Riding in Southern Maine

[Bob Miller]

Been riding in Maine since 2007. Fort Kent, Eagle lake, Shin Pond, Millinocket, and Rumford but never in Southern Maine? Anybody ever ride in the South, and if so what town and how are the trails? The thinking here is not as far away, traveling from Sherman, CT!

 

[stevewithOCD]

Nothing like where you used to ride. You'll cross LOTS of roads & the big trails don't last long. It's 6 hours coming from the top of CT so it's probably worse for you. Actually the biggest problem is the amount of snow. If there's alot of snow, which is usually less, then it's OK. BUT, you're used to riding the best trails or equal to any trail system anywhere. It's hard to go back...

 

[Bob Miller]

In this recent storm Southern Maine got the brunt of it! I was also thinking about going up for 2-3 days and not driving as far, but I will if the trails in the South are BLAH! I'm in Sherman,CT and here are some of the distance's I have to drive depending on where I'm going in Maine. Anybody been to Sanford, ME ?


Sanford, ME
256.8 mi, 4 hr 11 min driving
4 hr 18 min with traffic


Rumford, ME
345.8 mi, 5 hr 42 min driving
5 hr 47 min with traffic


Rangeley, ME
391.4 mi, 6 hr 39 min driving
6 hr 44 min with traffic


Bingham, ME
389.6 mi, 6 hr 10 min driving
6 hr 15 min with traffic


Greenville, ME
427.6 mi, 6 hr 58 min driving
7 hr 3 min with traffic

Millinocket, ME
473.1 mi, 7 hr 11 min driving
7 hr 16 min with traffic

Shin Pond, ME
500.9 mi, 7 hr 42 min driving
7 hr 48 min with traffic


Eagle Lake, ME
571.3 mi, 9 hr 8 min driving
9 hr 14 min with traffic

 

[billymx815]

I live in Southern Maine. Here is my opinion. The local trails (Sanford, Alfred, Acton, Waterboro) are ok for what they are. Narrow twitchy trails that cross lots of roads and really don't go to any destinations worth going to. A 50-75 mile day is a lot of riding in these areas. They are nothing like what you are use to in Northern Maine but great for a weekend day ride with the wife and kids. With that said, we did get plenty of snow and if you don't want to travel to Northern Maine there is good riding to be had in the Lovell and Fryburg Maine areas where you'll find a varriety of trails including some wide open fields, White Mtn National Forrest road towards Evans Notch etc. You'll still run into some twitchy spots but better than the Sanford area for sure. I've put on 150 miles in a day here. Still need to be prepared that you will not see conditions like Northern Maine where putting on 150 miles can be done in 4hrs or less. The local Southern Maine clubs just don't have the equipment, trail miles, or money to match Northern Maine systems. Hope this helps

 

[gmcman2012]

i would travel up north i live in denmark and was down in portland and scarborough they got the most snow and they have less then us warm temps in southern maine and they got rain this last storm the riding is ok here where i live but im am all so going north for the best riding.

 

[billymx815]

i would travel up north i live in denmark and was down in portland and scarborough they got the most snow and they have less then us warm temps in southern maine and they got rain this last storm the riding is ok here where i live but im am all so going north for the best riding.

X2 my lodge is in Brownville Maine (good conditions right now) but this weekend we will still be heading north atleast to Katadin area.

 

[choochooRX1]

How is the riding from Lake Parlin? We are going up on monday.

 

[Petron]

i would travel up north i live in denmark and was down in portland and scarborough they got the most snow and they have less then us warm temps in southern maine and they got rain this last storm the riding is ok here where i live but im am all so going north for the best riding.

I'm heading up to Denmark this weekend & hopefully the conditions are somewhat alright. I'm on Smith Rd., where are you?

Lately we've been travelling up to Greenville & the conditions are truly impressive & I'm sure they're still decent considering the weather pattern lately. Millinocket was impressive too.

 

[billymx815]

How is the riding from Lake Parlin? We are going up on monday.

The 201 corridor is usually always good from Bingham through to Jackman. However it is well traveled this time of year. Out of Lake Parlin Lodge I would head North towards Jackman and either border jump or go North East.

 

[weasel33]

Coming to millinocket on the 21 of Feb. Is it good riding if I head south towards greenville orwould you say to stay north. Any help would be thankful because I'm coming from Philly with a group of twentytwo. Thanks

 

[gmcman2012]

hay petron Denmark is good to ok they have been out grooming. Sunday is the Denmark rally you should stop by and ride it there will be a lot of sleds out the day im right on the Denmark brownfield line. brownfield has all so groomed fryeburg has not yet and not sure why north to lovell has and good riding there hope this helps.

 

[Bob Miller]

Thanks for the feedback!