The best road cycling routes around Bangor

Road cycling around Bangor, Maine, offers a diverse landscape. You'll find a mix of scenic waterfront paths along the Penobscot River, rolling hills, tranquil countryside roads, farmlands, and woodlands. This variety provides options ranging from routes with significant elevation gain for experienced cyclists to more moderate, scenic loops.

Yes, Bangor offers several easier options. The Bangor Waterfront Trail provides a scenic and relatively flat path along the Penobscot River. Additionally, the Bangor City Forest has multi-use trails and gravel access roads that can be suitable for less strenuous rides, though bikes are restricted on the Orono Bog Boardwalk itself. For a moderate, family-friendly loop, consider the 27.3-mile route connecting Bangor, Old Town, and Orono, which includes a paved bike path through the University of Maine forest.

For longer distances, consider routes that venture beyond the immediate city. The Bangor to Castine Figure-8 is a challenging 84.3-mile route with substantial elevation gain. Another option is the US Bicycle Route 501 (USBR 501), which passes through the area and offers paved roadways connecting Bangor south to the Canadian border north, with services available every 50 miles.

Several popular loop routes offer varied scenery. The Mann Hill and Levenseller Roads loop is a moderate 24.3-mile ride featuring rolling terrain. The Harriman and Hancock Ponds loop is a 40.5-mile journey through picturesque countryside. You can also explore the Bangor-Brewer Loop, which balances flat sections with gentle inclines, or the Bangor-Orrington Route that ventures inland through farmlands and rolling hills.

Road cycling routes in Bangor offer views of the Penobscot River, especially along the Waterfront Trail. You can also explore the expansive woodlands and wetlands of the Bangor City Forest. The Orono Bog Boardwalk, accessible from City Forest routes, provides an immersive experience into a unique peat bog ecosystem. Routes like the Pushaw Lake Ride offer scenic views of the lake, and the surrounding Penobscot County features rolling hills and tranquil countryside.

While cycling, you can pass by or easily access several attractions. The 27.3-mile loop connecting Bangor, Old Town, and Orono can include a brief tour of the University of Maine. The Kenduskeag Stream Trail offers an urban river path from downtown Bangor. For a historical stop, Mount Hope Cemetery, Maine's oldest rural cemetery, provides a park-like setting. The Fields Pond Audubon Center, a short drive from downtown, is ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.

The best time for road cycling in Bangor, Maine, is typically from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler rides and beautiful foliage. Winter cycling can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Organizations like Maine Trail Finder and Bangor Greendrinks provide comprehensive maps and guides to the extensive network of trails. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine also curates hundreds of routes across the state, including those around Bangor, with options for syncing to GPS devices for turn-by-turn directions.

Yes, for cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with notable elevation changes. The Bangor to Castine Figure-8 is an 84.3-mile route known for its substantial elevation gain. The broader Penobscot County features rolling hills that provide diverse terrain for rides with significant climbs.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Bangor, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, which offers everything from scenic riverside paths to challenging climbs through rolling hills and tranquil countryside. The variety of routes caters to different skill levels, making it an appealing destination for many.

Bangor has a local bus service, the BAT Community Connector, which serves the city and surrounding towns like Orono and Old Town. While specific bike racks on buses vary, it's worth checking their schedule and bike policy for access to trailheads or starting points for routes connecting these towns.

Yes, the Bangor City Forest is a significant recreational area. For more information on its trails and features, you can consult resources like acadiavisitor.com, which provides details on discovering the Bangor City Forest.