Farm Country Bicycle Tour
Itinerary Note
Be sure to look at when businesses and attractions are open. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to call any that you plan to visit just to be on the safe side.
Have you ever imagined what it was like living on a farm in the 1800’s or even before that?
Take a bicycle ride through Fort Fairfield and Easton’s farm country to find out! The beautiful farms, fresh air, exercise and slower pace provides a unique experience; like going back in time to a simpler life. You will notice that some of the farms are Amish as shown by horses and buggies. Please be aware that you should not take pictures of Amish people. Since there are many horse and buggies on the road, watch for “Horse chips/ road apples”! 🙂
This bicycle route is about a 15 mile ride one way. The route is mostly flat, but lovely and exhilarating to be in the fresh air where you can stop to take pictures, perhaps stop for a snack or picnic.
On the way back, you can retrace the route or you can return along Route 1A. If you go back on RT 1A, you will pass more Amish farms. You will also pass the Francis Malcom Science Center (in Easton), which is worth stopping in to see. They have many nature trails as well as a great planetarium!
If you take RT 1A back, there is a wide shoulder, but please be aware that there is more traffic and they are going much faster.
The Route
As you will see on the map, we start the route in downtown Main Street in Fort Fairfield. We put in the Boondocks Grill restaurant as a point of reference.
- Go east on Main Street until you reach Forest Avenue where you will turn right (south).
- Continue on Forest Avenue for a little over 7 miles until you reach Fuller Rd. Turn left onto Fuller Rd (East)
- Continue on Fuller Rd for about 1.5 miles until you reach Gray Rd. Turn right (south) onto Gray Rd.
- Continue of Gray Rd for about 2 miles until you reach Ladner Rd. Turn right (west) onto Ladner Rd.
- Continue on Ladner Rd for about 2.5 miles until you reach RT 1A (Houlton Rd).
- From here, you can either retrace your steps back or take RT 1A back to Fort Fairfield, which is about 7.5 miles. Again, RT 1A is a nice paved road, but it can be busy and cars may go very fast.
Some things you will pass on the way…
The Maple Moose: 28 Bowers Road, Easton, Maine, Telephone: (207) 768-1062, (207) 768-2962. “Maine’s destination for maple syrup, hand-made candies and confections.” (Double-check to make sure they are open.)
As mentioned, you will pass many lovely Amish farms and may see horse and buggies on the road with you!
You can also take a little detour to visit Monson Pond (550 Dorsey Road) for a picnic or even swimming!
Fun Facts
According to a paper from the University of Maine- Presque Isle, here is some interesting fun facts about early agriculture:
“The first extensive assessment of the land of the Aroostook for agricultural purposes was done by none other than the “Father of Maine Agriculture,” Ezekiel Holmes. While ascertaining the possibility of a waterway into and through the region of Aroostook, Dr. Holmes extensively surveyed the land, geology, and agriculture of the territory. His comments are laudable on the climate and the soil of the area. “The large amount of good soil, which by proper attention will afford a surplus of produce for the use of less favored portions of the State” (Holmes 1839, 75). Of the many benefits of Aroostook that Dr. Holmes took note of was the bountiful yields of grasses. While Indian corn (corn in general being a very big crop in Maine at the time), barley and rye were seldom cultivated, they were very of good quality. Oats and buckwheat flourished and were planted throughout Aroostook and had good harvests as well. But Dr. Holmes was most impressed with the abundance and quality of the wheat grown in Aroostook the most. He even went as so far to say, “The staple crop of the Aroostook farms is, and ever must be, wheat” (Holmes 1839, 53). It is also interesting to note that Dr. Holmes speaks very little of the potato crop in Aroostook, because as of yet it is of little importance. While Dr. Holmes may have been
wrong on the assessment of the future of wheat, at least in the long-term (as well as with his prophecy of the success and fortune of sugar beets in Aroostook), his glowing report of the area was critical in promoting the cause for Aroostook settlement and agriculture.”
Restaurant Alternatives
Hotel Alternatives
Activity Alternatives
Packing Checklist
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.