Spring weather brings outdoor enthusiasts into the woods for hiking and biking. Maine offers an extensive trail system for mountain biking. Here are five of my favorite trails to ride.
Bradbury Mountain State Park
When traveling to LL Bean in Freeport, Me bring your mountain bike too. There is a wonderful five mile trail just ten minutes away from the outlets. This trail offers mutliple levels of difficulty. The beginning of the trail is less difficult which leads to a singletrack of rocks and roots. This is trails is up the side of the mountain and should only be traveled by an expert rider. No need to park a second car on the other side of the mountain because this will loop you back around. Pack a camera and enjoy the views of Casco Bay at the summit.
Kennebunkport Bridle Path
This is one of the only trails in this area. It will take you through the center of Kennebunkport and follows the ocean up to Walkers Point. This trail is great for a beginner and should take about forty-five minutes to complete. The grade is minimal and will rise only 75 feet. The terrain is smooth and flat with some gravel along the coast. I personally love this trail because it allows me to hit the village and grab a picnic lunch and bring it to the beach.
Aroostook Valley Trail
If you are in Northern Maine in June I suggest you start your journey in Washburn . The scenery is to die for. The air is filled with the scent of lupines. This trail travels over 71 miles and lands you in Ban Buren. Most of the trail is gravel. Use caution because you will need to share this trail with ATVs and Moose. This trail is fairly level. It was once the only electric railroad in Maine. It was used to bring passengers to school and work. It also hauled potatoes south to the market. I highly recommend this trail for it ease and beauty.
South Portland Pathway
Start your journey at Bug Lighthouse (one of the shortest Lighthouses) and travel throughout Portland. The trail system is clearly marked with highly visible yellow signs. There is much to see on this journey. Visit marinas, parks and rec centers. Take the snappy 2.1 mile trip to Mill Creek Park in Portland after work in late summer and watch the sailboats float on the ocean.
Deering Pond Railroad Trail
Travel back one hundred years in time on this trail. The Portland to Worcester rail system has been preserved deep in this four mile trail. Travel along the countryside through woodlands and wetlands. Deering Pond has been said to be “bottomless”. A freight car once slipped into the pond to never be found. You may catch a glimpse of loons or even a blue herring skimming across the water. This trail has you start in Sanford, ME and ends in Lebanon. You can access this trail from route 109 (Main Street) in Springvale across from Sherwin Williams paint store.
Keep true to your New Year’s resolution and stay fit. Mountain Bike riding is a great source of exercise. I can’t think of anything better than exercising within nature. Biking the in woods or in rural areas can be dangerous. My suggestion is to bring a small backpack to bring a camera, a cell phone, waterproof matches, two bottles of water, and some sort of snack. Notify a friend or family member and let them know where you will be and when you think you’ll be back home. Have fun and stay safe. Enjoy the Maine trails.
