Gravel Biking in the Maine Woods
If you live for the moment the concrete beneath your bike turns into crushed gravel, you belong in the Maine Woods.
AMC has permanently protected 114,000 acres (and counting!) of forests, lakes, and ponds as part of its Maine Woods Initiative (MWI). It’s not just a conservation achievement. It’s home to some of the best gravel biking on the East Coast.
Here you’ll find 330 miles of historic logging roads, all open to the public. Stay overnight at one of AMC’s three backcountry lodges: Gorman Chairback, Little Lyford, and Medawisla. Sleep in a rustic cabin and enjoy world-class stargazing in New England’s first International Dark Sky Park. Wake up to a breakfast buffet, then get back in the saddle.
This video was prepared by AMC using Federal funds under award 01-79-15159/URI:11815 from the US EDA, of U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EDA, or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Gravel Cycling Route Options
In celebration of all things gravel, we’ve partnered with our friends at Gravel Adventure Field Guide and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation for a book of maps, stories, and top routes in AMC’s Maine Woods. Whatever kind of ride you’re looking for, we have it.
Read on for three route itineraries from the guidebook—from quick loops to century rides. And here’s a link to the AMC Maine Woods RideWithGPS routes for you to download for offline use.
Under 20 miles: Long Pond Loop
Distance: 15 Miles
Elevation: +1,141 Ft
Max Grade: 6.8%
Gravel/Forest Trail: 90/10%
From the Gravel Adventure Field Guide:
An AMC Maine Wood Initiative route that starts and ends from the Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins. The original camp was founded by William Dean, a Civil War veteran who sought the peace of the woods in the late 1860s.
The route circles the three basins of Long Pond, which was part of the Piscataquis-ah-wangan, a canoe carrying place, between coastal Maine and Quebec. In Abanaki, “wangan” refers to provisions and gear brought on a journey, while “ah-wangan” translates to the carrying itself.
Most of the trees here are softwoods, including balsam fir, red spruce, and hemlock. This was not the case during colonial times. White pines dominated the landscape and grew 200 feet tall and 10 feet across, making it hard for other tree species to grow beneath them. You can see these pines dotting the landscape in the area surrounding Gorman Chairback Lodge.
RIDE NOTE: Mile 7.5 to 9.7 is moderate on a Grassy Forest Trail (GFT), not gravel. Not listed as a beginner route.
20 to 50 Miles: Medawisla to Gorman
Distance: 45 Miles / 23 Mid-Point
Elevation: +3,985 Ft
Max Grade: 9.5%
Gravel: 100%
From the Gravel Adventure Field Guide:
An AMC lodge-to-lodge route that makes for a solid day of gravel riding. It can be done as an out and back, or an overnight stay. You can easily integrate this route into a multi-day gravel sporting camp itinerary to further explore the Maine Woods from either Medawisla or Gorman.
After passing in the vicinity of First and Second West Branch Ponds, you’ll cruise by the slopes of several mountains, including White Cap, and Indian Mountain, which rises up next to Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins.
100+ Miles: Tour de AMC
Distance: 111 Miles
Elevation: +6,802 Ft
Max Grade: 11.8%
Gravel/Paved: 74/26%
From the Gravel Adventure Field Guide:
Enjoy the views of Moosehead Lake as you depart from Greenville. The first segment of the ride follows the paved Lily Bay Road as you travel north. Once past Kokadjo, settle into 80+ miles of forested gravel roads and double track in this vast forested wilderness. The AMC boundary encompasses more than 114,000 acres (178 square miles), the size equivalent to 8 Manhattans.
This route requires solid preparation and gear choice for the remote nature of the woods and Maine weather. Portions of this forested route have little to no cell service.
Images from the AMC Maine Woods Gravel Adventure Field Guide, produced in partnership with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Getting to the Maine Woods
Lodges are about a six-hour drive from Boston. The towns of Greenville and Brownville are the last you’ll pass through driving from points south, and your final stop for gas, groceries, and other essentials.
Spring gravel road conditions from Greenville onward can be rough until the roads dry from spring run-off and are graded for summer. Come summer, roads are graded for easier travel. This is a remote area with few cars. Be prepared to change a tire or wait for help, if needed. Come ready with a full tank of gas/charge, jumper cables, drinking water, and a spare tire.
This is a working forest and logging trucks have the right of way.
Book Your Trailside Stay
FAQs
Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville, Maine, offers bikes for rent, plus any last-minute gear items, clothing, or gifts.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed! Motorcycles, however, are prohibited on the roads going to Lyford and Gorman Lodges.
Our gravel roads are open to the public for cycling! North Maine Woods, which manages backcountry campsites in the area, does charge a fee for cars and cyclists in the KI Jo-Mary Forest area. There are additional fees for those planning to camp in the area but entry fees are waived for overnight guests at AMC lodges. Be prepared to show a copy of your confirmation email at the gate.
For more information, visit North Maine Woods.
Dinner is served promptly at 6 p.m. If you have not reached Greenville/Brownville by 5 p.m., you will miss dinner. Unfortunately, we are unable to set food aside for late arrivals, so you will need to plan to eat on your own. If you are able, please give the lodge a call to let us know you are running late so we can plan accordingly.
Each lodge offers a small selection of items including tee shirts and sweatshirts, books and maps, and toiletries.
Little Lyford Lodge is our only dog-friendly lodge during the summer season. Reservations are required for your four-footed friend. Rates are per dog, per night with a maximum of 2 dogs per cabin.
Dogs must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations and leashed or under voice control at all times. Please bring your own food and water bowl. Dogs are not allowed in the main lodges and should be trusted to stay in cabins during mealtimes. Other than at mealtimes, dogs may not be left unattended in the cabins.
No. We recommend downloading and printing driving directions and using your odometer. Stick to the written directions and don’t be tempted by shortcuts. Many snowmobile trails and logging roads look passable in summer until you turn onto one and get stuck.
Generally speaking, no. There are some areas where there is limited reception. However, guests should not plan on being able to make or receive calls. Guests can use the lodge phones to make or receive emergency calls.
The main lodges have standard outlets where guests can charge devices. Medawisla’s cabins all have electricity.
For cabins that do not have a private bath, the shower/bath houses are centrally located and are a very short walk from your cabin. Bring a headlamp for nighttime visits as paths are unlit.
Guests are welcome to enjoy a fire in the woodstove when temperatures are cool. Cabins have woodstoves and wall-mounted propane lights (electric at Medawisla). Staff can provide instruction on how to light and load the stoves. There is plenty of dry wood to keep you comfortable.
Nothing beats Maine summers. Typical day temperatures range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s not uncommon for evening temps to dip into the 50s, which makes campfire time delightful. Bring layers to stay comfortable.
Spring is breeding season for black flies and mosquitoes. Deer Flies and no-see-ums also make their presence known. Be prepared with lightweight clothing that covers you. Bring your favorite bug spray.
Ticks are most prominent along the edges of open fields and tall grasses. We recommend taking precautions such as tucking pants into gaiters or socks and using insect repellant. Be sure to do a thorough tick check after each adventure.