Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Closed for Winter

The trails are closed to mountain biking until Summer 2024.

XC Trails

  • Trails for all levels
  • No Trail Fees
  • Over 80 miles of riding

Thanks to the efforts of the Carrabassett Region Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (CRNEMBA) and the town of Carrabassett Valley, mountain bike trail development has taken off in recent years, with a network of world-class cross-country trails, originating at the base of the mountain and spanning more than 80 miles throughout the valley.

  • Parking and trail access is available at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, the Stratton Brook trailhead parking lot, and Airport trailhead (located behind the SugarBowl).
  • During the summer, bike rentals are available from several area shops. 
Wild Northeast Valley Progression Wild Northeast Valley Progression video on Carrabassett Valley Trails

Gravity Trail Information

Trailforks

Follow Trailforks for most recent trail statuses at https://www.trailforks.com/region/sugarloaf-mountain-resort//. Always check the site before riding.

Parking

Parking is in Lot C for all MTB access. No vehicle access or parking on Mountainside Road, Willow Drive, or West Mountain Road. 

Trails

Our mellowest trail (though still quite challenging) is Lower Rock Lobster, which is accessed by climbing Boardwalk.

For experts, Widowmaker Extension, Jackpot, Rookie River, Rock Lobster, and Crusher DH will be open for riding this season. Widowmaker, Jackpot, and Rookie are accessed by climbing up Lower Whiffletree to Crosshaul to King Pine, and then Tohaul to the top of Whiffletree. Upper Rock Lobster and Crusher DH are accessed by climbing up Whiffletree, Crosshaul, taking a right on Condo Crosscut to Peavy Crosscut, Tote Crosscut, and Spurline.

After descending Widowmaker Extension, riders can return to the base area or Outdoor Center trail system via Condo Crosscut, Lower Stub's, and Lower Widowmaker trail.

Please follow MTB route signs posted on the mountain for access and respect all signage, including stopping at all road crossings. The work roads on the mountain are active and vehicles may be present at all times.

Trail Closures

Due to ongoing construction, the West Mountain area will be closed for the 2023 season.

The area from Windrow ski trail to West Mountain ski trail and up to Bullwinkle's is closed. This includes the Carriage Trail, which will be used for machinery and material staging, and the 355 Trail, which crosses multiple new ski trails and the new Bucksaw Express lift line.

We will also be closing upper Crusher DH, as the amount of construction traffic in the Binder area is heavy seven days a week and we want to keep everyone safe at the road crossings.

Electric Bike Rules

Class 1 E-MTB's are welcome on the mountain. Please use only the posted MTB routes. The Binder Work Road is closed to all public traffic, this road is VERY busy with work vehicles. Please respect this closure.

Exciting Future Plans

The planning stages for a new lift-serviced bike park on Whiffletree have begun, which is anticipated to open in Summer 2024. Stay tuned for more information as the project progresses.

NOTICE: there is currently no lift-serviced mountain biking available at Sugarloaf. Riders are to access the new trails by foot or pedal power only. Personal vehicles and ATVs are not permitted on the mountain at any time. 

Rider parking available in Lot C.

Enduro & Downhill Video Recap

Highlights Highlights
MAXXIS ESC Showdown All the chills, spills and thrills from the 2021 MAXXIS Eastern States Cup; September 10-12.

Upcoming Mountain Bike Events

Rentals & Local Bike Shops

Allspeed Cyclery
Allspeed Cyclery & Snow operates a full service bike shop out of the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, featuring tuning, repairs, and a full fleet of rental mountain bikes from Santa Cruz. 

Carrabassett Valley Bike 
Now operating out of the Happy Tunes shop at Valley Crossing in Carrabassett Valley, Carrabassett Valley Bike offer tuning services, rentals, and local insight. Phone: (207) 235-6019  

Northern Lights Hearth & Sports
Open year-round: Located in Farmington, Northern Lights Hearth & Sports carries a wide variety of retail products, offering bike repairs and sales. Phone: (207) 778-6566

Suggested Rides

Resources & Partners

Carrabassett Region NEMBA: A non-profit organization dedicated to the creation and maintenance of a sustainable multi-use trail network in the western mountains of Maine.

Maine Huts & Trails: A non-profit organization managing a system of four backcountry eco-lodges and more than 80 miles of trails in Western Maine.

Trail Forks: Plan, explore and share your ride.