The best cycling routes in Aroostook County

Komoot features 6 touring cycling routes in Aroostook County. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance rides.

Aroostook County's touring cycling routes generally feature flat to rolling terrain, traversing vast forests, expansive farmlands, and scenic waterways. While many routes are accessible for various abilities, some areas do present more challenging, steeper grades. For example, the Montagne Michaud loop from Edmundston includes significant elevation gain, while the Daaquam River – Belvédère des Tourbières loop from Saint-Just-de-Bretenières is mostly flat.

Yes, Aroostook County offers easy touring cycling routes. The Daaquam River – Belvédère des Tourbières loop from Saint-Just-de-Bretenières is an easy 8.5-mile (13.7 km) trail that leads through river valleys with minimal elevation gain, making it a good option for a relaxed ride.

Cyclists in Aroostook County can enjoy diverse scenery, including vast potato fields, dense forests, and numerous rivers and lakes like Eagle Lake and Long Lake. The region is also known for its scenic byways, such as the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway, and opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and deer. The Lac Pohénégamook – La Petite Plage loop from Plage des Rosiers offers scenic views around the lake.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. Examples include the Lac Pohénégamook – La Petite Plage loop from Plage des Rosiers, the Daaquam River – Belvédère des Tourbières loop from Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, and the Montagne Michaud loop from Edmundston. These provide convenient options for starting and ending your ride in the same location.

The touring cycling routes in Aroostook County are rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.0 stars. Cyclists often appreciate the varied terrain, from quiet woodlands to well-maintained state roads, and the opportunities for both challenging long-distance rides and relaxed scenic loops.

Yes, Aroostook County offers routes suitable for longer touring adventures. The Lincoln to Millinocket via East Coast Greenway is a difficult 70.7-mile (113.8 km) route, providing extensive cycling through varied landscapes. Additionally, the US Bike Route 501 traverses the county, offering connections to New Brunswick, Canada, and views of the Penobscot River and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

The best time for touring cycling in Aroostook County is typically from late spring through early fall. During summer, you can enjoy the sight of potato blossoms in bloom across the farmlands. Fall offers vibrant foliage. It's advisable to check local weather conditions, as winters can be harsh and some trails may be used for other activities like snowmobiling.

Yes, Aroostook County is home to the unique Maine Solar System Model, a 40-mile route where cyclists can ride past scale models of planets. This educational and popular tour begins in Houlton and ends at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

For more information on cycling events like 'Ride Aroostook' or the 'Spudcycle Classic,' and general cycling resources in the area, you can visit the Aroostook County tourism website: visitaroostook.com.

Many routes in Aroostook County, particularly the rail trails and US Bike Route 501, weave through quiet Acadian towns and communities like Presque Isle, Caribou, New Sweden, Houlton, Monticello, Bridgewater, and Mars Hill, offering convenient access to amenities such as cafes and accommodation. The Kitchen Brook – Lac à Lang loop from Lac-Baker Parish also passes through populated areas.

Aroostook County features several multi-use rail trails ideal for touring cyclists. These include the Aroostook Valley Trail, which is 28.8 miles long and connects towns like Presque Isle and Caribou, and the Bangor & Aroostook Trail (BAT), a 61-mile trail that is part of northern Maine's interconnected trail system. The Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail extends 40 miles from Houlton.