Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Adventures On Wheels
Mountain Biking
Houlton to Mars Hill Railbed
. This 30-mile route is really
the southern tip of a maze of old rail lines in Aroostook County
that could take intrepid bikers weeks or even months to explore.
You can start from the information center in Houlton. (The old rail line
runs just a short ways away; staff can direct you down the local streets.)
As it heads north, this trail passes through rolling potato farm country,
lowland swamps, and attractive forests. Watch for road crossings and for
logging vehicles that use the old roadbed from time to time. There is a
unique trestle crossing over the Meduxnekeag River in Monticello and
several picnic areas along the way. The trail crosses US 1 in Mars Hill. If
you desire you can continue north.
Mars Hill is said to be one of the places where the rays of the rising sun
hit the United States first each day. Ask at the ski area there for permis-
sion to take your bikes to the top. The new International Appalachian
Trail also crosses Mars Hill just before plunging into Canada. ATVs are
likely to be encountered in spring, summer and fall. All Aroostook
County's railbeds are popular snowmobile routes in winter.
Stockholm to Van Buren Railbed.
This 17-mile section of old railroad
right-of-way passes through the woodlands and wetlands of the St. John
Valley. From the parking area in Stockholm it heads due north and
slightly east, avoiding major roads and crossing only small streams. In
this remote land moose and coyote outnumber people. The trail ends in
an old railroad yard at Van Buren at the information station there. A bike
shop is located nearby. In all there are more than 70 miles of rail trails in
Aroostook County.
Foliage/Motor Tours
Here are a few suggested driving routes in the Far North. The
last one offers great views!
Aroostook County Circuit
200 miles, 5 hours, round trip
Highlights:
Aroostook County, known to Mainers as simply “The
County” in recognition of its impressive size, is famed for its lumbering
