Port Clyde Harbor-Photo by Garret Crawford flickr

Tour 30 - Belfast and Beyond

Region: Mid-Coast
Highlights: lake, pond, river views, lighthouses, low traffic, museums, ocean views, rural

 

Tour Loops
Name Distance Terrain
Head of Tide Ride 21 Gentle terrain, some hills, for almost all cyclists
Bayside?Gingerbread House Ride 22 Moderate terrain, hilly, for intermediate cyclists
Lighthouse Ride 30 Gentle terrain, some hills, for almost all cyclists
Waldo County Ridge Ride 61 Varied terrain, steep hills, for experienced cyclists

The 21-mile ride is a fairly flat loop through the agricultural area west of Belfast. The 22-mile ride takes you up over Beech Hill with fantastic views of Penobscot Bay. The 30-mile ride takes you to Fort Point Lighthouse and back through the quaint village of Searsport. The 61-mile loop is for experienced cyclists. This ride originates from the coastal corridor, then meanders through rural Waldo County? an area that can only be described as a bicyclist?s paradise. The route continues through the Passagassawakeag River Valley to Morrill and then ascends the high ridges between Brooks and Knox. From Knox, the route takes riders to the scenic St. George River Valley with its scattered farms and wonderful old homes. The last major climb ascends Appleton Ridge, rewarding riders with breathtaking views.

Light traffic, quiet country roads, and plenty of scenery make the Belfast area worthy of exploration by bicycle.

Special features: Breathtaking ridge views; scenic village of Liberty; old mill towns; St. George River Valley; downtown Belfast; Victorian gingerbread cottage community in Northport; Fort Point Light in Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs; bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Passagassawakeag River in Belfast

Road conditions: Generally fair; 1.8 miles of unpaved road (Appleton Ridge Road). You may bypass this section by staying on ME 173 and following it to Searsmont.

Cautions: Winding roads Starting point:

Starting point: All rides originate at the municipal parking lot off Washington Street in downtown Belfast. Take Main Street toward waterfront. Turn left onto Washington Street. Parking lot is on right after making turn.



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