Eastern Trail and Old Orchard Beach Loop

The Eastern Trail and Old Orchard Beach Loop is approximately 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) long. For a touring cyclist, it generally takes about 45-50 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The route offers a varied experience. Sections of the Eastern Trail are typically flat and straight, built on an old railroad bed, featuring gravel, crushed stone, or packed dirt surfaces. As you venture into Old Orchard Beach and other connecting areas, you'll encounter paved roads, some with wide shoulders. While generally gentle, some parts might have manageable hills.

Yes, this loop is generally considered easy to moderate, making it accessible for a wide range of riders, including beginners and families. The flat, off-road sections of the Eastern Trail are particularly suitable for all skill levels, and the overall gentle grade makes for enjoyable cycling.

You'll experience a diverse landscape. Highlights include the iconic Old Orchard Beach with its seven-mile sandy beachfront and pier, and the expansive Scarborough Marsh, Maine's largest salt marsh, offering excellent wildlife viewing. The route also passes through shaded forests and charming towns like Saco and Biddeford. You can also visit Surfside Beach.

Parking is available at various access points along the Eastern Trail and within Old Orchard Beach. Specific trailheads often have designated parking lots. Given the trail's accessibility standards, entrances are designed to accommodate vehicles while preventing motorized access to the trail itself.

Yes, the Eastern Trail, which forms a significant part of this loop, is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of local regulations, especially in more populated areas like Old Orchard Beach or within specific parks along the route.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle the Eastern Trail or the Old Orchard Beach Loop. It is a public multi-use greenway.

The best time to cycle this loop is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is usually pleasant, and all amenities in Old Orchard Beach are typically open. Fall offers beautiful foliage, especially in the wooded sections, while summer provides the classic beach experience.

Yes, as the route connects charming towns like Saco and Biddeford, and passes through Old Orchard Beach, you'll find opportunities for stops at local businesses, general stores, cafes, and restaurants. Restrooms are also available in public areas and businesses along the way.

Yes, this route is a significant part of the larger Eastern Trail, which itself is a segment of the ambitious East Coast Greenway, aiming to connect Maine to Florida. Specifically, this loop utilizes sections of the Eastern Trail Sections 5-7, 1 (Maine), and the East Coast Greenway (ME).

Given the varied terrain of gravel, crushed stone, and paved roads, a touring bicycle or a hybrid bike is ideal. Bikes with wider tires (28mm or more) are recommended for comfort and to prevent flats on the unpaved sections of the Eastern Trail.