If you love mountain biking, you’re in the right state. Maine offers thousands of miles of mountain bike trails, including these fantastic trails located in Western Maine. The Carrabassett Region offers over 77 miles of mountain bike trails for all riding abilities. Both the Carrabassett Region chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association and Maine Huts & Trails offer maps and excellent information about mountain biking trails in the region.
Carrabassett Valley Overview
TRAILHEAD: 5092 Access Road, Carrabassett and the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
MAPS
TRAILS
Narrow Gauge Pathway
CHALLENGE: Beginner
DESCRIPTION: Over six miles of trails on smooth crushed gravel following the Carrabassett River along an old railroad bed. Many small singletracks.
Route 27 Connector and Snail Trail
CHALLENGE: Beginner
DESCRIPTION: Gradual incline single track on crushed gravel connecting Campbell Field Trailhead to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
Oak Knoll Trail
CHALLENGE: Intermediate
DESCRIPTION: 3-mile single track with mountain views that connects Maine Huts & Trails Stratton Brook Hut with Campbell Field Trail Head.
TOAD and Buckshot
CHALLENGE: Intermediate
DESCRIPTION: Over 2 miles of single track.
Pod One: Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
CHALLENGE: Varies
DESCRIPTION: 35 miles of trails starting at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center which offers trail maps, a bike wash station, bike rentals and repairs.
Pod Two: Campbell Field Trail Head
CHALLENGE: Varies
DESCRIPTION: 42 miles of trails including a trailhead kiosk with maps.
Round the Pond
CHALLENGE: Beginner
START/END: Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
RIDE TIME: 20-30 minutes
DESCRIPTION: Great ride for beginners looping around the pond at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center with little climbing, smooth tread, and great views.
Grassy Loop Excursion
CHALLENGE: Beginner
START/END: Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
RIDE TIME: 60-90
DESCRIPTION: Twisting, turning trails through the woods with views of the Carrabassett River, open single track with great flow.
Jabba the Hut
CHALLENGE: Intermediate
START/END: Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
RIDE TIME: 60-90 minutes
DESCRIPTION: Fun single track riding in and out of the forest on a crushed stone singletrack with great views of the Bigelow Mountain Range
Maine Huts & Trails
TRAILHEAD: 1001-1005 Houston Brook Road, Carrabassett Valley
Hut to Hut Loop
CHALLENGE: Intermediate to advanced
START/END: Huston Brook Trailhead
RIDE TIME: 4-6 hours
DESCRIPTION: A continual work-in-progress currently offering 50 miles of trails starting in Carrabassett Valley. This loop brings you to two backcountry huts where you can get snacks, rest and replenish your water.
Narrow Gauge Pathway
TRAILHEAD: 3209 Carrabassett Drive, Carrabassett Valley
DESCRIPTION: This is a great introduction to mountain biking in the region. The trail offers great views and is excellent for families with younger children. The path is a non-motorized point-to-point 6-mile trail. Trailheads include Campbell Field, the Anti-Gravity Complex, and Carrabassett Valley Town Park. The trail follows an old railroad bed with a number of easy to difficult singletracks leading off it.
Whistle Stop Trail
TRAILHEAD:
West Farmington Trailhead
GPS 44.661412, -70.156737
French Falls Park Trailhead
GPS 44.495153, -70.206951
DESCRIPTION: This 14-mile trail goes from Jay to Farmington. It is a multi-use trail, which means you could encounter ATVs, hikers, dogs, and horses. The trail passes through the scenic western hills with mainly gravel surface, although there are some sandy sections which make biking difficult.
Get More Outdoors!
This article was featured in UNTAMED Maine Outdoor Adventure & Recreation Magazine’s Spring 2018 issue. Click here to download your copy of the magazine and enjoy even more Maine adventures!
