The 10 Best Motorcycle Roads in Maine

Motorcycles are very popular among people of all ages. In the past, it was more accessible for the stereotypical “bikers” who wore leather jackets and vests and rode every day.

There are still some of these dedicated bikers around, but there are many other types of people of all professions and walks of life who enjoy riding their motorcycles and enjoying the view.

Much of the motorcycle hobby is meant to provide a way to enjoy the scenery and the unique things that you get to see during the trip. It’s, therefore, important which routes you take so that you can enjoy the scenery to the fullest extent.

If you are looking to try out motorcycle routes in Maine, comparison shop for the best motorcycle coverage beforehand. Enter your ZIP code above to get started!

What makes motorcycles popular?

Bikes are popular because they provide a way to enjoy the scenery on the roads, give riders a feeling of freedom, and give bikers a way to travel with family and friends and enjoy an everyday activity. Other reasons people enjoy biking are listed below.

• Makes you look cool — Riding a motorcycle makes you look cool. Movies such as “On the Waterfront” with Marlon Brandon and Steve McQueen films like “The Great Escape” have added to this image. Whether people admit it or not, one of the reasons that people like to ride is to look cool.
• Offers a sense of freedom — Riding gives a sense of freedom that you don’t get when riding in a car. You can ride in the open air and enjoy the scenery as you drive on the road and feel like you have no restraints.
• Allows you to get closer to nature — Most bikers enjoying being outside and enjoying the scenery and being out with nature. Biking gives you a chance to see things you might not ordinarily notice in the car.
• Brings you into the biker community — Some people like to feel a sense of community with the biker community. Bikers are unique people and come from all walks of life. They enjoy getting together for different events and fundraisers that they believe in.

For example, around 20,000 bikers went to the Donald Trump inauguration this year to protect his inauguration.

What makes for a good motorcycle road?

The question often comes up about what makes a good motorcycle road. What makes an enjoyable motorcycle route varies between bikers, but in general, the most coveted types of biking roads are listed below.

• Twists and turns — Roads that have some twists and turns are considered better than roads that go in a straight line by bikers. Bikers like the thrill of unexpected turns that make the ride more fun and add to the adventure.
• Scenic — The joy of beautiful views are one of the most important priorities for bikers. Good motorcycle roads tend to be very scenic and offer unique views of nature.
• Free-Flowing — Motorcyclists often run into problems due to congested traffic when traveling. It’s important to find routes that tend to be less congested, and that will allow you to pass through the area unimpeded without long waits.

Best Roads for Motorcycles in Maine

The following roads are some of the best roads for motorcycles in the state of Maine based on their ability to meet the criteria above. Look into each one and see which ones appeal to you.

#1 — Acadia National Park – Bar Harbor Loop

Length of Route: 25 Miles
Highlight: View of Coastline, Rock Formations, and Lakes

Acadia National Park Bar Harbor Loop begins in Bar Harbor, Maine near Acadia. Bar Harbor is a seaside town, and Route 233 “Eagle Lake Road” will take you west around the loop until it runs into Route 3. Then take a left down to the coast through Seal Harbor then turn north back to Bar Harbor.

This is a scenic seaside route that gives you a great view of the coastline with rock formations and lakes.

The quality of the road is well-maintained with plenty of twists and turns.

#2 — Northern Route 201

Length of Route: 130 miles
Highlight: River and Mountain Views, Wildlife, Specifically Moose

Northern Route 201 features one of the most scenic routes of the Kennebec River Valley along the western mountains of Maine.

It will take you along the river where you will enjoy a view of the mountains and plenty of wildlife. This track is ideal for nature lovers and people who enjoy a scenic route.

There are plenty of twists and turns. Watch out for moose crossing the roads in some places.

#3 — Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway

Length of Route: 88 miles
Highlight: Mountain and Lake Views, Scenic Nature, Museums

Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway lets you wind through the mountains and lake regions of western Maine while enjoying picturesque scenery and recreational opportunities.

You’ll also find local museums and plenty of photo opportunities due to the large number of wild animals and plants that you’ll encounter.

