Maine is known for its rugged coastlines and pristine wilderness, which transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors during the fall season. Experiencing this natural spectacle on an autumnal Maine bike tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the coast on two wheels.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the experience of exploring the majestic foliage by bike, where every twist and turn of the road reveals a new vista of stunning beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or trying something new, let us virtually guide you through Maine.
As Summer Feet’s home state is Maine, we’re especially excited to welcome intrepid cyclists to discover what makes this place so incredible in fall (and year round!). We aim to offer the best cycling vacations in the world, working in – ahem – tandem with the natural environment.
So, if you’re ready to explore Maine’s majestic foliage this fall, keep scrolling or get in touch for advice on how to start your cycling adventure.
Picking the Perfect Fall Date for Your Maine Cycling Trip
Before we hit the scenic trails and roads of Maine, it’s crucial to pinpoint the ideal time for this adventure. Maine’s fall foliage peaks from late September to mid-October, and planning your visit during this window ensures that you’ll witness nature’s vivid canvas at its most vibrant.
Choosing Your Route for a Maine Bike Trip
Maine offers a plethora of scenic routes, each with its own unique charm. The hardest part is narrowing the options down! Here are a few standout possibilities for your Maine bike tour route:
Acadia National Park, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Park Loop Road offers a 27-mile circuit that winds through a variety of ecosystems, including coastal cliffs, forests, and lakes.
The foliage here is nothing short of spectacular, with fiery reds and oranges contrasting against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
Coastal Maine
For a coastal experience, consider a bike tour along Route 1, which hugs the Maine coastline. You’ll pass through charming towns like Camden and Bar Harbor, with the Atlantic Ocean as your constant companion.
The foliage along the coast is breathtaking, and you’ll have the added bonus of fresh seafood at your fingertips.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine
In northern Maine, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers a remote and pristine setting for your bike tour. The forests here explode with color during the fall, and the quiet, unspoiled nature of this area will make you feel like you’re the only one experiencing it.
The Western Foothills, Maine
The towns of Bethel and Rangeley in western Maine are known for their stunning fall foliage. Explore routes like Route 26 or the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway for an authentic New England experience, complete with covered bridges and small-town charm.
What You Can Look Forward to on Your Cycling Tour of Maine
Vibrant Foliage on a Maine Bike Tour
The focal point of your journey is, of course, the breathtaking autumn foliage. As you pedal along the coastal roads and through dense forests, you’ll be enveloped in a tapestry of red, orange, and golden leaves. Breathe in the crisp fall air and the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
Wildlife Encounters on a Maine Bike Tour
Maine’s wilderness is teeming with diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, moose, foxes, and various bird species. Autumn is an excellent time for wildlife sightings as animals prepare for the winter ahead.
Quaint Villages on a Maine Bicycle Tour
Any tour around Maine will introduce you to the state’s charming villages and towns, each offering its unique character and appeal. Embrace the opportunity to pause, savor local cuisine, and soak in the ambiance of places like Camden, Rockland, and Friendship.
Captivating Photo Opportunities on a Maine Bicycle Tour
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone, as every twist and turn in the road unveils new opportunities for captivating photographs. Covered bridges, lakeside vistas, and winding coastal roads will beckon you to capture the beauty of your journey.
Peace and Solitude on a Maine Bike Tour
Autumn in Maine offers a sense of peace and solitude that’s unparalleled. The roads are less traveled, allowing us to savor the serenity of the wilderness in all its autumnal splendor.
3-Day and 6-Day Options for a Fall Maine Bicycle Tour
Ride to Bethel and Beyond on a Maine Bike Tour (3 Days)
While some people prefer to plan their own adventures, Summer Feet is here to guide your bike tour through Maine. We have several tours that run throughout the year but will be deep-diving into two itineraries that showcase the spectacular fall season.
Firstly, Summer Feet’s Festival of Color Trip is great for folks short on time, but high in autumnal enthusiasm! This three-day tour runs throughout October and begins in Bethel, a postcard-perfect mountain town in Maine.
With accommodation, detailed route plans, and several meals included, Summer Feet takes care of the details so you can enjoy the ride. Suitable for multiple skill levels, this tour includes cycling through the Mahoosuc Mountains, riding to Gorham, NH, and a short hike to White Mountain National Forrest.
Discover Maine’s Coastal Towns on a Week-Long Ride (6 Days)
If you’re looking to revel in autumn’s warmth for longer, take a look at our weeklong trip to Maine’s Gold Coast. Here, you’ll cycle to Acadia National Park and around a picturesque island while bathing in the leaves’ reds, yellows, and oranges.
As well as plenty of time off-bike to ensure a relaxing vacation, this tour includes a ferry ride to Winter Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula, cycling the famous Park Loop Road and Thunder Hole, and kayaking from Rockport to Camden Harbor, plus much more!
So, if you want to experience island hopping like never before, we can’t recommend this varied tour of Maine enough. With an easy to moderate difficulty level, Maine’s Gold Coast offers a variety of outdoor activities to experience a host of iconic places.
That brings our virtual ride to a close for now, but we hope you feel inspired to start planning your bike tour of Maine’s Gold Coast or Summer Feet’s Festival of Color this fall. Don’t forget your camera! The changing trees along this epic stretch of coastline are breathtaking.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our team has more than 20 years’ worth of experience conducting cycling vacations in some of the world’s most beautiful places. This means Summer Feet is more than ready to help you start your cycling journey.
What to continue learning about outdoor adventures in Maine? Read Where to Bike in Portland, Maine next.
