GREAT MOTORCYCLE ROADS IN MAINE
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The 9 Best Motorcycle Roads In Maine?
- Acadia National Park (70 miles)
- Madrid to Upton (96 miles)
- N Anson to Coburn Gore (67 miles)
- Newfield to Grey (50 miles)
- Aroostook Scenic Byway (105 miles)
- Fryeburg to Gilead (30 miles)
- Thomaston to Lincolnville (31 miles)
- Perry to Prospect Harbor (150 miles)
- Skowhegan to Greenville (121 miles)
Motorcycle Roads Near Me In Maine
Below is our detailed list of the best motorcycle roads in Maine. Being the largest state in New England, there are tremendous amounts of motorcycle riding to discover. From iconic lighthouses to scenic ski mountains, ride through the tranquil towns, and of course, its fantastic coastal national park. Click on each map link for the direct Google Maps routes.
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Tips For Maine Motorcycle Rides
Looking for places to ride motorcycles in Maine? Given it's northern location in the United States, the motorcycle riding season here is typically from May to October. Peak autumn foliage arrives as early as September, which is a perfect time to explore these routes. Just be vigilant for large wildlife that may be on or near these roads, such as large deer or moose.
Do I Need A Motorcycle Helmet In Maine?
While you're discovering these scenic motorcycle rides in Maine, bear in mind the state's helmet law. Operators or passengers who are under 18, operators under a learner's permit or who are within one year of completing a driving test, and the passenger of an operator required to wear a helmet. Read more legislature.maine.gov
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK LOOP
Park Loop Road, Route 3, 198, 102
DISTANCE: 70 miles
TIME: 3 hours
The "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast" has 27 miles of historic ME motorcycling roads to ride. These roads, including Park Loop Road, offer spectacular views of the National Park Atlantic coast. Be sure to stop off at Thunder Hole, an inlet that has an intense booming sound when the tide rushes in. There are also some shorter hikes overlooking Sand Beach if you want to get off the bike for a bit and stretch the legs. There are many overlooks available to pause and take in the scenery. As with most other National Parks, the road pavement is excellently maintained. Try this road early in the day to beat the traffic and enjoy one of the most scenic motorcycle routes near Bar Harbor, ME
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MADRID TO UPTON
ROUTES: ME-4, ME-17, ME-26
DISTANCE: 96 miles
TIME: 2 hours
Perhaps the best motorcycle roads in Maine are along this route, which could be started on Rt 4 in Madrid and connect to 17 south which offers majestic overlooks of nearby mountains and lakes down to Rumford, ME. As you travel along the bend that makes up U.S. Route 2, you will be able to hike up Grafton Loop Trailhead or Mystery Mountain Trailhead, if you're looking to do any hiking nearby. ME-26 offers some beautiful, open road scenery and carves up through Grafton Notch State Park. For more great motorcycle riding, continue all the way up Rte 26 to Colebrook, NH. This is one of the best motorcycle roads in NH, as you'll experience the awesome road past Dixville Notch. Check our NH page for more about this amazing motorcycle ride!
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NORTH ANSON TO COBURN GORE
ROUTES: ME-16, ME-27
DISTANCE: 67 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
Start this scenic Maine motorcycle route (aka Maine High Peaks Scenic Byway) north along ME-16, which connects to ME-27 all the way to the Canadian border. You'll coast around the southern tip of Bigelow Preserve. As you continue to ride along Route 27, you'll have scenic mountain views, including that of Crocker Mountain, Mt. Redington, and the popular ski destination of Sugarloaf Mountain. Stay on high alert for deer crossing, as there are posted "High Hit Area" signs posted on this road.
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NEWFIELD TO GRAY
ROUTES ME-11, ME-85, ME-26
DISTANCE: 50 miles
TIME: 1 hour 15 min
This great motorcycle road in Maine is in the southern part of the state, and moves into rolling farmland, open roads and through some deep forests. The route passes alongside Sebago Lake, one of Maine's largest, and provides some enjoyable twists and hills as you take in some fantastic views along the way.
