Explore the best rated trails in Calais, ME, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sipayik Trail and Calais Waterfront Walkway . With more than 3 trails covering 91 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'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.
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!
After biking the Aroostook Trail, I came down to Washington Junction for the Sunrise Trail. I encountered several ATVs but only one was miffed (it was a narrow section of sand/gravel around miles 3-4 and they honked at me and I stopped to let them by). I have a Trek Verve with decent tires that I use on the C&O Canal towpath gravel/dirt/and crush-and-run. My experience with the Sunrise trail from mile 1.7 to mile 12.5 is that it was 50-60% gravel with some sand, 20-25% hard-packed smooth dirt, and 20-25% really sandy gravel that was difficult to pedal through. I'm used to doing 30 miles on the easy towpath crush-and-run but after 21 miles on this trail I was exhausted (I'm 63, give me a break). Horseflies!! I wanted to stop to blow my nose but 7-8 horseflies were ready when I stopped so I kept going. I liked the trail and maybe I will check out the other end but the west end is not for the casual biker.
Don't be intimidated by the atvs on this trail, the drivers we encountered on the 4th of July were polite and the trail was just wide enough. Machias is the most "settled" for 35 miles around on the north end with stores and restaurants, which is where we tried it out. Absolutely LOVELY! Plus--the U.S. Bikeway #1 of street routes has an easy section here that crosses the Downeast at Rim Rd, East Machias and heads into Machiasport, passing the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution. PLUS!--there is a "Sculpture Trail" that intersects here as well, at Roque Bluffs state park and at the U of Maine in town. This well maintained trail needs an itinerary!
This is a great trail if you’re looking to take out your atv or utv. At 87 miles from start to finish I was able to complete the trail in about 7 hours with frequent stops/breaks and average 40PMH. The trail is pretty smooth with little rough terrain/hills. We did not explore any trails off the main trail but would’ve liked to find a good place to eat lunch. Some parts are good for legit mountain bikes, short walks or equestrian use. Definitely a good trail if you just wanna get out and ride.
Great ATV riding trail lots of scenery, nice small streams fish and mountains admire.
Saw two horses on the way to Ellsworth people riding were very nice we let them pass as we did not want to upset the horses. Great experence all in all. No complaints here! Life is too short get out and enjoy and avoid the miserable people! Thank you Maine for providing this great trail !!!!
Had a nice ride along this trail. It is the beginning of the East Coast Greenway Maine to Florida. it was well maintained, logs were mode and lots of granite benches along the way.
It said trail head was on Beals Ave, but it is actually on HIgh Street behind the Comfort Inn. Nice trail - pretty rocky in places other places very smooth. Encountered a bear on the trail - fortunately we saw him about 50 yds ahead and waited until he moved off. Pretty remote for the first 12 miles out of Ellsworth - very beautiful countryside.
We headed out on a early June Monday morning from East Machias north/east for an hour. Only a few ATVs passed us. Some nice spring flowers along the trail with the rhodoras in full bloom and a few clumps of lady’s slippers - both white and pink. At East Machias there we’re nesting Osprey which was another plus. Overall a nice ride!
Trails were in great shape and the leaves were just starting to turn color. Highly recommend for a nice UTV ride lots of beautiful sites.
Disappointing. We had high expectations since this is part of the East Coast Greenway and we have cycled many portions of it from Florida and northward. As mentioned in other reviews, this trail is for ATV's and is not recommended for bicycling. The trail condition was rough due to heavy use by ATV'S. It was rutted, washboarded, and has much loose sand and gravel from the ATV traffic. We were passed by 12 fast moving ATV'S and only saw 1 other bicycle on a Tuesday morning between Tunk Road and Franklin.
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