Explore the best rated trails in Saco, ME, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Eastern Promenade Trail and Papermill Trail . With more than 26 trails covering 222 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.
Rode this trail several times since mid-September. It is a nice length - 8 miles so not too long for a round trip. It is a new trail with all crushed stone, and it is a straight run and sufficiently wide. The scenery is typical woods. The trail crosses roads 2-3 times that are not too busy and all have lights. The parking lot, which is immediately south of the Airfield Café, is a decent size. The northern part of the trail ends by Route 1. Although I have not done it, you should be able to find your way into the city of Portsmouth from here using Islington St. or Middle Rd.
Did on e-bikes with 2" tires in early October. Done in 2-segments of 14 miles each (started in Newfields and then in Manchester and worked way to middle). From Manchester there are several lakes/ponds, so it is more scenic. Also, this segment has three railbed passes beneath the roads. You can stay on your bike for all but one - watch your head! Also the lead up and down to these tunnels is steep, so get some speed going up to them. From Newfield there are places to eat about 12 miles in. The trail is mostly crushed stone & some dirt.
A real rail trail.¿ A little danger if you hit the rails.¿ You move from within, to the sides a lot. Worth the risk. Great scenery and condition. Biked with e-bike with 2.1" tires. Expect Wolfeboro to be crowded during summer and fall weekends. After the 12-mile ride to Wolfeboro, there are many wonderful places to stop for a bite to eat and drink. Of 20 Rail Trials we rode in October, this was one of the top two crushed stone trails we rode in NH.
Short, but there are some local add-on trails at both ends of the trail. Add on trails are mostly dirt and mostly for mountain bikes but our e-bikes allowed us to add a mile to the adventure.
We started in Manchester and rode east. The first 3 miles the surface was packed gravel with fall leaves but no rocks. We rode another 2 miles and found the path very bumpy with thicker gravel and rocks protruding. We have 2 inch tires but it wasn’t fun for us. We wanted to bike to Raymond but turned around. We have biked on other packed trails in NH without any issues but this path was worse after 3 miles.
Lovely easy trail. Brand new with lots of benches and area information.
Really enjoyed our ebike ride to and from beginning to end and back. Easy parking right over the bridge from Mill apartments on the left! So well maintained, scenic and safe feeling for 2 seniors. Delicious pizza in Lisbon Falls.
So, the positives first. It's a well paved trail with views to a picturesque river.
However, forget the "ring your bell" or "on your left" helps. The proximity to Rt 1 (sometimes within 15 ft. or so) - and the associated traffic noise - all but end any communication, signals, or thoughts of a nice scenic contemplative ride. Also, parking at either end was sparse. And, yes, somewhat thankfully, it is short. A one and done.
Nice easy trail until it crosses the stream then turns into more challenging path. Small elevation changes. Lots of mosquitoes since it goes next to a stream/bog/swamp
So this trail has a hidden risk. Going from trail on the side of the rails to inside the rails can be tricky. My wife fell twice and skinned her knee pretty good. Also trail is narrow and has lots of walkers with dogs. Views are good near wolfboro but after that it’s a tree tunnel. Don’t need to do it again.
We cycled 20 miles, starting at bug Light in South Portland to Scarborough. Mostly flat, asphalt surface. Some riding on bike path along street traffic but most riding is on the separate bike path along water and in green areas. Highly recommend for an easy ride.
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