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AROOSTOOK SCENIC BYWAY
ROUTE: ME-11
DISTANCE: 105 miles
TIME: 2 hours
This Maine motorcycle route next to Baxter State Park is full of beautiful scenery with nice curves. There's also the diversity of some long stretches of road to enjoy. Just be sure to ride with caution, as there is an abundance of local wildlife which are commonly seen at the road's edges. Moose are especially plentiful up this way, so stay alert on this great Maine motorcycle ride.
(Photo: visitmaine.com)
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FRYEBURG TO GILEAD
ROUTE: State Rte 113
DISTANCE: 30 miles
TIME: 45 mins
This awesome motorcycle ride in Maine will take you along the NH border, just east of the White Mountain region. There's some open, mountain views in the Chatham area, but it gets quite technical once in the deep forest, as there are many tight turns along the narrow road in the middle portion of this route. Stop by the Cold River Overlook for beautiful mountain views.
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THOMASTON TO LINCOLNVILLE
Routes ME-31, ME-235, ME-173
DISTANCE: 31 miles
TIME: 45 mins
While Route 1 north of Rockland is an enjoyable coastal road, it can be a bit on the busy side. Instead, opt for this great Maine motorcycle ride just outside of Scenic Route 1, which will take you through the charming town of Hope and the eastern Maine countryside. There are some nice twists and scenery along the way, especially at Hachet Mountain, but this is mostly an enjoyable easy-going ride.
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PERRY TO PROSPECT HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE
ROUTES: US-1, ME-191, ME-187, ME-186
DISTANCE: 150 miles
TIME: 3.5 hours
Just north of Acadia National Park are some great ME motorcycle roads that continue along the coast. Start or end at the historic Prospect Harbor Lighthouse (built in 1891). Just east of Cobscook Bay State Park is a quick detour to another historic lighthouse in Quoddy Head State Park near the Canadian border.
(Photo: prospectharborsoapco.com)
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SKOWHEGAN TO GREENVILLE
ROUTES: US-201, ME-6
DISTANCE: 121 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
For a great Maine motorcycle route along the western mountains of the state, check out this ride from Skowhegan to Greenville. This part of US-201 is known as the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway. You'll have an abundance of twists and turns as it follows the curves of the river. There's also a lot of open straights to be able to take in the scenery. Take 201 north to Jackman and the turn right onto Route 15, which becomes ME-6 into Greenville. This route takes the rider along a scenic section of the Kennebec River Valley, then over to Moosehead Lake. Continuing south on Route 6, you can connect to 16 in Abbot to make a nice, long loop ride. Be sure to stop at the Robbins Hill Scenic Area, as well as the Attean Overlook in Jackman, ME.
(Photo: visitkennebecvalley.com)
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Where Can I Find Maine Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local ME Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Maine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Maine a good place to ride a motorcycle?
One of the best ways to see Maine's roadside beauty is on a motorcycle. You'll ride along its rugged coastline, and eastern mountainous region. Maine is also home to New England's only national park, Acadia. It's best to plan your ride from May to early October, as Maine's winter weather starts early and lingers well into spring.
What is the best time of year to motorcycle in Maine?
Due to its northern location in the Northeast United States, the best time of year to ride a motorcycle in Maine is in the summer. Some parts of Maine are actually much further north than Montreal, so snowfall arrives early in winter. Early fall is also a great time to ride, as the autumn colors become brilliant as early as September.
Do I have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Maine?
According to Maine law, it is required that all motorcycle and sidecar passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Motorcycle operators licensed within one year of completing their driver's test and those operating under learner's permits must also wear helmets.
Is it dangerous to ride a motorcycle in Maine?
Most of Maine's motorcycle roads consist of open roads with with good visibility. Drivers are courteous and well-aware of motorcyclists during riding season. On Maine's more northern roads, there are many signs warning of moose crossings, so extreme caution should be used if riding these Maine motorcycle routes.
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Motorcycle Rides Near Me
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety.