Find the top rated hiking trails in Maine, 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.
We ventured out for our first rail trial ride and found it easy to navigate as it is marked well. For the conditions, well, that goes with the territory and the sport. There’s going to be some good and bad be prepared to handle any terrain and then your all set after all this is called ATVing.
This is primarily an ATV/ORV track. We tried to bike it on a beautiful Sunday morning in late May and were passed by dozens of ATV's and and ORV's of different sizes. Each time plumes of dust were raised and by the time we decided to turn around (only three miles out) we were gritty and dusty.
This is advertised as a multi-use trail and I guess that it is, but riding a bike (or heaven forbid, walking) is unpleasant and realistically unsafe.
My husband and myself saw this trail listed in the Rails to Trails magazine, and since we were in the area, we thought we would try it. From the very beginning, the trail was very bumpy, with lots of potholes and large rocks. We were hoping, that it would get better, but unfortunately it didn't. With the exception of a few sections where the trail was ok, this trail is clearly very frequented by many ATVs, and the condition of the trail is not suited for cyclists. We are both experienced riders, and made it to Dexter on the trail. From there we returned on busy Rt7 back to Newport. We just could not face the trail again for the return trip. Worst rail trail we've ever been on!!
My husband and I just both got bikes and were at a family outing the day before in Augusta and decided to try out the trail. It was a beautiful trail and a great first ride. We will definitely be back!
Visiting Maine in August we found no place to rent bikes within 80 miles of the Trail. We decided to hike the section from Bingham south as we like free flowing rivers, not lakes behind dams. First issue was the Bingham Goodrich Rd trailhead. It is in the woods and out of sight from US 201 or houses. We chose to park at a more publicly visible location at a Supermarket across from North Country Rivers Outfitters where the Trail crosses a corner of the Outfitters property. We did get permission from the Supermarket and recommend parking here, not the Goodrich Rd. trailhead.
Second, the main issue for us was the Trail. This included the lack of views of this section of the river being obscured by Summer vegetation, the condition of the trail with muddy potholes and lack of a gravel surface and the permitted use of the Trail by ATV’s. The ATV drivers were respectful of hikers and slowed for us, but the vehicles were still noisy and created dust. We terminated the hike early and had ice cream at Here’s the Scoop in Bingham, sitting quietly on the bank of the Kennebec.
Headed south on US 201 to Arnolds Landing where the trail crosses the Kennebec. The trail is on the river bank and would have provided better water views had we hiked this section. Had to leave, as it is a slow drive from I-95. In summary, the Bingham area portion of the Trail would rank as our worst RTT experience from Maine to Virginia. We would not return even for ice cream on the river bank.
This is a paved trail for both bike and walk that follows the railway thru a part of the town of Ellsworth. Very flat, this is easily traversed and works well for those looking for a good trail for morning walks, runs or rides. Pet friendly but please clean up after your pet.
Tried to bike the trail, but had to turn around. The surface is chewed up, with massive potholes and lots of hazards.
I have to say, these trails are amazing for everyone, every age, every level, and any size group. Get out and ride these very user friendly flat scenic wide trails.
I love this trail. Its quiet. Along river. Can here the wildlife. All ages out and about. Biking. walking. jogging. strollers. Next to a dairy joy👍
We were excited to accept the challenge of the 85 mile rail-trail. We bicycled from Ellsworth to Columbia Falls in 8-10 mile chunks parking at different entry points along the way, making a 16-20 mile ride round trip each time. Every time we rode we encountered an abundance of ATVer's who dusted us out each time we passed each other, and since they were approaching us at rather high speeds, we stopped and got off of the trail each time. We did the majority of our rides mid-week hoping to avoid a lot of ATV traffic but also tried riding on the weekends, same story. The scenery in many of the areas was very nice but on our final ride there was deep, loose gravel and we sadly abandoned the challenge to ride the entire trail. From research after we threw in the towel, it appears that the ATV folk have financed a large part of this trail and are enjoying it thoroughly. In my opinion, I don't think that the ATV/Bicycle mix is a good fit.
Not a good trail for biking. Was like biking through a sand dune. Looks pretty decent for anything else though.
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