Maine’s rugged coastline, meandering byways, and charming communities make it a prime destination for bike tours. Whether you’re after breathtaking ocean vistas, a splash of art, or even a dash of the supernatural, Maine offers options that suit a range of tastes and fitness levels.
I personally love the Hidden Harbor E Bike Tour of Boothbay Harbor for its mix of scenic views and historical stories, especially the visit to the Spruce Point Inn, once favored by the Kennedys and Ernest Hemingway.
This tour combines easy riding with fascinating local lore, making it a top pick for those seeking both scenery and substance.
The state’s diverse landscape—from wooded forests to rocky coastlines—provides an ideal backdrop for memorable bike adventures. For something a little different, the Paranormal Pedal E-Bike Ghost Tour invites you to explore Boothbay’s haunted spots, perfect for those interested in Maine’s mysterious side.
Meanwhile, the Joy Ride E-Bike Tour offers a blend of art and nature, with visits to a renowned art studio and stunning coastal vistas. Whether you want a tranquil ride, an art-filled journey, or a spooky thrill, Maine’s bike tours deliver.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout bike tours in Maine, each offering a different experience:
– An e-bike tour along historic byways with scenic ocean views and engaging stories (Hidden Harbor E Bike Tour)
– An art and nature-focused ride through coastal neighborhoods and a renowned art studio (Joy Ride E-Bike Tour)
– A spooky ghost adventure through haunted sites and eerie forests (Paranormal Pedal E-Bike Ghost Tour)
Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Hidden Harbor E Bike Tour of Boothbay Harbor
At number 1, the Hidden Harbor E Bike Tour of Boothbay Harbor is an excellent choice for those wanting a relaxed yet richly informative ride. For around $85, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours exploring historic byways along the coast, with an emphasis on scenery, history, and local stories.
The tour begins with a bike fitting and basic instruction, making it accessible even if you’re new to e-bikes. You’ll cycle past Spruce Point, once home to early colonials and Wawenock fishers, and see the Spruce Point Inn, known for hosting the Kennedys and Ernest Hemingway.
Highlights include visiting Appalachee Pond to hear about Maine’s mysterious Red Paint People and stopping at Linekin Bay Resort, a historic girls’ camp turned resort with lovely views of Cabbage Island.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of scenic coastal scenery and captivating history. The guide shares stories that breathe life into landmarks, making history feel personal. The bikes are easy to ride, and reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the relaxed pace. Perfect for history buffs, scenery lovers, or anyone looking for a gentle, engaging ride.
Bottom Line: If you want a scenic, culturally rich ride with easy terrain, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.
2. Joy Ride E-Bike Tour of Boothbay Harbor
Second on our list, the Joy Ride E-Bike Tour combines art, nature, and coastal beauty for a roughly 2-hour ride at $85 per person. This tour is especially appealing to those who appreciate creativity and the outdoors in equal measure.
It kicks off with a visit to Villard Studios, where Kim and Philippe Villard create woodblock prints inspired by the Boothbay Peninsula. You’ll see their studio and enjoy a demonstration—an artistic highlight that turns this ride into a cultural experience.
From there, the route takes you along quiet Indian trails to a hidden pond and along the coast around Lobster Cove and Linekin Bay, offering spectacular views of lighthouse-adorned islands.
A key feature is the stop at Sprucewold, a historic lodge area once associated with Maine’s elite, opening views of the outer harbor with its lighthouse and island scenery. The tour’s mix of art, history, and coastal scenery makes for a nuanced experience. Guests frequently comment on the gorgeous views and the engaging, friendly guides.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who love combining visual arts with scenic rides and want a leisurely, culturally enriched experience.
3. Paranormal Pedal E-Bike Ghost Tour of Boothbay Harbor
Rounding out the list, the Paranormal Pedal E-Bike Ghost Tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of Boothbay’s haunted spots for $85. It’s perfect for those intrigued by Maine’s spooky legends and supernatural tales.
The tour begins with a bike fitting, then sets out to explore sites like Summit Road, where the ghost of Edmond Brown is said to haunt the area after a 1739 murder, and Appalachee Pond, linked to Maine’s famous UFO encounter—the Allagash Abductions.
Riders also visit Sprucewold Lodge, notorious for spooky stories and eerie tales, and pass through Grandview Avenue, a road with a reputation for supernatural sightings.
What gives this tour its edge is the mixture of history, local legends, and ghostly stories. The hilly terrain and pine-scented forests add a sense of adventure and mystery. Although reviews are fewer, the ones available rave about the fun ride and intriguing stories, making it a unique way to experience Boothbay’s mysterious side.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in Maine’s paranormal history and want a lively, spooky experience, this ghost tour provides a memorable, slightly spooky adventure.
How to Choose Your Perfect Maine Bike Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your interests and fitness level. For scenic coastal views paired with stories, the Hidden Harbor E Bike Tour is a balanced choice. If you love art and quiet nature, the Joy Ride offers a culturally rich experience. For enthusiasts of ghost stories and the supernatural, the Paranormal Pedal delivers a thrilling ride.
Budget-wise, all three tours are priced similarly, but think about whether you prefer a shorter (around 2 hours) or longer (about 2.5 hours) experience. Booking early is wise, especially during peak summer months, to secure your spot and preferred times.
Final Thoughts
Maine offers a wonderful range of bike tours, from scenic and historical rides to art excursions and ghostly adventures. If you’re after a scenic coastal cruise with a dash of history, the Hidden Harbor E Bike Tour is a top pick.
For a more artsy and relaxed experience, the Joy Ride E-Bike Tour hits the mark. And if spooky stories and haunted sites intrigue you, the Paranormal Pedal provides a fun, eerie twist.
No matter which you choose, each tour promises a memorable way to experience Maine’s landscapes and character. Be sure to book early, and enjoy your pedal-powered adventure in this beautiful state.