on ME 35 in Standish.
Back Cove Trail & Eastern Promenade Trail
Cycle through the “Forest City” of Portland; first around the tree-lined Back Cove and then along the Eastern Promenade with expansive views of Casco Bay and its many islands on this paved 5-mile route through Maine’s largest urban center. Parking is across from Hannaford on Preble Street, at Payson Park on Baxter Boulevard and at East End Beach. More info: www.trails.org
South Portland Greenbelt
Scenery and history abound on this ride from Bug Light Park at the mouth of Portland Harbor through the green spaces and neighborhoods of South Portland, which features several lighthouses and urban skyline views across the Fore River along its paved 6-mile length. Parking is at Bug Light Park. More info: www.southportland.org
RESOURCES
MaineDOT: www.maine.gov/mdot/bikeped/bikewalkBicycle Coalition of Maine: www.bikemaine.org
