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f you’re reading this, you already know what kind of rider you are. You don’t just hit a trail once or twice a summer—you chase miles, hunt sunrises, and rack up bucket list trails like a diehard. Lucky for you, Maine’s Aroostook County isn’t just another place to ride. It’s the top of the list—home to over 1,300 miles of famous, club-maintained ATV trails through a rugged patchwork of forest and farmland. This is Northern Maine at full throttle, and it doesn’t stop at the border.
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Maine's best ATV trails are in Aroostook County
Why Serious Riders Point Their Machines Toward Aroostook County
For riders mapping out Maine ATV trails, the Aroostook County ATV trails set the standard for connection and scenery.
In Aroostook, you can ride straight into Canada with a passport and a New Brunswick Trail Pass. You can ride to lunch, to lodging, to fuel—and never leave the trail. Compared to other regions in Maine or New England, these Aroostook County ATV trails deliver more: more miles, more connected towns, and more opportunities to truly ride. While places like Jackman, The Forks, and Rangeley have their appeal, they don't match the scale, access, or culture of The County.
This is the most expansive, well-organized trail network in New England. Period. Locals have built it and keep it open with pride—thanks to strong volunteer clubs, clear signage, and a shared respect for the land. Four-wheelers, side-by-sides—it's all welcome here. Whether you're cruising wide-open farm roads, hugging tree-lined railbed trails of the former Bangor & Aroostook Railroad, or rolling into small towns that welcome riders with open arms, Aroostook is built for the way you ride.
Ready to ride? Here are our top six destinations for real chasers of the Aroostook adventure.
The summit of Mars Hill Mountain offers views of Katahdin on a clear day. Photo Credit: Ryan Hall
1. Mars Hill Mountain -- Big 13 ATV Club
Mars Hill, Maine | Map It
From March through September, if you catch the sunrise from atop Mars Hill Mountain, you'll cross something off your bucket list: the first sunrise in the United States. This peak is better known in winter for Bigrock Mountain ski area, but in the summer, it becomes the most iconic ATV destination in the state. The Big 13 ATV Club marks the Mars Hill ATV trails that wind all the way to the top, where you'll find sweeping views across farmland and forest, dotted with massive wind turbines that tower over the ridgeline.
A thermos fits in the side-by-side. So does a buddy. And once you're up there, kill the engine and take it in—because moments like this are why we ride.
The top of this fire tower offers the greatest views east overlooking the lakes and west to Katahdin.
2. Peekaboo Mountain Fire Tower -- Grand Lakers ATV Club Trails
Weston, Maine | Map It
Located in southern Aroostook on the Grand Lakers ATV Club trail system, Peekaboo Mountain delivers one of the most impressive overlooks in northern Maine—and a standout stop on Maine ATV trails. The ride up is remote and rewarding, and from the top of the fire tower, you'll get panoramic views of East Grand Lake, the Canadian borderlands, and miles of unbroken wilderness.
This is a destination you don't stumble into—you plan for it. And once you're there, you'll know exactly why it made the list.
This site overlooks Cyr Cove and Pelletier Island on Long Lake in the St. John Valley.
3. Cyr Cove Overlook -- St. Agatha ATV Club
St Agatha, Maine | Map It
Located in St. Agatha on the St. Agatha ATV Club trail network, this is one of the best photo stops in the entire County. Cyr Cove Overlook sits above Long Lake and offers panoramic views of water, woods, and farm country. In late summer, the fields roll golden in every direction, and the air starts to sharpen—perfect conditions for a cool-down ride with scenery that doesn't quit.
This place has a lot of ATV, Motorcycle, and fishing events all summer long in addition to being a great destination.
4. Arnold Brook Lake Rec Area -- Star City Riders Trails
Presque Isle, Maine | Map It
Presque Isle is at the crossroads of MANY ATV trails, and the Star City Riders make sure their trail system lives up to the hype. Arnold Brook Lake Recreation Area is an ideal spot to pause, picnic, or set up basecamp for a weekend of trail riding, making it a hub on Aroostook County ATV trails. The trails here offer a mix of club trails, railbeds (Bangor and Aroostook Trail), and open stretches, and they connect easily to southern (Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail) and northern networks (St. John Valley Heritage Trail). Arnold Brook Lake is a small lake and the rec area features picnic areas, restrooms, and often hosts weekend events and rides.
