Best Bike Trails Near Kittery & Portsmouth: A Local’s Guide
Looking for the best bike trails near Kittery or Portsmouth? Whether you’re after an easy coastal ride, a scenic loop, or a longer route to spend the day outdoors, there are plenty of great options nearby.
Here are some of the best bike routes in and around Kittery, with distances, difficulty, and tips on where to start.
Best easy ride: Kittery Foreside & Seaside Loop
Best scenic ride: Fort McClary & York Harbor Loop
Best longer ride: Ogunquit & Perkins Cove Route
Best for exploring downtown: Portsmouth Harbor Loop
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a relaxed pedal with a view, the Kittery and Portsmouth area is a dream on two wheels. Tucked at the border of Maine and New Hampshire, this corner of the Seacoast is laced with quiet coastal roads, historic landmarks, and salt-tinged breezes that make every ride feel like a small adventure.
We’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your time here — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular who keeps finding new favorites. Routes range from easy waterfront strolls to longer scenic rides that reward you with sweeping views of the Maine coast. And when you’re ready to kick off your helmet and relax, our
Water Street Inn is right in the heart of it all, steps from the Piscataqua River and close to everything on this list.
Easy Rides: Casual & Scenic
Perfect for leisurely mornings, families, or anyone who just wants to soak in the views without breaking a sweat.
1. Kittery Foreside & Seaside Loop
Distance: ~10 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Go: Spring through fall; summer mornings are magical before the crowds arrive
Parking: Street parking along Government Street or the Foreside public lot
This is the quintessential Kittery ride — and for good reason. Start at Kittery Foreside and follow the waterfront along Government Street, where you’ll pass charming shops, galleries, and the occasional lobster roll worth stopping for. Pick up Route 103 (Pepperrell Road) and ride out to Fort Foster Park, one of the area’s best-kept secrets, with stunning views of the open Atlantic and the Isles of Shoals on clear days. Loop back through Kittery Point, where the scenery gets quieter and the roads narrower in the best possible way.
2. Portsmouth Harbor & Prescott Park Loop
Distance: ~8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Go: Late spring through early fall; summer evenings are especially lovely
Parking: Memorial Bridge parking garage or street parking in downtown Portsmouth
Cross the Memorial Bridge into Portsmouth, NH for a short, scenic loop that feels like stepping back in time. Wind through Portsmouth’s historic South End, roll past Prescott Park (gorgeous in bloom all summer), and follow the waterfront with views of tugboats and tall ships in the harbor. This one is as much a sightseeing trip as a bike ride — plan extra time to wander.
Scenic Rides: Coastal Views
These routes cover more ground and reward you with some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in New England.
3. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard & New Castle Island Loop
Distance: ~12 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Go: Year-round; fall foliage along the river is spectacular
Parking: Start from Kittery town center or the Foreside area
Start in Kittery and head toward the historic Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, one of America’s oldest naval yards, dating back to 1800. From there, hop onto Route 1B, which hugs the Piscataqua River and delivers one stunning vantage point after another. Don’t skip the detour onto New Castle Island — it’s a short loop through a tiny, charming New England town with historic Fort Constitution and beautiful views of the harbor mouth. A true hidden gem.
4. Fort McClary & York Harbor Loop
Distance: ~15 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Late spring through early fall; weekdays are quieter on Route 103
Parking: Fort McClary State Park has a small parking area; alternatively start from Kittery center
One of our favorite rides in the area. Begin in Kittery and make your way to Fort McClary State Park, a beautifully preserved 18th-century fort perched above the Piscataqua. Explore the grounds, then head north along Route 103 through winding coastal roads to York Harbor, where you can lock up your bike and spend time by the water. The harbor village has a handful of lovely spots for a snack or a cold drink before you make the return trip.
Longer Rides: Make a Day of It
Got a few hours and want to really stretch your legs? These rides take you deeper into the Seacoast’s landscapes.
5. Ogunquit & Perkins Cove Out-and-Back
Distance: ~26 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (some rolling hills)
Best Time to Go: Shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October) to avoid summer traffic
Parking: Start from Kittery; parking available at Ogunquit Beach lots if you prefer a one-way trip with shuttle
Head north along the Maine coast on Route 1 and Route 1A for a rewarding ride to one of the prettiest towns on the Maine coast. Ogunquit’s Marginal Way — a scenic cliff walk — is worth a quick detour on foot, and Perkins Cove is a postcard-perfect fishing village with seafood shacks and galleries. This ride has a bit more traffic on Route 1, so pick a weekday or an early morning start if you can.
6. Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge Ride
Distance: ~20–25 miles, depending on your route
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Go: Spring for wildflowers and migrating birds; fall for foliage
Parking: Several trailhead lots off Nimble Hill Road in Newington, NH
Cross into New Hampshire and explore the quieter back roads around Great Bay, one of the largest tidal estuaries on the East Coast. The route winds through Greenland and Newington, passing through farmland and salt marsh with almost no traffic. Birdwatchers will love it — ospreys, herons, and eagles are common sightings. This one feels like a secret even locals don’t always know about.
Tips Before You Ride
Bike rentals are available nearby — ask us at the front desk for current recommendations.
Wear a helmet and bring water; the coastal sun and wind are deceiving.
Many routes share roads with cars. Ride single-file on busier stretches and use lights if starting early or finishing late.
Tides matter! If you’re heading to Fort Foster or the harbor areas, check tide times for the best scenery.
Bring a light jacket — sea breezes can be chilly even on warm days.
Where to Stay: The Water Street Inn
After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than coming back to a place that truly fits the destination. The Water Street Inn is a boutique inn in Kittery, Maine — ideally located for cyclists exploring the Kittery and Portsmouth area. We sit steps from the Piscataqua River, walkable to the Foreside, and within easy reach of every route on this list. Our beautifully appointed guest rooms are designed for rest and relaxation after a day of coastal riding.
Planning your trip to the Maine–New Hampshire Seacoast? Browse our upcoming events in Kittery and Portsmouth for local happenings worth building your visit around — from waterfront festivals to seasonal markets and more. We’d love to be your home base on the Maine coast.
Have questions about routes or bike rentals? Feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help you plan your stay.
