Maine Coast and Lighthouses

The Rocky Shoreline Awaits
Price :
$2,399
Surface :
Duration :
7 days
Support :
Van Supported
Difficulty :
Level 2

This tour highlights the best of what the Maine coast has to offer — quaint oceanside towns, rugged and rocky coastlines, and lighthouses galore! 

Starting near Portland, known for its abundance of great restaurants in the Old Port, we’ll work our way up the jagged coastline to Camden, an area rich in nautical history. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to take in up to 10 iconic Maine lighthouses including Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S., and Marshall Point Lighthouse, made famous in the movie Forrest Gump. We’ll also have a chance to experience some off-bike activities in places like Freeport and Boothbay Harbor. Throughout the ride, we’ll get a true taste of Maine with opportunities to eat some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever had. Join us for great cycling on the coast of Maine!

Photos by Mike Lessard | Mark Johnson | Mike Lessard
Dates
Dates:
Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2024
Price:
$2,399
Availability:
Space still available
Dates:
Jul 28 - Aug 03, 2024
Price:
$2,399
Availability:
Space still available

"Everything was terrific! We had such a great time — Thanks!"

Itinerary

Day 1. Scarborough, Maine, 0 miles

We’ll gather in the afternoon in Scarborough, just outside of the city of Portland, which is known for its fine eateries in the historic Old Port district. Camping near Saco Bay, we’ll be an easy distance from Old Orchard Beach, a favorite of both Mainers and their northern friends from Quebec.

Day 2. Scarborough to Freeport, 50 miles

Today will start the trip on a high note! We’ll follow parts of the East Coast Greenway and U.S Bicycle Route 1 as we work our way up the stunning coastline. Early into our ride, we’ll see Two Lights Lighthouse and stop by picturesque Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S. As we continue up the coast, we’ll also stop by Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Bug Light, and try to catch a glimpse of a few more just off the coast. After a morning filled with endless photo opportunities, we’ll pass through Portland proper on our way to Freeport. Before heading to camp on the coast, stop by L.L. Bean’s world headquarters or venture to Wolfe’s Neck State Park and take a walk along the rocky coast.

Day 3. Freeport to Boothbay, 40 miles

We’ll spend much of today riding the route of the East Coast Greenway, passing through great Maine towns like Brunswick and Bath, home of a Naval shipyard. Along the way, we’ll pass through the town of Wiscasset, and if you’re willing to wait in line you can grab a lobster sandwich from the world famous Red’s Eats. Even after you get to camp in Boothbay, there is much to explore — including the Maine Botanical Gardens. Consider turning your road legs into sea legs on a boat tour, or just head to the harbor and soak in the sun and sweet sea air!

Day 4. Boothbay to Pemaquid Point, 35 miles

Another gorgeous Maine coast ride! Today we’ll start by heading through Boothbay Harbor before working our way up the Damariscotta River to the small town that shares the river’s name. A historic coastal village, Damariscotta was a famous shipbuilding town whose residents built great clipper ships and schooners until about the 1920s. From there we’ll make our way to Pemaquid Point, a fantastic rocky coast and lighthouse just down the road from our campground. Sunrises from here are well worth the early morning wake up!

Day 5. Pemaquid Point to South Thomaston, 44 miles

You’ll want to wake up early and walk down to the rocks to catch the sun as it rises up over the ocean — you’ll be among the first people in the country to see it. As we ride back up the peninsula on the typical rolling hills of coastal Maine, we’ll continue to catch glimpses of the ocean. We’ll camp oceanside, falling asleep to the relaxing sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Day 6. South Thomaston to Camden, 44 miles

There is lots to do, see, and explore today! We’ll start our day by heading to Marshall Point Lighthouse, made famous in the movie Forrest Gump. From there we’ll head north, stopping in at Owls Head Lighthouse and Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse on either side of Rockland on our way to Camden. Once at our final destination, we’ll see the lush green Camden Hills inland, and out to sea we’ll look over the schooners and sailboats — truly a picturesque Maine coastal town. We’ll celebrate our journey tonight with some of the freshest seafood available.

Day 7. Camden Hills Loop and shuttle to Portland, 20 miles

After one last amazing sunrise and a 20-mile loop ride around the Camden Hills and Megunticook Lake, we’ll meet in town for a celebratory lunch then jump in the van to shuttle back to Scarborough, reminiscing of all that was seen by the seat of our bikes.

Route

Additional Details
Start Location:
Portland, ME
End Location:
Portland, ME
Airport:
Portland Intl. Jetport (PWM)
Total Days:
7
Riding Days:
6
Layover Days:
1
Riders:
13
Tour Leader:
Miles:
250
Average Daily Mileage:
41.7
Accommodations:
Camping
Meals:
Shared cooking
Difficulty:
Level 2
Terrain:
Hilly
Restricted Bike Type:
eBike, eTrike