Mountain Biking in Carrabassett Valley
Whether you’re a complete beginner who wants to get into the sport, or an expert rider looking for a fun challenge with technical riding, Carrabassett Valley’s mountain biking is unparalleled. Developed in collaboration between the town of Carrabassett and the Carrabassett Region Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association, a network of professionally-built cross-country trails originate at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain and sprawls over 80 miles throughout the valley. Riders love the beauty of the uncrowded wilderness found in the heart of the lakes and mountains region.
The trail network’s primary hub is located at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center off Route 27, approximately one mile south of the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort Access Road. The Outdoor Center is home to 35 miles worth of fun, flowy single and doubletrack for cyclists of all levels in the Maine backcountry. There are no trail fees, so riding is free for all and always accessible. Sugarloaf Mountain operates a full-service bike shop for tuning, repairs, retail items, and other gear. Class 1 E-Mountain Bikes are allowed on the mountain, but make sure to use only the posted mountain biking routes.
Head out on your own or join a regular weekly group ride that meets for a couple of hours in the evening and welcomes all levels. To help you find the perfect track, this trail map has all the trails in the town, and stay up to date on daily trail conditions here.
Must-Ride Trails for Every Level
Beginners, head to the Narrow Gauge Pathway to ride 6+ miles of smooth crushed-gravel trails that hug the rugged Carrabassett River as it follows an old railroad. Another great beginner track is Round the Pond accessible from the Outdoor Center. This short ride is ideal for the brand-new rider getting the feel of a mountain bike with very little climbing and great views. For intermediate riders, Jabba the Hut is a fun yet moderately challenging single track that dances in and out of the dense woods, offering spectacular views of the Bigelow Mountain Range. More difficult single tracks to satisfy the expert rider are T.O.A.D. and Buckshot. Keep your adrenaline pumping by riding straight from T.O.A.D. to The Real Deal for a black diamond-level ride with a challenging and technical descent.
Local Food and Drink
After a day of riding, you’ll need to refuel with a good meal. Head to the Bull Moose Café (open Friday-Sunday) at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center or Strokes Bar & Grille, overlooking the Sugarloaf Golf Club, with breakfast, lunch and dinner all summer. Another favorite is The Bag and Kettle, open 12:00-8:00 p.m. Friday-Tuesday with wood-fired brick oven pizzas, local beers and much more.
Where: Carrabassett Valley
Regions: Maine’s Lakes and Mountains
Activities: mountain biking
Driving Distance
Bangor: 98 miles
Portland: 130 miles
Lewiston/Auburn: 80 miles
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