Scarborough Beach State Park loop via South Portland Greenbelt

Parking is available at various points along the route. For the South Portland Greenbelt, you can find parking at Bug Light Park or other access points along the walkway. If starting closer to Scarborough Beach State Park, there is parking available at the park itself, though fees may apply depending on the season.

The best time to cycle this route is generally from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is most pleasant, and you can fully enjoy the coastal views and marshland scenery. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and autumn provide cooler rides and beautiful foliage.

Cycling on the South Portland Greenbelt and the Eastern Trail sections is generally free. However, there may be an entrance fee to access Scarborough Beach State Park, especially during peak season. It's advisable to check the park's official website for current fee information before your visit.

The South Portland Greenbelt and sections of the Eastern Trail are generally dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific rules for dogs at Scarborough Beach State Park can vary by season and area, so it's best to check their regulations directly before bringing your dog.

The route offers a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll find paved sections on the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway, which is smooth and easy. Other parts, particularly sections of the Eastern Trail, are crushed stone or gravel. There are also on-road sections connecting these trails, which are paved but can have vehicle traffic. Bikes with wider tires are recommended for comfort on the varied surfaces.

The route offers diverse scenery. You'll enjoy three distinct vistas of the Portland waterfront from the South Portland Greenbelt, including expansive views of Portland Harbor from Bug Light Park. The Eastern Trail section traverses the scenic 2200-acre Scarborough Marsh, Maine's largest salt marsh. The route also includes access to the sandy beaches and coastal charm of Scarborough Beach State Park.

While much of the route is on dedicated paths, there is a notable 4-mile on-road section between Scarborough and South Portland that can be busy with vehicle traffic and may have narrow stretches. Cyclists should exercise caution in this area. The dedicated paved and crushed stone paths are generally easy to moderate.

Yes, the varied ecosystems along the route provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. The South Portland Greenbelt winds through fields, wetlands, marshes, and woods, and the Eastern Trail segment through Scarborough traverses the 2200-acre Scarborough Marsh, which is particularly known for birdwatching.

Yes, the route is an integral part of larger trail networks. The South Portland Greenbelt Walkway is part of the Eastern Trail and is also designated as a route for the East Coast Greenway, a monumental project connecting Maine to Florida. You will also encounter sections of the 1 (Maine) and the Scarborough Beaches Bike Route.

The dedicated off-road sections of the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway and the Eastern Trail are generally flat, paved, or crushed stone, making them suitable for families. However, families with younger or less experienced cyclists should be aware of and potentially avoid the 4-mile on-road section between Scarborough and South Portland due to traffic.

Yes, given its proximity to South Portland and Scarborough, there are various cafes, restaurants, and pubs available, especially near the urban sections of the route. Scarborough Beach State Park may also have seasonal concessions.