I have read some mixed reviews of the Maine routes from Calais to Ellsworth. A vacation in Bar Harbor allowed me to do some recon.
Recon Discovery One: My route, while mostly coastal, is NOT going to be as flat as I would like. Good to know. Anyone who cycles a good bit likely looks at hills while driving as if s/he is on a bike. Some hills coming into or out of towns along the path will be quite steep, even if short.
Recon Discovery Two: The Downeast Sunrise Trail may provide some relief from the highway miles. The DST is part of the East Coast Greenway that stretches from near Calais to Ellsworth. It is a multi-use trail, and evidently (from previous Greenway riders) can be quite unpleasant with gravel and ATV traffic. It is nice that ATVs are able to have a path. I hope that not riding this route on the weekend will minimize the exposure to ATVs. I have nothing against an ATV, but they do tend to kick up some dust (as do bikes sometimes!).
The picture above is an access point from the Ellsworth LLBean Outlet's lot. This access point is close to the Ellsworth Scenic Railroad start (or end!) for the DST.
The photo on the left below is looking down the trail from the LLBean access. Just beyond the shadows, the trail goes back to hard-packed gravel. The sign to the right depicts expected DST uses. Note the DST logo marking at the base of the information sign.
Having checked this part of the trail makes me think the trail might provide a decent respite from auto traffic. I also think if it is indeed less traveled in some of the more rural spots, it might provide some fun wildlife views.
We now have our Adventure Cycling Atlantic Coastal Route maps and have viewed some of our Maine ride.
Let the PLANNING begin!
