If you’re thinking about planning motorcycle trips in Maine, the state offers millions of acres of diverse landscape to satisfy those who enjoy Mother Nature. From rivers, lakes, and dense forests to mountain tops and views of the Atlantic Ocean coastline, you’ll have many opportunities for a memorable ride. Enjoy the summer breezes of the Atlantic coast, watch the blooms “spring” into action, and revel in the colors of the changing of the leaves in the fall.
1. Route 113 Border Cruise
Distance: 28 miles
Time to Ride: 1 hour
Head out on this short but intriguing route from Gilead to Fryeburg for a truly scenic ride. Lean into the twists and turns of the tree-canopied highway as you pass through the White Mountain National Forest. The route also takes riders along the state line between Maine and New Hampshire. Once you arrive in Fryeburg, stop in at Fair Grounds Coffee Thursday through Monday for a fresh cup of coffee or a cool smoothie to go along with a sweet donut or pastry.
2. Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Distance: 88 miles
Time to Ride: Half day
This ride covers a lot of diverse landscapes as you go through the western region of Maine. You will pass by lakes and wind your way through the mountains on this 88-mile journey. The paved road has two lanes, providing mostly smooth riding with an occasional bumpy patch. Along the route, you’ll pass friendly villages, see resident wildlife, and have opportunities to stop for food and beverages. Once you reach the city of Mexico, the Chicken Coop restaurant can satisfy your hunger pangs with its extensive menu of good food.
3. Mount Desert Island Loop
Distance: 35 miles
Time to Ride: 1 hour
You’ll enjoy island riding with a visit to Mount Desert Island, where the expansive Acadia National Park is located. The drive offers plenty to see and do as you make your way through the densely forested park and along the refreshing shoreline. Plan your itinerary while inside the park, including heading to Cadillac Mountain. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are several places to stop for food and fun, such as the Robert Abbe Museum of Stone Age Antiquities, the Champlain Mountain Overlook, and the Hulls Cove visitor center. Park your bike at Wildwood Stables and enjoy real horsepower with a carriage ride.
4. The Grafton Notch – 93 Mile Woods Loop
Distance: 93 miles
Time to Ride: Half day
Be sure to have your camera ready for action when traveling along this scenic route. The road quality is interesting with some inclines, declines, and twists. Shortly after beginning the ride, the route takes you inside Grafton Notch State Park. Throughout the ride, be aware of resident wildlife. There’s plenty of scenery and mountain views for picture taking. Consider a stop at Screw Auger Falls for photo ops or taking a relaxing walk at Moose Cave or Mother Walker Falls. An added bonus to this ride is hiking a bit of the historic Appalachian Trail. The trail begins at Springer Mountain, Georgia, in the south, and ends at its northern point of Katahdin, Maine.
5. Northern Route 201
Distance: 101 miles
Time to Ride: Half day
The Kenebec River Valley offers an impressive ride as the highway is bordered by the foothills and river with views of the mountains. Since this route is a major corridor for travelers from Quebec, the highway is in good condition. Expect turns and twists since the road follows the river’s path. The wilderness area offers opportunities for a break to camp, eat and drink, get fuel, and go whitewater rafting. Do stay alert for moose that may be traversing the area.
6. The Dover, NH to Poland, ME Loop
Distance: 170 miles
Time to Ride: Half to full day
The Dover, New Hampshire to Poland, Maine Loop is an opportunity to experience all that New England has to offer. Relax and enjoy the ride as you pass the Sebago River and travel through quaint towns with cozy cafes, shops, and places to stay if you’re planning a weekend getaway. The road is well-maintained with some inclines and hilly sections and plenty of twists. For additional things to do, have a picnic at the lake or cool off and trade in the bike ride for a refreshing ride on jet skis.
7. Boston to Maine – Coastal
Distance: 112 miles
Time to Ride: Half day
Take a ride from the hustle and bustle of Boston to the quietude of canopied forests, marshlands, and small towns on this 112-mile jaunt along the coastline. The route begins in Boston, and continues along the coastline of New Hampshire, and on into Maine. The route has a little bit of everything to see including city skylines, sandy beaches, and ocean views. Some of the cities along the way for food, shopping, pubs, and fuel include Ogunquit and Portsmouth.
8. Thomaston to Lincolnville Beach
Distance: 29 miles
Time to Ride: 1 hour
The Thomaston to Lincolnville Beach route is a good way to step back in time as you leave modern times behind as you weave your way through the New England countryside. Consider this to be a rural ride through a scenic landscape dotted with farms. A nice stop along the way is the friendly town of Hope. Once you arrive in Lincolnville, you’ll have a lot of options for things to do with visits to Camden Hills State Park, Ducktrap River Preserve, Fernalds Neck Preserve, taking a walk on the beach, a visit to Islesboro Island located on Penobscot Bay, kayaking, shopping, and dining.
The beauty of New England and its diversity when it comes to the type of terrain to enjoy on Maine motorcycle trips offers many opportunities for motorcycle trips in Maine during the year. Before you go, it’s always good to know what the weather is like and what the road conditions may be, especially during the winter when snow, ice, and freezing temps may impact the adventure.