Pedaling Through the Pine State: Discovering Maine's Best Backroads by Bicycle

Maine is a state that whispers secrets to those willing to listen. Its backroads are arteries of adventure, offering glimpses into a world where time slows and nature reigns supreme. For the intrepid cyclist, these routes are more than just paths—they're portals into new corners of your soul.

1. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway (Machias to Lubec)

Starting in Machias (Washington County, ME 04654) and winding its way to Lubec (Washington County, ME 04652), this route offers an intoxicating mix of rugged coastline and dense forest. As you pedal along Route 191, you'll find yourself enveloped by the scent of pine and saltwater—a sensory experience that recalls Thoreau’s meditations on nature.

The journey culminates at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec—the easternmost point in the United States—where you can watch the sunrise over Canada’s Grand Manan Island. It's a place that feels like it exists outside time itself.

2. Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s gift to cyclists everywhere, these meticulously crafted carriage roads offer some of Maine's most picturesque cycling experiences within Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor, Hancock County, ME 04609). With no cars allowed on these gravel pathways, you're free to lose yourself among granite bridges and serene lakes.

As you ride past Jordan Pond or Eagle Lake under a canopy of autumn leaves ablaze with color—think Winslow Homer meets Robert Frost—you'll understand why artists have long been drawn here for inspiration.

3. Kennebec River Rail Trail

Stretching from Augusta (Kennebec County, ME 04330) through Hallowell and Farmingdale before ending in Gardiner (Kennebec County/ME/Somerset Counties border), this trail follows an old railroad bed alongside one of Maine’s most storied rivers—the Kennebec River—which once carried logs downriver during logging booms immortalized by E.B White himself!

Cyclists will appreciate both history lessons offered via interpretive signs along their route as well as opportunities for quiet reflection beside flowing waters teeming with wildlife such as bald eagles soaring overhead or otters playing near shorelines below them...

4 . Moosehead Lake Loop Road

For those seeking solitude amidst untamed wilderness look no further than Moosehead Lake Loop Road located deep within Piscataquis county starting Greenville Junction heading northward towards Rockwood village then looping back southwards again completing circuitous loop around largest freshwater body entirely contained within borders New England states themselves! This remote region epitomizes quintessentially rustic charm embodying spirit frontier living celebrated works Stephen King whose novels often set against backdrop wild untamed landscapes found throughout northern reaches our beloved Pine Tree State...

Here riders may encounter moose grazing roadside marshlands hear haunting calls loons echo across still waters while traversing rolling hillsides blanketed evergreen forests stretching horizon far beyond sightline human eye alone capable perceiving fully comprehending vastness sheer beauty surrounding them every turn bend road ahead beckoning onward ever deeper into heartland true essence what makes Maine so special unique unto itself unlike anywhere else earth today tomorrow forevermore...

**Websites & Twitter Handles:**

- **Acadia National Park:** [nps.gov/acad](https://www.nps.gov/acad)

- **Bold Coast Scenic Byway:** [maine.gov/mdot/scenicbyways/boldcoast](https://www.maine.gov/mdot/scenicbyways/boldcoast/)

- **Kennebec River Rail Trail:** [kennebecriverrailtrail.org](http://kennebecriverrailtrail.org)

- **Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce:** [mooseheadlake.org](https://mooseheadlake.org)

Twitter:

- @AcadiaNPS

- @VisitMaine