The best cycling routes around Augusta

The Kennebec River Rail Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the revitalized Kennebec River through wooded stretches and connecting the state capital of Augusta with the quaint towns of Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner. You'll enjoy continuous river views and the chance to spot wildlife like osprey and bald eagles, all while riding on mostly paved surfaces. This easy route is ideal for a relaxed outing, providing a scenic journey through Maine's heartland.

Planning your visit is simple, with multiple access points providing parking and restrooms. While the trail is accessible year-round, the best cycling conditions are found in the warmer months. Be mindful of a short section in Hallowell where you'll share Water Street with vehicle traffic; otherwise, the path is smooth and family-friendly. The towns along the route offer convenient stops for refreshments and exploration.

This 14.6-mile (23.5 km) route, with a gentle 436 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. It's a notable segment of the ambitious East Coast Greenway and showcases the successful restoration of the Kennebec River. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the region's railroad history and ecology, making it a ride that's as educational as it is enjoyable.

The Cobbosseecontee Lake loop offers a truly engaging touring cycling experience, winding through picturesque landscapes of Maine's largest lake in the Winthrop Lakes Region. You'll navigate rolling hills and enjoy expansive views of the lake's irregular shoreline, dotted with numerous islands and glacial coves, all while pedaling through serene forests of white pine and oak. This moderate 22.6-mile (36.4 km) route, with its 1194 feet (364 metres) of elevation gain, provides a satisfying challenge that typically takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete.

For the best experience, aim to cycle this loop between late spring and early autumn, from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant. The route primarily uses paved roads, but be aware that some sections might be unpaved, adding to the adventure. Since specific parking details aren't always clear, arriving earlier in the day might be a good strategy, especially on weekends.

One of the most unique features you'll encounter is the Ladies Delight Light, Maine's only active inland lighthouse, which adds a touch of historical charm to your ride. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife; cyclists often spot Common Loons, Ospreys, and even Bald Eagles soaring above the expansive waters and forested shores, making this a fantastic route for nature lovers.

The Kennebec River loop from Gardiner, Maine, offers a delightful touring cycling experience, primarily following the scenic Kennebec River Rail Trail. You'll pedal past shaded stretches of mature trees, enjoying panoramic views of the river and keeping an eye out for local wildlife like ospreys and eagles. The route connects several charming downtown communities, including Gardiner and Hallowell, providing a pleasant mix of natural beauty and small-town atmosphere.

This moderate 24.1-mile (38.8 km) loop, with 892 feet (272 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes. While the rail trail portion is mostly paved and flat, the full loop incorporates varied terrain and some potentially unpaved sections, requiring good fitness. Parking is readily available in historic downtown Gardiner, making it a convenient starting point for your ride.

Beyond the cycling, the Kennebec River Rail Trail is a significant part of the East Coast Greenway, a developing network spanning the Atlantic seaboard. Interpretive signs along the way highlight the region's rich railroad history and ecology, adding a layer of cultural interest to your ride. You can also stop in riverside towns like Hallowell for a coffee or snack, enhancing the touring experience.

Embark on a diverse touring bicycle adventure along the Kennebec River – Kennebec River Rail Trail loop from Augusta, where you'll trace the scenic Kennebec River through wooded areas and historic towns. The route offers expansive river views, especially as you pass through charming Hallowell, and transitions between the smooth, paved rail trail and potentially unpaved segments. This difficult 57.4-mile (92.3 km) journey, with 2673 feet (815 metres) of elevation gain, is a substantial ride that takes approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes to complete.

For this extended cycling loop, plan your visit during the spring, summer, or fall to best enjoy the varied terrain and riverside towns. While the core rail trail is accessible year-round, the full loop's length and mixed surfaces are best tackled in milder weather. Starting your ride in Augusta provides a slight elevation advantage for the return journey, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments in the towns along the way.

This route is a prime example of a successful rails-to-trails conversion, preserving a historic transportation corridor for recreational use and forming part of the ambitious East Coast Greenway. Beyond the cycling, keep an eye out for wildlife, including bald eagles, along the Kennebec River. The trail's connection to Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner also offers a chance to explore local shops, restaurants, and historical sites, making it more than just a ride.