Eastern Trail

Looking for a means of pairing health benefits with adventure and fun? Look no further than our classic two-wheeled companion, the bicycle.

Cycling offers so many benefits to maintain and improve your physical and mental health. It’s excellent for cardiovascular fitness, (especially when you’re climbing long, steep hills); it strengthens various leg muscles; and provides prolonged sun exposure for abundant vitamin D, which your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones and fortifying your immune system. Furthermore, cycling is known for reducing stress and promoting healthy weight management, and because of its low impact on your body, you’re not as predisposed to injury as other sports such as running, which can be hard on your joints.

Eastern Trail

The “Where to Ride” feature on the Portland-based nonprofit Bicycle Coalition of Maine website is like unlocking a treasure trove of adventure. As a largely rural state, Maine has thousands of miles of roads and trails that are ideal for cycling. Whether the route follows gravel trails, bucolic country roads, or breezy beaches, from the western mountains to the rugged, beguiling, coastline, there are seemingly boundless options.

Here are just a few, ranging from short and flat to long and challenging.

1. The Eastern Trail: Saco to Scarborough

16.5 Miles – Easy

Whether you’re a cycling newbie or you just want to enjoy an easy-going bike ride in the woods, this trail is for you. While the Eastern Trail technically runs far beyond these two towns, this particular stretch is an off-road and relaxing gem spanning from Thornton Academy in Saco to the beautiful marshes of Scarborough.

The Saco-Scarborough section of the Eastern Trail

You could take a road bike on this packed-down trail, but a hybrid bike is ideal since the surface is entirely gravel, which can potentially damage your road bike’s tires. Park on Clark Street by Thornton Academy, then ride about eight miles to the Scarborough marshes until you reach Eastern Road, where the gravel trail ends and turns into paved roads that comprise the Eastern Trail. Then simply turn around and head back! As a relaxing ride that ensconces you in the woods, but still gives you the openness of the marshes for some sunlight, this is truly one of the best rides in the state.

Ride by a couple of beaches on the leisurely “Southern Coast” ride

2. Southern Coast

Loop – 21 miles – Easy/Moderate

If you’re looking for a leisurely ride, this loop takes you past three beaches: Kennebunk, Gooch’s, and Mother’s, and through the countryside of Wells. You’ll pass by historic houses and museums, and there are plenty of places to stop along the ocean if you wish to take a break and marvel at the beauty. You can also extend this loop to 34 miles and 50 miles. No matter the distance, this ride has very minimal elevation gain, making it doable even for new cyclists. Just watch out for traffic in the summer.

3. North Fryeburg Farm Ride

Loop – 30 miles – Moderate

For a relaxing ride through the country, this route takes you on the paved Mountain Division Trail into Fryeburg through miles of beautiful farmland, with great views of the New Hampshire White Mountains. Even if you’re new to cycling, it may seem like an intimidating amount of miles, but this route is fewer than 1,000 feet of elevation gain, which all but eliminates any meaningful strenuousness from this ride.

Pausing on a ride around Portland for a beer at Goodfire Brewing

4. Rockland & Port Clyde

Loop – 48 miles – Advanced

Want an excuse to explore the Midcoast and really test your stamina? This nearly 50-mile loop will challenge your fitness levels as you explore this beguiling corner of Maine and relish the reward of a long, arduous bike ride. While the route starts and finishes in Rockland, it might be easier to camp for the night at Lobster Buoy Campground in South Thomaston and embark on your ride the next morning from there. This route will take you down to Port Clyde, where you can visit Marshall Point Light, (the lighthouse included in a scene in “Forrest Gump”) then slingshot your way up to Owls Head Lighthouse. With nearly 2,500 feet of elevation gain, this one will put you to the test!

Bring your bike to Mt. Katahdin

5. Grafton Notch with Andover & Bethel

Loop – 55 miles – Advanced

“The mountains are calling, and I must go,” said the legendary conservationist John Muir– but in this case, not by foot! This has to be one of the coolest rides in Maine. Starting in Andover, the route takes you through the mountainous landscape of Grafton Notch State Park, passing prominent features like the towering Old Speck, then through Newry and back into Andover. The views along the route are unparalleled and will deliver you into a state of complete euphoria and wonder. But you have to work for it: this route is long and has nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Thankfully, most of the work is at the very beginning, letting you enjoy the rest of the ride and take in the views with some semblance of comfort. If you thought the Rockland – Port Clyde ride sounded intimidating, this one will surely challenge you – but it’s worth it!

For more information on each ride, visit the Bicycle Coalition of Maine website and explore its “Where to Ride” map. You can also discover many more rides through this feature that could appeal to your interests.

Story & Photos by Garrick Hoffman, an award-winning photographer, freelance writer, and actor based in Auburn. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook at @garrickhoffmanphotography, and visit his website at GarrickHoffman.com.