Maine
"The Way Life Should Run."
From the rocky summit of Katahdin to the tidal flats of Casco Bay, Maine offers some of the most diverse and stunning running terrain in North America. Whether you're threading carriage roads through Acadia, chasing fall foliage on western mountain trails, or pounding the Eastern Promenade at sunrise, this state rewards the runner who shows up.
Explore by area
Top rated
Maine Routes
Bar Harbor
Acadia Carriage Road Loop
12.4
miles
1,200
ft gain
Moderate
level
A stunning loop along Acadia's famous carriage roads, winding through dense spruce-fir forest with panoramic ocean views from Parkman Mountain. Best run in the golden light of early morning.
Camden
Camden Hills to Bald Rock
7.2
miles
1,650
ft gain
Hard
level
A demanding ridge run connecting the Camden Hills network with the Ragged Mountain trails. Technical rocky singletrack rewards you with Penobscot Bay spread below β arguably the finest coastal running view in New England.
Portland
Eastern Promenade Trail
2.1
miles
85
ft gain
Easy
level
Portland's most beloved waterfront path, tracing the bluff above Casco Bay from the East End Beach to the Back Cove connector. A staple of Portland's running community with stunning sunset views over the islands.
Run with others
Maine Run Clubs
Bar Harbor Β· Est. 2016
Acadia Trail Runners
Born in the mountains of Acadia, ATR brings together trail runners of all abilities who love running on dirt, roots, and carriage roads. Monthly group adventures explore corners of the island most visitors never see. Strong culture of safety and leave-no-trace.
Ellsworth Β· Est. 2021
Downeast Dirt Runners
A scrappy, tight-knit crew of trail and ultra runners based in Ellsworth and the surrounding Downeast region. If you love muddy trails, remote singletrack, and post-run pints at a local brewery, this is your people. New members always welcome β no ego, all grit.
Portland Β· Est. 2011
Port City Running Club
Portland's largest and most active running club. PCRC hosts weekly group runs from multiple locations, a summer track series, and organizes volunteers for local races. Welcoming to every pace β from 6-minute milers to those just starting their first mile.
Why run in Maine?
Acadia National Park
45 miles of historic carriage roads and 158 miles of hiking trails offer some of the most stunning running terrain on the East Coast.
Four True Seasons
Snowy winter trail runs, muddy spring singletrack, cool summer mornings, and the unmatched beauty of a Maine fall β every season is a gift.
Low Traffic, Big Scenery
Run a coastal road and see exactly two cars and one moose. The density of stunning landscapes per human encountered is unparalleled.
Strong Running Culture
From Portland's packed Back Cove loops to Katahdin trail runners, Maine has a proud and welcoming running community at every level.
Maine Running
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