Maine Lighthouse Ride 2026

Join us for the 23rd Annual Maine Lighthouse Ride (MLR) on Saturday, September 19, 2026. True to its name, MLR highlights the breathtaking views of coastal southern Maine, including multiple lighthouses, rolling terrain, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Scarborough Marsh. MLR offers four ride lengths to challenge riders of all abilities – 25 miles, 40 miles, 62 miles, and 100 miles!

This ride benefits the Eastern Trail Alliance, a nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and promotes the Eastern Trail, southern Maine’s premiere multi-use greenway. ETA members use discount code Member2026 to save 10% off registration! Your registration fee includes the ride, well-stocked rest stops with yummy snacks, pickles, PB&Js, and more, and post-ride festivities including a meal and two beers.

The 100-mile century ride includes all of the beautiful scenery of the other rides, as well as a jaunt through Old Orchard Beach and Saco to the quaint village of Kennebunkport. This is truly a spectacular century ride characterized by flat to rolling terrain and beautiful ocean views. This ride takes 7-9 hours to complete. Note this route includes a three-mile crossing of the beautiful Scarborough Marsh on the Eastern Trail, crossed twice, both outbound and inbound. The trail has a fine, packed gravel surface which is suitable for most riders on a road bike exercising awareness and caution. The remainder of the ride is on paved public roads.

The approximately 25-mile ride begins by following the six-mile paved co-located South Portland Greenbelt/Eastern Trail from the ride start to Bug Light and then on to Wainwright Recreational Fields. It then follows Maine’s beautiful shoreline back through Cape Elizabeth and South Portland and finally ends back at the ride's start. This route does not include any gravel segments. 

The 40-mile ride features coastal views and sightings of three state parks, gorgeous beaches, and even a few museums. This ride includes the paved co-located South Portland Greenbelt/Eastern Trail as well an out-and-back on the Eastern Trail through the beautiful Scarborough Marsh, the largest salt marsh in Maine. It takes 4-5 hours complete and includes flat to rolling terrain. Note this route includes a three-mile crossing of the beautiful Scarborough Marsh on the Eastern Trail, crossed twice, both outbound and inbound. The trail has a fine, packed gravel surface which is suitable for most riders on a road bike exercising awareness and caution. The remainder of the ride is on paved public roads.

 The 62-mile metric century ride follows the route of the 40-mile ride with an additional coast through the summer resort town of Old Orchard Beach to picturesque Camp Ellis. This ride usually takes 6-7 hours to complete and includes flat to rolling terrain. Note this route includes a three-mile crossing of the beautiful Scarborough Marsh on the Eastern Trail, crossed twice, both outbound and inbound. The trail has a fine, packed gravel surface which is suitable for most riders on a road bike exercising awareness and caution. The remainder of the ride is on paved public roads.

The Maine Lighthouse Ride is the signature fundraising event benefiting the Eastern Trail Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and promotes the Eastern Trail.

The Eastern Trail is a visionary plan for a long-distance walking and bicycling trail that will one day extend entirely and continuously off-road from Casco Bay in South Portland (where the Maine Lighthouse Ride begins!) to the Piscataqua River in Kittery. Today, you can cycle across the Scarborough Marsh, walk through the woods of Saco or Kennebunk, and enjoy more than 20 miles of completed off-road, multi-use trail in southern Maine. The remainder of the Eastern Trail is on-road and co-located with the East Coast Greenway. In 2022, the trail was inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

The Eastern Trail is a collaborative effort between nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and public agencies that together build, maintain, and administer various aspects of the trail. Maintaining the existing trail and completing the remaining miles will require significant funding, many partners, and the support of trail users like you. Learn more and get involved at www.easterntrail.org.

We will be announcing our bike rental partner for 2026 soon!  Stay tuned! 

Where is the event venue and how do I get my bib?
All routes start and finish at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106. Parking is available.  Check In is held at the  ride venue on Friday, September 18 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm or Saturday, September 19 from 6:00 am - 8:00 am. RIDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO PICK UP ON FRIDAY. At check-in, riders will pick up their bib number, pins, meal ticket, beer bracelet, and any pre-ordered MLR merchandise. All registered riders will receive electronically a map of the Southern Maine Community College campus indicating parking, check in, and start/finish line are located.

