Maine mountain biking: 5 must-ride spots

Mountain biking in Maine can offer challenging terrain and breathtaking views. (Jamie Walter/Sugarloaf Mountain Resort)

Maine is well known by outdoors enthusiasts for having a little bit of everything, with lots of coastal views, mountains and remote woodland areas to explore.

Cyclists often sing the praises of the tame carriage roads in Acadia National Park, but Vacationland has plenty of singletrack for mountain bikers to enjoy.

You can find some fast rolling fun at Blackstrap Preserve in Falmouth or test your skills on some classic New England tech at Bradbury Mountain State Park. While you can find a little bit of everything in Maine, most trail systems will require a good amount of climbing but reward you with fun descents.

If you’re taking a trip to the Pine Tree State, here are five mountain biking spots to put on your “must ride” list.

MORE MOUNTAIN BIKING GUIDES: Connecticut | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island

Carrabassett Valley Trails, Carrabassett Valley

While you may know Carrabassett Valley for its proximity tos Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, there is plenty of summertime fun to be had on the local mountain bike trails. The Carrabassett Valley Trails are a vast network of over 77 miles of mountain bike-specific trails with options for all skill levels. Most riders park at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, where you can pick up several beginner and intermediate trails to start your ride. More advanced riders can jump on “Cinderella” or “Bob’s Backyard Boogie” from the Outdoor Center for a technical challenge.

The New England Mountain Biking Association recently hosted their annual “NEMBAFest” at the Carrabassett Valley Trails due to the ride quality and vast trail options. Festival organizers put together a variety of riding loops for different skill levels that you can find on Trailforks.

Blackstrap Hill Preserve, Falmouth

Blackstrap Hill Preserve is a popular spot for local riders and features 24 miles of trails. The trail system is known to be technically challenging and best suited for more intermediate-to-advanced riders. Most of the singletrack is found between Blackstrap Road and the turnpike and is full of technical features. Riders can test their skills on fast rolling berms and fun drops. There are even a few optional doubles for riders looking for some air time. Those looking for loamy flow should head across Blackstrap Road and ride the trails leading into the North Falmouth Community Forest.

Blackstrap Hill Preserve is managed by the Falmouth Land Trust and you can find access and parking information on their website.

Camden Snow Bowl (Ragged Mountain Recreation Area), Camden

The Camden Snow Bowl, also known as Ragged Mountain Recreation Area, is a truly unique riding experience with a backcountry feel. The area features trails for all skill levels but you better be ready to climb. The trails are a mix of double track and singletrack, with technical roots, rocks, and drops sprinkled throughout the system.

Riders should park at the Snow Bowl, as the trails start just a few hundred feet from the parking area. Warm up on “Kuller Trail Lower” and test your skills on the small pump track before heading into the fun beginner-friendly loop on “Kuller Trail Upper.” If you’re an advanced rider looking for a challenge, start your day with a big climb on “Jibe” to “Keel Haul” which will bring you to the most technical downhill trails the Snow Bowl has to offer.

Bond Brook, Augusta

Mountain bikers of all skill levels can find something to ride at Bond Brook. Located near the University of Maine, Augusta, the trail network is easily accessible by bike. The trail network features about 10 miles of enjoyable singletrack. Riders should check out “Double B” and “Bluff,” but you can’t go wrong with any of the green or blue trails at Bond Brook.

Beginners should check out the wide cross-country ski trails for a less technical ride, but be ready for the hills. There is no way to avoid climbing in this trail system. If you’re arriving at the trails by car, search for “Bond Brook MTB Parking” on Google for the best parking area.

Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal

At Bradbury Mountain State Park you’ll find classic New England tech trails with lots of rocks and roots to test your skills. The west side of Bradbury Mountain features steep and aggressive trails that more advanced mountain bikers will enjoy, but riders should use extra caution as there are more hikers sharing those trails. The mountain’s east side features less climbing and most of the singletrack was built with mountain bikes in mind. “Island,” “Lanzo the Fox Trails,” “Ragan” and “Ginn” are the must-ride trails on the east side according to local riders.

Bradbury Mountain is well-signed, with location maps at most intersections, making it easy to navigate the trail system. Pro tip: Only visit Bradbury Mountain when it’s dry, the rooty trails can stay muddy for some time after it rains.