Explore the best rated trails in Belfast, ME, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the University of Maine Bicycle Path and Old Narrow Gauge Volunteer Trail . With more than 17 trails covering 205 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode out and back for a total of 12.5 miles from Machias. I am a very experienced 65 y.o. road rider with moderate experience on mountain and a novice on gravel bikes. I rode a Salsa Warbird (gravel) bike with 42 mm tires (tubeless with appropriate pressure). I thought the trail was a nice gravel ride, Scenic and flat. My wife, who has similar road biking experience but does not like mountain biking or gravel, rode a total of 4 miles on the same bike and tire setup. She turned around because it wasn’t fun. I saw lots of walkers, a guy using a rollator, a couple cyclotouring, two teenagers: one on a 4 wheeler and one on a small dirt bike(bothe waved). While I don’t get TTVs and wish they weren’t on the trail, the trail was fine for gravel bikes, IMHO..
This is a very enjoyable trail from Augusta to Gardner. Much of it is along a high bank of the river with wooded views to the east side. At the Augusta side, in season large sturgeon jump high and loudly flop into the water below the damn. Passing through Hollowell is a treat with its interesting shops and a great halfway stop for drinks and/or food at its several restaurants. Gardner on Thursday evenings has an antique car show in the river park with music and food trucks.
Visited on Aug 1, 2024. Basically all trails and carriage roads outside of the Acadia NP are now owned by an entity called Mt. Desert Land and Garden Preserve and closed for bikers. See attached photos. Very disappointing!
I've never been more disappointed in a rail trail than the portion of the Down East Sunrise Trail we rode in Machias. It may be maintained, but it's maintained only for ATV's not for cyclist except mountain bikers and even then the large gravel present would make for a miserable ride. Just don't.
I love the waterfront it’s such a beautiful area and the scenery along waterfront is awesome
The carriage roads of Acadia National Park are among the most beautiful and rewarding places I've ridden. They are unique and unlike a typical rail-trail, but if they were, they would undoubtedly be in the Hall of Fame. The riding on the carriage roads is comparable to the Virginia Creeper Trail, with some climbing and numerous great views, but the carriage roads are generally wider and more engineered. They offer a fantastic range of scenery, including dense forests, lakes, stream crossings over historic stone bridges and spectacular views of the coastal mountains, bays, ocean and inland Maine. With forty-five miles open to bicycles, one can plan a variety of rides from relatively flat and easy circuits around the lakes and ponds to more extended climbing in the mountains. The grade is typically gentle and the National Park Service does a wonderful job of keeping the carriage roads groomed and free of obstacles. Being the only national park in the region, Acadia can be very crowded during the summer and the carriage roads are often congested. Cyclists need to be very careful around horses in particular. The more challenging and remote sections of the carriage roads are typically less crowded, so those are better choices during the summer. Late October to early November is the best time for cycling as the crowds, heat and humidity give way to crisp cool days without insect pests. The carriage roads can easily be ridden with almost any kind of bike except road bikes, but most riders would probably do best with a dedicated gravel bike, fat bike, hybrid or hardtail mountain bike. E-bikes are a common sight and can be rented in Bar Harbor. Suspension is mostly unnecessary but good tires are a must. Surface conditions can range from hardpack to fairly deep gravel, so wider tires with some teeth are helpful. Good brakes are also highly recommended. The carriage roads provide a fantastic cycling experience but they do require hundreds of hours of upkeep so please be sure to purchase a park pass. As a capstone to a stupendous carriage road adventure, Bar Harbor has plenty of restaurants where one can enjoy a traditional Maine post-ride pigout of chowdah, lobstah and beeah. Enjoy!
Trail was ruined by loose stones, ruts, etc. cause primarily by ATV's and generally not rideable, even for wide tires used by a very experienced rider. Other reviews say the same thing. I don't understand why the powers that be allow ATV's on this "trail." Certainly there is support for a more sensible and appropriate use of the trail as well as lots of other places in Maine where you can ride your ATV. With all the need these days for clean air, energy conservation, healthy exercise for our population, preserving animal habitats, etc., why in the world would this continue to be supported along the entire trail no less!
I skied the entire trail over 6 days eastbound in February 2020. There were a few snow machines but they were never a problem. All were courteous and plenty of room to share the trail. Camping was fun and greatly aided by the picnic tables placed trailside. Very enjoyable trip!
Lots of bright yellow and gold foliage today on a wide flat trail. Some areas had washouts that were clearly marked. Overall it was a fantastic ride.
Plenty of places to park at either end of this out and back trail. No ATVs allowed, obviously. Just a bit short of three miles, roundtrip. Very easy walk, only downside is that it's very much on the short side, less that 1.5 miles each way, out and back. No facilities along the trail, though there are plenty of opportunities to walk a few dozen yards to visit local businesses and eateries. Dog friendly, on leash please, and a dog waste disposal can is about halfway along the trail. Would that all walking trails made that accommodation!
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