#4 — Inland to Coast Loop

Length of Route: 195.7 miles
Highlight: View of the Coastline & Curvy, Country Roads

Inland to Coast Loop offers a nice mix of country roads that curve at the right places, along with up close views of the coast.

You’ll travel at different speeds depending on your location (from 35-65 mph). It’s about a six-hour drive depending on how many times you stop, according to one biker on their site.

#5 — Coastal Highway 1

Length of Route: 170 miles
Highlight:  Beaches, Cliffs, Seaside Towns, and Historic Landmark Views

Coastal Highway 1 is an undisputed champion of road trips.

That’s probably due to its abundance of beaches, cliffs, seaside towns, and other amenities.

It provides a thrilling ride to bikers with winding roads that let you cruise through the small coastal towns with ease. There are some landmark establishments there including the Olympic Peninsula, the Big Sur, and Hearst Castle along the way.

#6 — Dover, NH to Poland, ME Loop

Length of Route: 170 miles
Highlight: Views of Farmland, Valleys, Small Maine Towns, and Lake Sebago; Lots of Twists and Turns

The Dover, NH to Poland, ME Loop takes you on a unique New England scenic ride through several smaller Maine towns and Lake Sebago, one of the state’s largest lakes.

It’s a road that takes you by rolling farmland and scenic valleys with lots of twists and turns along the way. The roads were paved in 2008, so the surface conditions are perfect for riding.

You should take this trip on the weekdays to make it a free-flowing road. It gets a bit congested on the weekends due to increased traveling.

You can rent jet skis or other things along the way to enjoy the coastline.

#7 — Mount Desert Island Loop

Length of Route: 35 miles
Highlight: Forest and Shoreline Views, Cadillac Mountain

Mount Desert Island Loop starts on Mount Desert Island near Acadia National Park.

The park features dense forests with 1,530 ft. mountains and shoreline.

You can travel to the top of Cadillac Mountain to get a great panoramic view of the Atlantic.

#8 — 73/131 Rockland – Owl’s Head – Port Clyde

Length of Route: 25 miles
Highlight: Views of the Coastline, Port Clyde Lighthouse, and Twisty Roads

The 73/131 Rockland route (Owl’s Head-Port Clyde) takes you through the beautiful Maine coastline. The roads are all paved but twisty.

There are places where the road drops off in some spots so use caution.

You may also encounter lobstermen or others on this route. You will enjoy the shopping along the way on this route, and don’t forget to stop and visit the Port Clyde Lighthouse.

#9 — Boston to Wells Beach and Ogunquit Back Roads

Length of Route: 75 miles
Highlight: Forest and Small Town Views

The Boston to Wells Beach and Ogunquit Back Roads route takes you from Boston to Wells Beach.

It will take you through several small towns that you can enjoy on your way to Maine.

#10 — Route 113 Border Cruise (Gilead to Fryeburg)

Length of Route: 28 miles
Highlight: Twisty Roads and White Mountain National Forest

The Route 113 Border Cruise road takes you from Gilead to Fryeburg through twisting roads and lots of tree cover.

You’ll go right through the White Mountain National Forest, and you’ll have a chance to see plenty of scenery.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Trips

When planning a motorcycle road trip, think of safety first. Below are a few ways that you can stay safe while on your journey.

• Wear the right gear — Make sure to wear adequate clothing or jackets as well as a helmet and sturdy boots or shoes to keep you safe while riding.
• Drive defensively — Always be on the lookout for other drivers including other cars, trucks, and bikers.
• Avoid inclement weather — Avoid driving in bad weather conditions including ice and snow as well as stormy conditions that can threaten your safety.
• Look out for road hazards — Bikers have to learn to be ready for any contingency and look out for hazards on the road ahead at all times.
• Have the right coverage — Be sure to have the proper insurance coverage before you hit the road so that you’ll be covered in any accident.

It’s best to do your homework and compare at least two or three companies and policy options before deciding on your insurance.

It is also wise to choose comprehensive insurance so that you’ll have other things covered as well, such as acts of nature, fire, theft, or vandalism.

Looking to adventure in Maine and ride some motorcycle roads? Enter your ZIP code below to start comparison shopping for the best motorcycle insurance rates first!