What is the “Become a Fundraiser” registration option?
By selecting the “Become a Fundraiser” option at checkout, you can rally your friends and family to support not only the cost of your registration but additional funds to support the Eastern Trail, southern Maine’s premiere multi-use greenway. Simply register for the ride and choose the fundraising option. You will be guided through setting up your own fundraiser that can be shared with your contacts.

What’s the Eastern Trail?
The Eastern Trail is southern Maine’s premiere multi-use active transportation and recreation greenway. The Maine Lighthouse Ride is the signature fundraising event benefiting the Eastern Trail Alliance, a nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and promotes the Eastern Trail. All of the routes incorporate some segments of the Eastern Trail. Visit easterntrail.org to learn more.

When will the ride start and how long will it take me to finish?
Riders will depart the start line in waves and finish based on route distance, time spent lingering at various stops, and ability. Below are estimates based on previous years.
100-mil ride: Start time 7:00 am | 7-10 hours
62-mile ride: Start time 7:30 am | 6-7 hours
40-mile ride: Start time 8:30 am | 4-5 hours
25-mile ride: Start time 9:00 am | 2-4 hours

What’s the best bike for this ride?
The best bike for this ride is most likely the best bike for you! This is primarily a road ride on paved public roads open to traffic. All of the routes include travel on six-mile narrow paved path and the 40, 60, 10-mile routes include a three-mile gravel segment, traversed twice. The gravel surface is suitable for most riders on road bikes; stay alert and proceed with caution.

Can I rent a bike?
Yes! Information is coming soon on our bike rental options! 

Are e-bikes allowed?
We welcome Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. We ask that you choose a route that is suitable for your bike and have a fully charged battery the day of the event. 

What’s the terrain like?
All routes for the Maine Lighthouse Ride include a narrow off-road paved path and public roads open to traffic. The 40, 62, and 100-mile routes include a three-mile fine gravel section (traversed twice). This gravel section is suitable for most riders on road bikes.

How can I avoid the gravel section?
If you would prefer to avoid the gravel section, you have two options:
1. Register for the 25-mile ride.
2. Register for the 40-mile ride and skip the out and back section that crosses the Scarborough Marsh near Black Point Road. Here’s how: When Highland Ave intersects with Black Point Rd (ME Route 207) take a left instead of the planned right. This will allow you to continue to Ferry Beach without traversing the three-mile gravel section twice. Be advised this will make your 40-mile ride shorter.

Are there rest stops?
Yes! Our rest stops are well stocked with water and lots of food options, including granola and protein bars, fruit, PB&J sandwiches, pickles, and more. All the fun stuff to fuel you to a strong finish! The rest stops are located in the following areas: Ferry Beach (40, 62), Kettle Cove (all routes), Old Orchard Beach (62, 100), Kennebunkport (100), and Fortunes Rocks (100).

Is there a post-ride celebration?
Yes! Join other riders and their guests, plus the Eastern Trail Alliance staff, Board of Directors, and partners from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the event venue – Southern Maine Community College – for a delicious post-ride meal. Riders will enjoy a meal and two complimentary beers. Food and beverages will be available for purchase for non-rider guests.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will work to accommodate your requests, please email us at MLR@easterntrail.org.

How can I participate if the registration fee does not fit into my budget this year?
We welcome your participation. Please consider the “Become a Fundraiser” registration option.  By selecting the “Become a Fundraiser” option at checkout, you can rally your friends and family to contribute to your registration fee and, if desirable, raise additional funds for the Eastern Trail too!  Simply register and choose the fundraiser option. The online process will guide you to creating your own fundraiser to share for ease of collecting donations on your behalf. Funds raised will go towards your registration fee, covering your cost to participation, and any additional funds will benefit the Eastern Trail Alliance. If you have questions, please contact us at MLR@easterntrail.org.

Is this ride supported?
We have a wonderful crew of Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles to provide support as needed, and stock supplies at each rest stop as well as home base on the campus of Southern Maine Community College. In addition, we strongly encourage riders to carry their own equipment to change flats.

What is the refund policy?  Is the ride rain or shine?
The Maine Lighthouse Ride is a rain or shine event. If the ride or a portion of the ride is unsafe for riders, we may alter the course/route or transfer riders to another course/route. We do not offer refunds.

Can I transfer my registration?
Yes. You can transfer your registration through the Run Sign Up system or simply email us at MLR@easterntrail.org and we will assist.

Can I switch routes? 
Of course! You may switch between any of the routes via the Run Sign Up site. If you need help or have questions, please email us at MLR@easterntrail.org. 

