Mountain Biking:
The woods of the Jackman-Moose River Region have some great places to go biking. Terrain varies from scenic old roads to challenging narrow paths. The mountain bike "season" runs from the time the snow melts (if you don't mind a little mud) to the time the snow flies.
There are plenty of places to explore and things to see while mountain biking in the Jackman Region. Waterfalls, wildlife, plant life and remote ponds add to this outdoor adventure and quickly explains why this region of Maine is growing in popularity among mountain bikers nationwide.
Take a look at a biking trail map (65K)?
North Country Mountain Bike Trails
Easy, moderate & strenuous.
The 11-mile Rancourt Pond Loop is mostly for technical mountain biking although there is an easy to moderate alternative route. Take care as trail conditions will vary depending on weather conditions and season.
- 0.0 Miles:
- Park at Sky Lodge. Go north on Rt. 201 past Border Riders Snowmobile Club on on left.
- 2.0 Mile:
- Turn left of first wide dirt road with power lines and look for jeep trail on left when road levels off.
- 3.0 Miles:
- Turn left onto small jeep trail. (You can identify this turn by locating a log-filled ditch, the logs held in place by metal rods. If you come to a bridge you have gone to far.) Trail will cross pools of water.
(Alternate 8-12 mile easy to moderate route: Pass by the jeep trail turnoff and continue straight. Cross bridge over Sandy Stream. turn right after bridge and follow traveled route along side Sandy Stream. Enjoy the many picnic spots next to the stream. After crossing another bridge, turn right and road will loop back, fording stream to site of the old powerhouse.
- 3.8 Miles:
- Cross Sandy Stream. You cannot do this without getting wet (ENJOY!). After crossing stream climb steep hill until you reach the end, turn right, and cross beaver bog staying on traveled dirt road.
- 5.5 Miles:
- Come to Rancourt Pond on right. This is a good rest stop. Continue uphill from here to a second turn off on the right leading to a picturesque location on the pond where moose are often spotted.
- 7.5 Miles:
- Jeep trail ends at a larger dirt road. Turn left. After crossing bridge watch for vehicles. (Turn right here for Burnt Jacket Mt. The hiking trail is well signed and blazed with mileage markers.
- 10.0 Miles:
- Road ends, turn right.
- 10.3 Miles:
- Turn left on Rt. 201. Travel uphill to Sky Lodge
The 13-mile Heald Stream Loop is Mostly for technical mountain biking:
- 0.0 Miles:
- Park vehicle at Sky Lodge. Head north (right) on Rt. 201. After descending steep hill and ascending halfway up next hill hook for dirt road on right with sign on tree reading "Tops Only" in blue.
- 3.0 Miles:
- Turn right and follow road taking right fork a few hundred yards from turnoff. Road descends and goes through many pools of water and through canopy of overgrowth. Watch out for ruts on this challenging section that will leave you wet and muddy! (but isn't that what it's all about?!)
- 6.0 Miles:
- Wooden bridge over beautiful Heald Stream. A great spot to stop and swim in this cold mountain water.
- 6.3 Miles:
- Road ends. Turn right. Follow this straight and flat dirt road along Heald Stream until it ends.
- 10.0 Miles:
- Turn right onto Scott (Moose River) Rd. You will pass Moose River Campground on your right.
- 11.0 Miles:
- Turn right onto paved loop road. Note historic old Jackman Mill dam on your right. Bear left up incline.
- 13.0 Miles:
- Turn right on Rt. 201. (Just one more mile - and you're almost done!)
- 13.0 Mile: Return to vehicle.
The 10-mile easy to moderate Sandy Bay Loop begins 7 miles north of the Moose River Bridge in Jackman.
- 0.0 Miles:
- Turn left, west, off Route 201 onto the unpaved Dumas Rd. very close to the Dennistown/Sandy Bay Township line. Sandy Stream Mt. will be on your right.
- 2.25 Miles:
- Road curves north. Sandy Stream Mt. will still be on your right as you circle around. To your left will be Slidedown Mt. with Sandy Bay Mt. to the North.
- 6.0 Miles:
- Old pavement which was once the Canada Rd. Turn right and soon join Route 201. Turn right, south, on Route 201.
- 9.5 Miles:
- Relax and picnic at The Falls rest area on the left. Picnic tables.
- 10.0 Miles:
- Return to the Dumas Rd. where you began.