Directions:

Sandy Bay Loop: Take Rte 201 north from Jackman approximately 7 miles. Trail starts on the left at Dumas Rd, but park up the road at "The Falls" parking area on the right.

General Description:

A land of rivers, lakes, mountains and moose, surrounded by over 250,000 acres of woodlands the Jackman region of Maine has something for just about everyone-except a traffic light according to the Jackman Chamber of Commerce.

A network of logging roads provides access to this spectacular area known as “the Switzerland of Maine”. Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile and hiking trails radiate from the Jackman hub of the Interconnecting Snowmobile Trail System 86 and 89. Over fifty miles of marked trails in the greater Jackman/moose River area, the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife (deer, moose, bear and other wildlife feeding right next to the trails) are what make this area a dream to mountain bike. The best time to ride is summer through fall.

Please note that most of these these trails are routed through lumber company roads in areas not currently being logged. (Watch out for lumber trucks! They have the right of way). Bikers should be aware there are times when trails are temporarily closed or rerouted. Check trail status before riding!

Against the backdrop of Attean and Sally Mountains several sparkling lakes and ponds lie within this wilderness setting. Attean Lake, Big Wood Pond and Long Pond form a series of connected bodies of water, fed by the Moose River. In the summer these lakes provide water recreation including swimming, kayaking and canoeing. They also provide the perfect setting for a relaxing swim during or after a hard ride. If you are spending some time in the area combine your mountain bike experience with a canoe trip on the world reknowned Moose River Bow Trip, a loop water route beginning and ending on Attean Lake.

The Trails:

Most of the route covers privately owned land. Please respect land-owner rights.

Sandy Bay Loop: 10 miles: Easy to moderate.

Mostly unpaved double-track jeep road with some paved stretches. This is not as technical as the other loops and trails in the area, however, there is no getting around the strenuous hill climbs during the first half of the ride. Riders of all flavors can manage this loop providing they are relatively fit. This suits me as I love going uphill but I know what some of you are thinking. No, riding the trail in reverse won't help.

From the "Falls" parking area ride south on Route 201 (moose are a frequent sight along Route 201, officially designated a Maine Scenic Highway, when they travel to feed early in the morning and evening) to the bottom of a hill, turning west, off Route 201 onto Dumas Rd., an unpaved double-track jeep road (You'll be very near the Dennistown / Sandy Bay Township line). Sandy Stream Mt. will be on your right. This road curves northwards around Sandy Stream Mountain. Slidedown Mtn. will be on your left with Sandy Bay Mtn. to the North. You will enjoy some breathtaking views.

After approximately six miles, you'll come to some old pavement (the Old Canada Road). Turn right and you'll rejoin Route 201. Head south on 201 back to "The Falls" parking area.

What better place to stop and set up a picnic, than at this scenic stop-off where Sandy Stream drops 15 feet to create a small waterfall.

For more information:

Jackman - Moose River Region Chamber Of Commerce
P.O. Box 368
Jackman, Maine 04945

Phone: (207) 668-4171
TTY Users: AT&T National Relay at 711

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