| Distance: |
17, 30, 41 and 68 mile loops |
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| Terrain: |
68-mile loop is very hilly; shorter loops are flat to moderate |
This hilly and scenic 68-mile gem, winds through the historically important Kennebec River Valley and over a mix of agricultural land and rugged mountainous terrain. Long used by Indians as a thoroughfare between the St. Lawrence River Valley and the sea, the Kennebec River Valley was later settled by Europeans who attempted to scrape out a living from the rocky soil.
Farmers carrying their produce to market once traversed the same roads over which bicyclists now travel. Little remains of farming villages like Mayfield that once dotted the landscape. A few cellar holes, stone fences and the names of the long-gone towns remind travelers that this area was once vibrant. The route is very hilly, particularly the section between Athens and Bingham. Low gearing is essential. Much of the route passes through hardwood forest, so autumn is an especially beautiful time for a ride.
Three different shorter options are provided for this tour. Alternate 1 provides a
relatively flat 30-mile loop through the agricultural areas of Cornville and Madison. Alternate 2 is a more rugged, intermediate 41-mile loop with the northernmost section in Solon offering good climbs and a few miles of gravel road. Alternate 3 provides a very flat tour along each side of the Kennebec between Solon and Bingham. On the west side, this option uses the Bingham-Solon Recreational Trail, a flat trail along an abandoned rail bed, making hybrids or mountain bikes recommended for this option. The tour returns on the east side of the Kennebec along Rt. 16, which is a highway with no paved shoulders but relatively low traffic volumes. This option is a good beginner’s tour because of the grades and low traffic volumes.
Click here to download a PDF with complete details about this tour.
If you would like a hard copy of this PDF, please call us at 207-624-3250 and we’d be happy to help.
Special Features
Route follows historic Arnold Trail Spectacular views from hardwood ridges Views of Kennebec River and Valley
Services
For lodging information, contact:
The KVTC also publishes an excellent free bicycle guide for the area. The Skowhegan Recreation Department also provides information on local bicycling, 207-474-6901.
Starting point:
The 30-, 41-, and 68-mile loops originate from the Rite-Aid parking lot in Skowhegan. To reach the store from downtown Skowhegan, head north on US 201 (Madison Avenue) following signs for Solon and Jackman. Rite-Aid is located at the corner of Madison Avenue and Jewett. The 17-mile loop originates in Solon at the boat launch parking area for Williams Dam. Turn left on Falls Rd., which is a half-mile north on Rt. 201 from the junction with Rt. 201A in Solon village.
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