{"id":1528,"date":"2026-09-08T15:45:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T15:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bangormetro.com\/?p=1528"},"modified":"2026-09-08T15:45:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T15:45:54","slug":"take-a-ride-on-the-penobscot-river-trails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bangormetro.com\/?p=1528","title":{"rendered":"Take a Ride on the Penobscot River Trails"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Julia Bayly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As far as anyone knows, Henry David Thoreau never had a mountain bike. But if he did, the 19th century transcendentalist certainly would have pedaled the Penobscot River Trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located about in Staceyville, about 10 miles north of Medway up Grindstone Road, these four-season trails offer bicycling, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and access to canoeing or kayaking on the Penobscot River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trails begin at the park\u2019s welcome center just beyond the parking lot. The best part? No gear, no problem. Open year round, the center is where you can rent (depending on the season) mountain bikes, helmets, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. Helpful staff will direct you to the trailhead and offer suggestions on where to stop for the best views and photographs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And what views there are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bicycling those trails offers some of the best gravel riding in the state. You don\u2019t need a fancy, high-end bike to do it. Any bike with off-road tires and a sturdy frame will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can go as slowly or quickly as you want and there is really nothing quite like hitting those trails. But remember, you will be sharing those trails with fellow riders and hikers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means proper trail etiquette is a must. Ride to the right side of the trail and don\u2019t hog the whole thing. Be aware of others out there and if you overtake a cyclist or anyone on foot, loudly announce your presence with a cheery, \u201cOn your left.\u201d If and when you hear that alert yourself coming from behind you, scoot over as far to the right as possible to give whomever is approaching you room to safely go around to the left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always ride single file and, yes, it\u2019s a forest trail but there is no need to do any fancy bike stunts that damage the ground, and always stay on the trails. And for heaven\u2019s sake, wear a helmet when riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 16-mile loop runs for about 8-miles along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. The river is a constant companion as you move along and the views are simply stunning, changing each time you round a curve or crest a hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are not at all technical so even the most casual of cyclists will not find them intimidating. Early on there is a small bridge crossing a stream flowing into the river. That\u2019s the spot to stop, lean your bike up against the railings of the bridge, and walk the short distance toward the river for one of the best photo ops of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For anyone not wanting to ride, ski, hike, or snowshoe to where it curves and starts to loop back along a tote road, there are small connector trails before that point to shorten the loop. All are clearly marked by wooden signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no opportunities to get water or food on the trails, so pack enough to keep you hydrated and energized for the duration of your ride. Actually, pack a small picnic and take advantage of the benches along the way to stop to enjoy an al fresco meal with a water view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the trail turns on to the tote road, it\u2019s a straight, level shot back to the visitors\u2019 center. About halfway back there is a building used as a rest stop in the summer and warming hut in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The entire network was built by Butler Parklands and opened in 2019. The foundation also built and operates the Cobscook Shores Park System outside of Lubec. Because the foundation operates with a sizable endowment, everything offered at the Penobscot River Trails is free of charge \u2014 access, day use, and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given all that the trails offer, there is really no excuse to not enjoy this outdoor recreation opportunity in central Maine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Thoreau were still around, you can bet he would.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Located about in Staceyville, about 10 miles north of Medway up Grindstone Road, Penobscot River Trails&#8230; 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