Can I register onsite on the day of the ride?
Yes, however, we will be limiting the number of riders and we typically sell out prior to the ride date.   If we have not yet sold out, we will take on-site registration on the date of the ride. Please note that the registration fee increases to $160 starting September 4th. We strongly encourage you not to wait if you want to ride the 2026 Maine Lighthouse Ride.

Do you have a block of hotel rooms reserved?

We do not have blocks of hotel rooms reserved for the event. 

Questions?
Any questions? We’d be happy to help. Contact us at MLR@easterntrail.org.

Riders and their guests are invited to join in the post-ride festivities from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm which include delicious food, refreshing beverages, and more! If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at MLR@easterntrail.org prior to September 4th so that we may do our best to accommodate your request.

The 2026 Maine Lighthouse Ride Post-Ride Celebration lunch menu will be announced as the event date approaches. This is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of your hard work! Riders can look forward to delicious food and fun beverages after a great ride for a good cause! We’ll have some of the finest local brews to complement your meal perfectly (available to riders aged 21 and older). So, stay tuned for our menu announcement—trust us, you won’t want to miss out on these yummy food options and refreshing drinks designed to make this post-ride gathering truly unforgettable!

Detailed route descriptions along with maps and cue sheets will be available in August. All routes for the Maine Lighthouse Ride include a narrow off-road paved path and public roads open to traffic. The 40, 62, and 100-mile routes include a three-mile fine gravel section (traversed twice). This gravel section is suitable for most riders on road bikes. Please stay aware and use caution at all times.

Places to Stay

Coming Soon!   We'll be adding our recommendations and a list of hotels that have offered a discount rate for Maine Lighthouse Riders. 

Things to Do

Coming Soon!  We will have a list of fun things to do while you are in Maine!  

As we get closer to the ride date, we are thrilled to announce that this space will serve as your go-to hub for all the latest updates! Here, you can expect new and exciting details that will enhance your experience. Whether it’s reminders about what to bring, critical ride advice, or important things you should know beforehand, this blog section is designed for your convenience.

No more scrambling through different sources for information—we’ve created an easy one-stop location where you can find everything you need. Staying informed has never been simpler! Make sure to check back regularly so you won't miss out on any crucial updates that could elevate your ride experience. Trust us; being well-prepared means more fun ahead!

All rides start and finish at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106. Ample parking is available for riders and others.

Rider Check In is at the ride venue on Friday, September 18th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm or Saturday, September 19th from 6:00 am - 8:00 am. RIDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO PICK UP ON FRIDAY. At Check In riders will receive their bib number, meal ticket and beer bracelet and any purchases made during registration. A Maine Lighthouse Ride merchandise store will be available. Please note:  we do not provide printed route maps or cue sheets. MLR gear is only available through the online store (not including tshirts and hoodies) Ride with GPS routes and cue sheets will be available to download as the ride approaches.

Century: 7:00 am

62 Miles: 7:30 am

40 Miles: 8:30 am

25 Miles: 9:00 am

Riders and their guests are invited to join in the post-ride festivities from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm which include delicious food, refreshing beverages, and more! If you have dietary restrictions, please contact us at MLR@easterntrail.org prior to September 4th so that we may do our best to accommodate your request.

More details about the Post Ride Celebration will be shared soon!  

You are not required to fundraise/donate to participate in the Maine Lighthouse Ride. However, as the largest fundraiser in support of the Eastern Trail Alliance, we encourage riders to collect donations to help support the Eastern Trail and/or to make a donation during the registration process. 

Want to make your miles even more meaningful this summer?

Please become a fundraiser! Choose "Become a Fundraiser" during registration and then rally your friends and family members to support your participation and a great cause -- the Eastern Trail! The Maine Lighthouse Ride and any additional donations raised by participants benefit the Eastern Trail Alliance, a nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and promotes the Eastern Trail, southern Maine's premier multi-use greenway.

The 2026 Maine Lighthouse Ride Store is opening soon!   

Stay tuned for the Jersey Reveal!  

🌟 We need YOUR help to make the 2026 Maine Lighthouse Ride the best one yet! Did you know it takes nearly 100 dedicated volunteers to bring this epic event to life? That’s right—your support is crucial! Help support the Eastern Trail’s largest fundraiser!

From traffic control and rest stop service to registration and more, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. Whether you can spare a few hours or the whole day, every bit helps us create an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Interested in volunteering? 🚴‍♀️💙  Questions? Email us at MLR@easterntrail.org