If you’ve never been riding in Maine, you’re missing out on some of the best off-road parks in the country. It’s home to more than 6,000 miles of trails that wind through the woods, past lakes, and over mountains.
One of the best things about riding in Maine is how connected everything feels. You can leave one trailhead in the morning, stop for lunch in a trail-friendly town, spend the afternoon cruising through the North Woods, and still have plenty of miles left before the day is over. Whether you’re looking for an easy family ride or a backcountry adventure that lasts all weekend, Maine has a trail for all of it.
To help you plan your next trip, we’ve come up with the ten best UTV and ATV trails in Maine.
Location: Washington and Hancock Counties
Size: 87 miles
Style: Rail trail, forests, coastal wetlands, rivers
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
The Downeast Sunrise Trail offers one of the most unique rides in Maine. It follows a former railroad corridor and makes for a very scenic route that takes you through forests, across rivers, and alongside coastal marshes with lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. The smooth terrain makes it an easy choice for families or anyone looking to spend a relaxing day on the trail.
You’ll be covering a lot of ground, so it’s nice to have everything you need within reach. A cargo box gives you plenty of secure storage for snacks, gear, tools, and anything else you’ll want during a long day of riding.
Location: Caribou and Presque Isle, ME
Size: Hundreds of interconnected miles
Style: Forest trails, farmland, river crossings
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free
If you’re planning a weekend of riding, very few places compare to the Aroostook River Valley Trail System. The trails connect multiple communities throughout northern Maine. You get endless opportunities to explore scenic farmland, forests, and river valleys while stopping in trail-friendly towns along the way.
Long days on the trail mean you’ll eventually ride after sunset. A cube light, light bar, or whip light helps illuminate the trail ahead and makes loading up at camp much easier once daylight starts to fade.
Location: Greenville, ME
Size: Hundreds of connected miles
Style: Logging roads, mountain trails, forest roads
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free
Greenville is one of Maine’s most popular riding destinations for good reason. There are miles of logging roads and wooded trails surrounding Moosehead Lake, leading to scenic overlooks and plenty of chances to spot the area’s famous moose. With lodging, restaurants, and fuel nearby, it’s easy to turn a day ride into a long weekend.
Logging roads can get rough in a hurry. Upgraded A-arms add strength and durability when you’re cruising over washouts, loose rock, and uneven terrain.
Location: Jackman, ME
Size: Hundreds of miles
Style: Mountain trails, rocky climbs, logging roads
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost: Free
Jackman is where riders go when they’re looking for adventure. The trails stretch deep into western Maine, with rocky terrain, steep climbs, and remote forests that make every ride feel like an expedition. It’s one of the state’s premier destinations for experienced riders who enjoy covering serious mileage.
Sharp rocks have a way of finding vulnerable parts underneath your machine. A skid plate helps protect your undercarriage while you focus on the trail ahead.
Location: Rangeley, ME
Size: Extensive regional trail network
Style: Mountain trails, lakeside routes, forest roads
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free
The Rangeley area is packed with postcard-worthy scenery. The trails wind past mountain lakes, through hardwood forests, and up to overlooks that are especially spectacular during peak fall foliage season.
Dust can become a constant companion during dry summer rides. A windshield helps keep dirt, bugs, and trail debris out of your cab so you can enjoy the scenery instead of eating it. A flip windshield is even better because you can control the airflow in your cab.
Location: Ashland, ME
Size: Approximately 60 miles
Style: Rail trail, forests, historic mining routes
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail offers a little bit of everything that makes northern Maine riding so enjoyable. Following portions of a former railroad corridor and historic mining routes, the trail winds through forests, crosses streams, and passes reminders of the region’s rich logging and mining history. It’s an easy ride overall, but there’s enough variety to keep it interesting from start to finish.
With plenty of miles between stops, it’s always smart to bring along a spare drive belt. Having one on hand can save a ride if something unexpected happens.
Location: Millinocket, ME
Size: Hundreds of connected miles
Style: Forest trails, logging roads, mountain views
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free
Every ride in the Katahdin Region comes with incredible views of Maine’s tallest mountain. The trail network combines scenic forest roads with longer backcountry routes, making it easy to spend an entire weekend exploring the area.
It’s easy to lose track of where you are once the miles start adding up. A GPS with offline maps helps you stay on course even when cell service disappears.
Location: Newport to Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Size: Approximately 38 miles
Style: Rail trail, forests, wetlands, river crossings
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free
The Four Seasons Adventure Trail is a laid-back ride that follows a former railroad corridor through the heart of central Maine. You’ll cruise through dense forests, cross streams and wetlands, and pass small towns that make convenient stops along the way. The wide trail surface and gentle grades make it a great choice for riders looking to cover plenty of miles without tackling difficult terrain.
Even on a smooth rail trail, unexpected rain can leave sections muddy and slick. A dependable set of tires gives you the traction you need to keep moving confidently when conditions change.
Location: Fort Kent to Saint Francis, ME
Size: Approximately 17 miles
Style: Rail trail, forests, farmland, river views
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free
The St. John Valley Heritage Trail may not be the longest ride in Maine, but it packs plenty of scenery into its 17 miles. Following a former railroad corridor along the St. John River, the trail passes through forests, wetlands, and open farmland with occasional views into neighboring Canada. The crushed gravel surface makes for a comfortable ride, and the nearby towns of Fort Kent and Saint Francis offer convenient places to fuel up or grab a bite before heading back out.
Weather can change in a hurry. A roof helps keep the sun off during warm afternoons and gives you a little extra protection if the forecast suddenly turns wet.
Location: Somerset County, ME
Size: 100+ miles of connected trails
Style: Mountain trails, logging roads, rocky terrain
Machines: ATVs, UTVs
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost: Free
Coburn Mountain flies under the radar compared to some of Maine’s more famous riding areas, but that’s part of its appeal. Expect long climbs, rugged logging roads, and sweeping mountain views with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. If you’re looking for a quieter ride that still delivers incredible scenery, this one deserves a spot on your list.
Steep climbs and rocky terrain can take a toll on your machine. Portals are the ultimate upgrade to get you through it. You’ll make it through any terrain without breaking a sweat.
This list barely scratches the surface of what Maine has to offer. With more than 6,000 miles of interconnected trails, there are countless opportunities to explore everything from coastal rail trails to remote mountain routes.
Before you head out on your next Maine adventure, make sure your machine is ready for the miles ahead. Shop SuperATV for all the parts and accessories you need to hit the trail with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article was written by an employee of SuperATV. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this blog are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of SuperATV. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as safety advice or official technical guidance. Modifying vehicles and using aftermarket parts can impact performance and safety. Readers are responsible for ensuring proper installation, compatibility, and safe operation. SuperATV makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and assumes no liability for any actions taken based on it.
