The shoulder season is a perfect time to ride the coast of Maine! We start in Portsmouth, NH, just off I-95, and head up the coast to Nubble Light and Perkins Cove. You might assume the best part of the ride is along the coast, but many peope enjoy the inland return options, including the Piscataqua River, even more.
The short ride cuts inland at mile 10.6, shortly before York Harbor and Nubble Light, while the long ride continues up the coast past Nubble Light up to Ogonquit before turning inland through rolling terrain. A new option is to follow the long route up to Nubble Lighthouse, then return down the coast to rejoin the short ride.
Both routes return through Eliot ME and then follow the Piscataqua River before recrossing the historic Memorial lift bridge back to Portsmouth.
Seabrook Rest area on I-95 North just after crossing into New Hampshire
After exiting 95 take a left for three quarters of a mile to the Sunoco station
Please note there are no restrooms available at the start. The easiest options may be:
From the south: the Seabrook Rest area on I-95 North just after crossing into New Hampshire
From the north: the Kittery Maine Visitor Center off route 1 in Kittery.
From north or south: the Sunoco gas station on Greenland Road just west of the intersection with 95
Here's an outline of food options by ride, according to posts on Google Maps:
33 mile ride: Still no good options after you leave the main area of Kittery, so you may want to bring snacks
44 mile ride: The expensive place at Nubble Lighthouse opens at 11:30. As you go back along York Beach, the Sun and Surf restaurant is open from 8 - 3. The Lobster Cove is open 8 - 11 and 11:30 on.
56 mile ride: At Perkins Cove, about mile 23, if you bear off the route to the right, both Barnacle Billy's and Lobster Shack open at 11. Go to the second "Barnacle Billy's" building for takeout. After mile 33, when you cross 95 then make a right on Rt. 1, Mr. Mike's Convenience Store at the Mobil station should be open. If you prefer to sit down Norma's is immediately at the turn, open 8 - 1.
Routes
Please download this latest version of the routes before each ride.
