Things to do / Travel Guide
Exploring the Maine Coast on two wheels is fast becoming a method of choice for thousands of locals and visitors alike. With the great and varied scenery and a multitude of trails, it has become a very accessible sport, and allows people of a variety of skill levels to take part. The seasonal aspect of biking the Maine Coast is pretty straightforward. Biking must wait until spring has clearly hit town - no earlier than May, and no later than September, as winter sets in early. Another nice aspect of cycling is the cost. Compared to other outdoor activities, this one can be done for a reasonable sum. Of course, if you want the absolute top-flight equipment, that's another story. So, get in shape, tune up the wheels and let's hit the road!
Here are some choice routes and other information to help you get those wheels rolling:
Saco River Biking Route
Try this smooth, easy 48-mile ride that brings cyclists through arguably one of the most popular peak season spots in southern Maine all the way to the small town of Goodwin's Mills. The route starts and ends at Old Orchard Beach, where visitors will delight in a wonderful white sand beach and a genuine old-fashioned amusement pier. There are all the old standard rides like a great Ferris wheel and merry-go-round, and you can even get your fortune told. Heading out of Old Orchard Beach, travel inland a bit along the meandering, but pretty, Saco River. You'll want to take a short break at Ferry Beach State Park and enjoy a great sandy white beach. The route starts at the Old Orchard Beach High School parking lot. From the Maine Turnpike's Exit 5, follow the signs to Old Orchard Beach. Turn left at the traffic light on the Turn Road and follow the signs for the Old Orchard Beach High School and Ballpark.
The Southern Coast
This slow-paced, 50-mile route offers something for everyone. There are a ton of beaches along the way, as well as great parks with superb views of the coastline. There are great photo opportunities as well, with some gorgeous 18th- and 19th- century homes. The kids (and those of you classified as “big” kids) will love the Seashore Trolley Museum, home to the world's largest collection of streetcars and trolleys (can you find a streetcar actually named Desire?). A must see! The mid-level 33-mile loop includes Walker's Point and the Seashore Trolley Museum. The short version is a 21-mile loop that includes the towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. This route begins at the Wells Inter-modal Transportation Center, at the intersection of Exit 2 off the Maine Turnpike and State Road 109.
The Eastern Trail
The Eastern Trail is the southern gateway section of the Maine East Coast Greenway. This route runs about 80 miles from Kittery to South Portland. When completed, the Eastern Trail will encompass almost 37 miles of off-road cycling inside the old rail corridor of the Eastern Railroad. Nowadays, Eastern Trail visitors can coast along pavement through the countryside and towns of southern Maine and enjoy great old historic mill towns and coastal beaches. The route starts near the New Hampshire border in Kittery (an outlet-shopping paradise). As the trail winds north, be sure to check out Vaughn Woods State Park, along the Piscataqua River in South Berwick. There are also some interesting historic homes along State Road 1 in Saco. One nice feature of this route is the excellent white sand beach of Old Orchard Beach. Also, don't miss Scarborough Marsh, where you can get off your bike and grab a canoe for a few hours of paddling. The route terminates at Bug Light Park in South Portland. Here, you'll get a picture-perfect view of Portland Harbor in Casco Bay. The route starts on the State Road 1 bridge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Another starting point is the Wells Train Station.
Here are some cycling outfitters to get you equipped, and guided if you need:
- Breton's Bike Shop
- Gorham Bike & Fitness
- Cape-Able Bicycle Shop
- Goodrich's Cycle
|
|
|