These rural trails have one epic bridge, the trails are very interesting in this corner of The County.
5. Carter Brook Trails -- Northern Ridge Runners Trails
St. John Plantation, Maine | Map It
Remote, quiet, and full of natural beauty, the Carter Brook trail system in St. John Plantation is perfect for riders who want a deeper connection to the land. Maintained by the Northern Ridge Runners ATV Club, this system runs through deep forest and rolling ridge lines, with surprise vistas that reward a careful eye and a well-tuned machine. This bridge is particularly cool and a must-see. This part of Aroostook isn't crowded. And that's exactly why riders love it.
One of the most frequented destinations due to its towering size and ATV trail access down to the sand bar.
6. Monticello Trestle Bridge -- Aroostook Riders ATV Club Trails
Monticello, Maine | Map It
The Monticello Trestle Bridge crosses the Meduxnekeag River and stands as one of the most unique riding landmarks in the County. Maintained by the Aroostook Riders ATV Club, this iconic stretch of trails is on the Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail and delivers a view into Maine's industrial past—with the rumble of tires replacing the rattle of train wheels. It's a classic stop along Aroostook County ATV trails for a scenic break.
Stop for a photo, take in the view, and tip your helmet to the volunteers who keep it open for riders like us.
Trail Smarts & Rider Respect
Consider this your trail briefing: green and white signs mark legit ATV trails—not all snowmobile trails are open to summertime riding. Respect closed signs. Stay to the right, keep your speed appropriate, and leave the exhaust stock—modified systems are illegal. By State Law, trails never open before May 15th; each club opens their trail system once soils dry, which in most cases is after Memorial Day Weekend.
94% of trails in The County are on private lands. That means your good behavior keeps these trails open. Be kind and courteous—just like the hostess who welcomed you in from the trail to a hot lunch today. Register your machine. Join a club. Ride safe, wear a helmet, and always ride sober.
Quick Links
1,300 Miles of Famous Trails
Aroostook County trails were named one of the Top 10 trail networks in the U.S. in 2024 —and for good reason. With more miles, more connection, and more raw adventure than anywhere else in the Northeast, The County isn't just a great place to ride. It's the best place to ride. If you're comparing Maine ATV trails statewide, start here and ride farther.
Visit just once and you'll see—Aroostook is a place one may simply just be.
Q&A
Question: What makes Aroostook County the best place to ride ATVs in Maine and New England? Short answer: It’s the scale, connectivity, and culture. Aroostook offers over 1,300 miles of club-maintained trails that link towns, fuel, food, and lodging—often without ever leaving the trail—and even connect into Canada. Strong volunteer clubs, clear signage, and respectful riding culture keep this expansive network open and in top shape, earning it a Top 10 U.S. trail network nod in 2024.
Question: Can I ride my ATV into Canada from Aroostook County? What do I need? Short answer: Yes. With a valid passport and a New Brunswick Trail Pass, you can ride directly into Canada from Aroostook via the connected trail system.
Question: When do ATV trails open, and how do I know what’s legal to ride? Short answer: By state law, trails never open before May 15, and local clubs open their systems only after soils dry—typically after Memorial Day. Ride only where green-and-white ATV signs mark open routes; not all snowmobile trails are open in summer, so obey closed signs and follow club guidance.
Question: What etiquette and rules should I follow on Aroostook’s trails? Short answer: Stay right, ride at appropriate speeds, keep your exhaust stock (modified systems are illegal), wear a helmet, ride sober, and register your machine. With 94% of trails on private land, be courteous so access stays open—joining a local club helps support the system you ride.
Question: Which of the top six destinations are must-stops, and why? Short answer: For sunrise bragging rights and big views, ride Mars Hill Mountain (Big 13 ATV Club). For panoramic lake-and-wildlands scenery, climb the Peekaboo Mountain fire tower (Grand Lakers). For a standout photo stop over Long Lake, hit Cyr Cove Overlook (St. Agatha). For a convenient hub with amenities and easy connections, base at Arnold Brook Lake Rec Area (Star City Riders). For remote, quiet woods and a cool bridge, explore Carter Brook (Northern Ridge Runners). For a classic landmark with river views, cross the Monticello Trestle Bridge on the Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail (Aroostook Riders).
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