Explore the best rated trails in Orono, ME. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Four Seasons Adventure Trail and University of Maine Bicycle Path. With more than 11 trails covering 142 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.
Lovely, flat, well kept. I started a bit further back at the Belfast Boathouse, walked all the way out and back for almost 6 miles.
Has a nice River view, can occasionally hear trains tooting, people are dining to the side on restaurant patios
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!
Last weekend we did this so-called shared trail (bikes, hikers, horses, 4 wheelers). Unless you like to inhale the whiff of gasoline from ATVs and the din of their engines, avoid this trail like the plague. We had the bad idea of ¿¿doing this trail back and forth...I believe we must have passed at least 60 ATVs. If some drivers showed civility, by slowing down when they passed us, the majority demonstrated that the words civility and courtesy are not even part of their vocabulary. They make it clear to you that you are not welcome on THEIR path. The majority pass by you without slowing down and I do not recommend this trail for families with young children for obvious reasons. In addition, it is a very rocky trail that requires at least a hybrid bike with good tires, or even a mountain bike.
I'm trying to find a positive to this trail but even trying to be objective I can't find one. There are no infractrustures (no picnic tables, no toilets, nothing). I imagine my review is going to be deleted as it probably won't appeal to everyone but until then hopefully it helps other people not to waste their time on this tasteless trail.
Twas a lovely way to start the day, walking above & beside the river with the dogs. Very accessible hard packed stone dust path & fairly smooth bridges. Highly recommend for those visiting Belfast.
Rode this on September 1, 2021, from Newport, ME area. Rode 12 miles out on my gravel bike. This is a beginner friendly trail. Not road bike friendly. There are a few sections of loose gravel that can be challenging. Also some sandy spots, but you can power through them. Lots of pot holes and riding on the edges can be helpful.
Great hiking trail, love the bridge crossing and bay views. If you’re looking for a good running trail - you may want to skip this one. You can run it - no real elevation gains and pretty straight forward there and back, but the railroad ties kick your butt. In some places they aren’t bad at all, but there are enough spots where there are handfuls of them packed close and tight making it very difficult. You can totally run it, but be ready for a the possibility of a potential fall or a rolled ankle.
Heard about this trail from a friend. Wanted to surprise my husband who loves anything to do with trains/railroads. Was very hard to find the Hancock parking lot at first & we passed it & drove further down the road. Across from the Hancock City Hall is a small lot that holds 5 -6 cars. The sign marking the lot is parallel to the road so hard to see. Saw several locals walking down the street to enter, some with their dogs. Trust the locals - they know where all the good places are. Young family was having a photo shoot with a pro photographer on part of the trail in soft afternoon light with fall foliage as backdrop. One can see tracks & concrete that was once a platform. Trail has lots of rail ties, so watch your step. Unlike another reviewer, I am glad they were left there & bikes not allowed as it keeps the trail quiet. Since we started our hike after 3pm after being at Schoodic earlier in the day, we only got as far as the trestle bridge. After another family left so we had the place to ourselves & enjoyed the peace & natural beauty. Plan to hike the whole trail from end to end next time. Hike this trail - beautiful nature & peaceful. One con: No restrooms.
The Belfast Rail Trail is well maintained, clean and provides nice views of the water.
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.
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