Explore Maine’s Top Rail Trails: 310 Miles of Scenic Adventure for Biking, Hiking, ATVs & Snowmobiling (2025 Guide)

🌲 Maine’s Top Rail Trails: 2025 Guide to the Best Multi-Use Trails for Biking, Hiking, ATVs & Snowmobiling

Looking for the best rail trails in Maine for biking, hiking, ATV riding, snowmobiling, or year-round outdoor adventure? Maine’s rail trail network spans over 310 miles of forests, farmland, river corridors, and small-town backroads—offering some of the most scenic and accessible multi-use trails in New England.

This 2025 guide highlights in the Maine's top rail trails, including updated info, trail surfaces, nearby towns, and travel tips to help you plan your perfect outdoor getaway.

⭐ Why Maine’s Rail Trails Are a Must-Visit

• ✔️ Open to multiple recreation types: biking, walking, horseback riding, ATVs, and snowmobiles

• ✔️ Ideal for families, casual riders, and hardcore outdoors enthusiasts

• ✔️ Travel through historic railroad corridors that reveal Maine’s rugged backcountry

• ✔️ Many trails connect to local shops, restaurants, and lodging

• ✔️ Well-maintained by Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands, ATV clubs, and snowmobile associations

  
  

For real-time updates and maps, visit:Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands – https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks

🚴 Top 5 Rail Trails in Maine (2025)

A complete look at the state’s most popular and scenic multi-use routes.

🛤️ 1. Aroostook Valley Trail – Presque Isle to New Sweden

Length: 28.8 miles

Surface: Crushed stone

Region: Northern Maine (Aroostook County)Connects to: Bangor & Aroostook Trail (adds 37 miles)

The Aroostook Valley Trail combines classic northern Maine beauty with a long, smooth track ideal for cycling, ATV riding, snowmobiling, and long-distance trekking. Follow old railroad lines past the Aroostook River, wide potato fields, wooded corridors, and quiet rural towns like Caribou and Washburn.

Why It’s a Top Trail

• Excellent long-distance ATV and snowmobile access

• One of Maine’s most scenic agricultural regions

• Frequent wildlife sightings (moose, fox, beavers)

  
  

Regional Info: https://visitaroostook.com

🌊 2. Kennebec Valley Trail – Embden to Bingham

Length: 14.5 miles

Surface: Crushed gravel

Region: Central Maine

A family-friendly favorite, the Kennebec Valley Trail winds alongside the powerful Kennebec River, offering scenic overlooks, wooded landscapes, and gentle elevation changes. It's ideal for biking, walking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Why It’s a Top Trail

• Smooth, beginner-friendly terrain

• Mountain and river views

• Accessible year-round

  
  

Visitor Info: https://kennebecvalley.org

🌲 3. Lagrange–Medford Trail – Piscataquis County

Length: 12 miles

Surface: Dirt & gravel

Region: Central Maine

This peaceful, less-traveled rail trail is perfect for riders seeking a quiet, rural experience. Moving through forest and open fields between two small towns, the trail crosses marshlands that are prime moose territory.

Why It’s a Top Trail

• Remote, peaceful, and lightly traveled

• Great for wildlife photography

• Maintained in winter by local ATV & snowmobile clubs

Regional Info: Check local clubs for grooming updates.

🏞️ 4. Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail – Houlton to Phair Junction

Length: 37 miles

Surface: Gravel

Region: Northern Maine

One of Maine’s longest rail trails, this route parallels Route 1 and travels through working farms, wetlands, rolling hills, and historic railroad towns like Mars Hill and Monticello. Perfect for long-distance ATV rides, snowmobiling, and scenic gravel biking.

Why It’s a Top Trail

• Expansive rural views

• Levels suitable for all experience levels

• Connects multiple northern Maine towns

Important: Some segments accommodate logging trucks—pack water, maps, and stay alert.

⛰️ 5. Whistle Stop Trail – Farmington to Jay

Length: 14 miles

Surface: Gravel (some sandy patches)

Region: Western Maine Foothills

Built on the old Maine Central Railroad line, this trail features a mix of mountain foothills, forest canopy, pond views, and farmland. A popular route for ATVs, snowmobiles, and cyclists, this trail also connects to charming downtown Farmington.

Why It’s a Top Trail

• Beautiful elevated farmland and forest scenery

• Close to restaurants, shops & lodging in Farmington

• Great blend of wilderness & accessibility

Local Tourism: https://www.farmingtonmaine.org

🧭 Tips for Exploring Maine Rail Trails

✔️ Check Seasonal Openings

Spring mud season causes temporary closures.

✔️ Know the Rules

ATV use is not allowed when snow-covered. Some trails have motorized restrictions in specific sections.

✔️ Plan for Remote Terrain

Northern and central Maine trails can be very isolated—bring water, tools, snacks, and GPS.

✔️ Watch for Wildlife

Moose, deer, beavers, eagles, and foxes are common along the trail systems.

✔️ Pack Out What You Pack In

Most sections have no facilities—help keep Maine’s wild spaces clean.

📍 Quick Trail Comparison Chart

Trail Name	Length	Best For	Region	Highlights
Aroostook Valley Trail	28.8 mi	ATVs, snowmobiles, biking	Northern	Farmland, river views, wildlife
Kennebec Valley Trail	14.5 mi	Families, bikes, XC skiing	Central	River views, mountain scenery
Lagrange–Medford Trail	12 mi	Wildlife viewing, quiet rides	Central	Marshlands, moose habitat
Southern Bangor & Aroostook	37 mi	Long ATV rides, snowmobiling	Northern	Wetlands, farmland, Route 1
Whistle Stop Trail	14 mi	ATVs, biking, snowmobiling	Western	Mountain foothills, forest

📞 Helpful Contacts (2025 Updated)

Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks

Phone: (207) 287-3821

Maine ATV Association https://www.maineatvassociation.orgseptembe

Maine Snowmobile Association https://www.mesnow.com

Aroostook County Tourism https://visitaroostook.com

Farmington Tourism https://www.farmingtonmaine.org

🌟 Plan Your Maine Rail Trail Adventure Today

Whether you're exploring the farmland and forests of Aroostook County, cruising the scenic Kennebec River valley, or discovering the foothills around Farmington, Maine’s rail trails offer unforgettable scenery and year-round outdoor adventure. With smooth surfaces, historic backdrops, and friendly trail towns, these multi-use routes are a perfect way to experience authentic Maine.

What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

• 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

• 🎣 Fishing hotspots

• 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

• 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

• 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations

👉 Stay Connected with Moosehead News & More!

• Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.

🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

• Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

• 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

• Free WiFi & TV

• Backup Generator

• Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

• Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

• Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.

Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.

Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout

2025 guide highlights the top rail trails in Maine, including updated info, trail surfaces, nearby towns, and travel tips to help you plan your perfect outdoor getaway.