Find the top rated hiking trails in Jay, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I cycled both directions of the Presidential rail trail from Gorham to Jefferson Notch rd. The trail is mostly cinder, but there are sections that are not in good shape. The trail is still a work in progress. The trail is often in a canopy of trees. This could be cooler on hot, sunny days but limits the view of the Presidential Range. The marshy sections were interesting. I was expecting a moose at any moment. There aren’t any services, so be prepared. Be aware of elevation change, no singe large hail but a continuous slope. Keep a god cadence.
Parked at Livermore Falls just after crossing the bridge into town.
There is a Cumberland Farm gas station about a block away for extra water. There is also a Family Market at Depot St and Highway 2 in Dryden (maybe?) that the trail passes right in front.
Fantastic trail. Marshes, woods. I rode in August and guessing 70% of the trail is shaded. The washout is still there around mile marker 6. But you can navigate it (I walked my bike in that area).
There were several ATVs on the trail, but they pulled over to the shoulder. Very friendly.
The worst parts were the washboards...and the downhills were too short.
Very nice surface for our hybrid bikes and beautiful scenery.
Virtually perfect. Low grade ups and downs. Trail is on street through village of Hallowell. No shoulder, lots of traffic, so we walked our bikes down the sidewalk and enjoyed looking in the shops. A good deal of walkers and other bikers here and there, but manageable. Start in Augusta .5 miles in, big parking lot.
The scenery along the Presidential Trail is varied and spectacular. The views of the Presidential Range are awesome and the Gorham end of the trail is almost as beautiful as it winds along the Moose River through a narrow valley. The trail surface is also varied and it's very bumpy in spots. I found it almost painful to complete the trail on a gravel bike, which is why I only rated it with four stars. A short-travel full-suspension mountain bike is probably ideal for this trail. This was definitely one of the most beautiful rail-trails I've ridden and I can't wait to ride it again during the autumn.
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.
We just did the trail. A good portion is closed due to winter flood damage which removed parts of the trail. Rubble replacement now. Entire trail passible but closed sections rough. Trail is downhill west to east
We just did the trail. A good portion is closed due to winter flood damage which removed parts of the trail. Rubble replacement now. Entire trail passible but closed sections rough. Trail is downhill north to south
Plenty of parking at the Pondicherry Wildlife trail head. We ride fat tire ebikes. The trail presented little issue with some rougher, more narrow sections close to the refuge. There is a lovely viewing platform near the start of the trail. We rode in late September. The foliage was not peak but stunning none the less. The trail had only a few leaves and few puddles. Not the best for a standard bike but perfect for bikes with wider tires. We rode up to Randolf and turned around, 34 miles. not busy but we saw other riders, dog walkers, hikers and a couple of horse riders. Great views of the mountains when you break into a meadow or wetland. really fun. I took off a star because standard bikes might struggle.
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.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
