The best cycling routes around Oakland
7
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8
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Touring cycling routes around Oakland, Maine, are characterized by a landscape of numerous lakes and rolling terrain. The region features a network of roads that connect various bodies of water, including Messalonskee Lake, China Lake, Long Pond, and Great Pond. Cyclists can expect routes with moderate elevation changes, offering views of the water and surrounding natural areas.
Best touring cycling routes around Oakland
- The most popular touring cycling route is Messalonskee Lake loop from Oakland, Maine, a 26.5 miles (42.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 34 minutes to complete. This route offers a scenic loop around Messalonskee Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is China Lake loop from Waterville, Maine, a moderate 31.3 miles (50.4 km) path. This path circles China Lake, providing varied views of the water and countryside.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Waterville to Fairfield loop, a 12.5 miles (20.1 km) trail leading through rural areas, often completed in about 1 hour 21 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Oakland is defined by lake loops, rolling hills, and connections between towns. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate to difficult.
- The routes in Oakland are highly rated by the komoot community. More than 6 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Oakland's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
1
riders
42.6km
02:34
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
50.4km
03:02
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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20.1km
01:21
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
78.5km
04:54
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
61.9km
03:41
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Oakland
Tips from the Community
Mill Island Park is a great little park in the middle of the Kennebec River. There are picnic area, walking paths, a playground, and more.
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This public footbridge was built in the early 1900s with a toll of 1 cent. After less than a year the original bridge was destroyed in a flood and subsequently rebuilt. The toll was also raised to 2 cents, which is where the common name comes from though the official name is still Ticonic Footbridge. These days there is no toll to cross the bridge, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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Augusta, Maine's State Capital, sits along the banks of the Kennebec River. It's the 3rd smallest U.S. State Captial by population & offers a unique mixture of historic buildings, great restaurants, & ample opportunities to explore the river and other outdoor destinations.
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China Lake is a popular destination for water lovers of all stripes, including those that prefer it frozen. The lake and nearby town of the same name have no connection to the seemingly eponymous country of China. Instead the name derives from an old hymn by Timothy Swan that was popular around the time the town was founded.
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Long Pond is part of the Belgrade Lakes System and is separated into two distinct sections by a narrow crossing in the middle. Both the southern & northern sections provide habitat for warm and cold water fish species. There are a number of public beaches and boat launches around the lake for people to access the water.
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Messalonskee Lake is one of 5 lakes within the Belgrade Lakes Region. It is a naturally occurring lake, though it has been artificially enlarged with a dam. It's a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and bird & other wildlife spotting.
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Augusta, Maine's State Capital, sits along the banks of the Kennebec River. It's the 3rd smallest U.S. State Captial by population and offers a unique mixture of historic buildings, great restaurants, and ample opportunities to explore the river and other outdoor destinations.
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Waterville is a beautiful small town along the banks of the Kennebec River. It's mostly known for its red brick buildings and two small private universities. If you're passing through town you'll find a number of great cafes, restaurants, and breweries to fuel up at.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Oakland, Maine?
There are 7 touring cycling routes documented around Oakland, Maine, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Oakland, Maine?
The routes around Oakland, Maine, are characterized by a landscape of numerous lakes and rolling terrain. You can expect moderate elevation changes as you connect various bodies of water like Messalonskee Lake, China Lake, Long Pond, and Great Pond.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes for beginners in Oakland, Maine?
Yes, there is one easy touring cycling route available. For those looking for a less strenuous ride, you can find options that are suitable for beginners.
Which touring cycling routes offer a moderate challenge?
Four of the routes around Oakland, Maine, are rated as moderate. These include the Messalonskee Lake loop from Oakland, Maine, the China Lake loop from Waterville, Maine, and the Waterville to Fairfield loop.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, there are two difficult touring cycling routes for those seeking a greater challenge. These include the extensive Long Pond & Great Pond from Waterville, Maine route and the Waterville to Augusta loop.
What are some of the longer touring cycling routes in the area?
For longer rides, consider the Long Pond & Great Pond from Waterville, Maine, which spans over 78 km, or the Waterville to Augusta loop, covering nearly 62 km.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Oakland, Maine?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are loops, offering scenic circular journeys. Examples include the Messalonskee Lake loop from Oakland, Maine and the China Lake loop from Waterville, Maine.
What can I see along the touring cycling routes near Oakland, Maine?
While cycling, you'll encounter various natural and man-made attractions. Notable points of interest include the Ticonic Footbridge (Two Cent Bridge), the town of Waterville, Maine, and Johnson Pond. You might also pass by Colby College and Mill Island Park.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy about cycling in Oakland, Maine?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 6 touring cyclists having explored Oakland's varied terrain using komoot. Cyclists often praise the scenic lake loops and the connections between towns, offering diverse views of the water and countryside.
Are there any specific routes that connect different towns?
Yes, the network of routes around Oakland, Maine, often connects various towns. For instance, the Waterville to Fairfield loop and the Waterville to Augusta loop are good examples of routes that lead through rural areas and link different communities.
Most popular routes around Oakland
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