Brunswick has three things unique going for it from a running perspective: the pretty campus of Bowdoin College, a few cool bridges, and a bike path along the Androscoggin River. There are also some other good running options nearby. Our recommendations for running in Brunswick and vicinity:
Brunswick Main Tour. This 5.3 mile curated route showcases the pretty campus of Bowdoin College, Brunswick’s main streets, and three bridges over the water. Start at the Chamberlain Museum on Maine St. and run toward the river for 1/2 mile. Head east on Water St., and over the Bridge (Rt. 196). Then turn LEFT, heading east, Elm St., then Rt. 201 to Summer St. bearing left on the bike path, leading to the Swinging Bridge. Head over the Bridge, and then on Oak St., making your way back to the start using Federal St. for variety. For a longer run, combine with bike path (below). MAP
Swinging Bridge, Brunswick
Androscoggin River Bike Path. From the Rt. 196 bridge in downtown Brunswick, this dedicated, paved path runs for 2.5 miles east. Its proximity to busy Rt. 1 is mitigated by good river views. MAP
Bowdoin Campus. Enjoy a couple of miles on this pretty campus, right in the center of Brunswick. Can be combined with other area running.
Brunswick Town Commons Trails. Nearly 1,000 acres and 6 miles of trails, right off the Bowdoin campus and heading as far as Middle Bay Road. Trail Map.
Crystal Spring Farm. 3-4 miles of very pretty trails on this farm administered by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, 3 miles south of downtown Brunswick. Note: Reserved for X-C skiing in winter.Trail Map.
Pineland Farms. Inland from Yarmouth/Freeport/Brunswick, this 5,000 acre working farm is a great place for a destination run. 30 km of trails, with a wonderful combination of woods, fields, and farm buildings, on rolling terrain. Full info. Trail Map.
Cliff Trail, Harpswell. More of a run/hike for trail runners, this 2.3 mile loop trail is a treat, combining woods with coastal views from 15-foot high cliffs. Located 9 miles south of downtown Brunswick. Footing can be a challenge. Trail Map.
Brunswick has three things unique going for it from a running perspective: the pretty campus of Bowdoin College, a few cool bridges, and a bike path along the Androscoggin River. There are also some other good running options nearby. Our recommendations for running in Brunswick and vicinity:
Brunswick Main Tour. This 5.3 mile curated route showcases the pretty campus of Bowdoin College, Brunswick’s main streets, and three bridges over the water. Start at the Chamberlain Museum on Maine St. and run toward the river for 1/2 mile. Head east on Water St., and over the Bridge (Rt. 196). Then turn LEFT, heading east, Elm St., then Rt. 201 to Summer St. bearing left on the bike path, leading to the Swinging Bridge. Head over the Bridge, and then on Oak St., making your way back to the start using Federal St. for variety. For a longer run, combine with bike path (below). MAP
Swinging Bridge, Brunswick
Androscoggin River Bike Path. From the Rt. 196 bridge in downtown Brunswick, this dedicated, paved path runs for 2.5 miles east. Its proximity to busy Rt. 1 is mitigated by good river views. MAP
Bowdoin Campus. Enjoy a couple of miles on this pretty campus, right in the center of Brunswick. Can be combined with other area running.
Brunswick Town Commons Trails. Nearly 1,000 acres and 6 miles of trails, right off the Bowdoin campus and heading as far as Middle Bay Road. Trail Map.
Crystal Spring Farm. 3-4 miles of very pretty trails on this farm administered by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, 3 miles south of downtown Brunswick. Note: Reserved for X-C skiing in winter.Trail Map.
Pineland Farms. Inland from Yarmouth/Freeport/Brunswick, this 5,000 acre working farm is a great place for a destination run. 30 km of trails, with a wonderful combination of woods, fields, and farm buildings, on rolling terrain. Full info. Trail Map.
Cliff Trail, Harpswell. More of a run/hike for trail runners, this 2.3 mile loop trail is a treat, combining woods with coastal views from 15-foot high cliffs. Located 9 miles south of downtown Brunswick. Footing can be a challenge. Trail Map.
This historic shipbuilding town has some excellent running. We've plotted a 5-mile waterfront route, including sections of downtown, and a 7.4 mile loop out to North Bath and looping back on the Whiskeag Trail. Additional routes in nearby Brunswick.
One of the longer stretches of sand beach on the mid-Maine coast, and good for running. Pleasant road running out to Fort Baldwin and Hunnewell Point, with great water views. A full 'loop' of the peninsula is about 7 miles.
Quaint coastal town, known for its coastal views, shops and restaurants, and as a departure point for ferries. We've mapped a 4 mile 'Boothbay Harbor' route, featuring great water views, and a 2.8 mile there and back along Shore Rd. on Ocean Point.
Known as “The Prettiest Village in Maine,” Wiscasset is a choice town for a residential/commercial run with an old timey seaport feel. We've mapped out a gorgeous 5-mile run highlighting Wiscasset and over the bridge to Fort Edgecomb State Park.
We've put together two great runs in this historic fishing village: A jaunt along the Harbor Path and quaint Main St., with its shops, restaurants, and galleries; And a route out to Breakwater Light, where you can run on large granite rocks for 0.7 miles to the lighthouse.
St. George is one of the quieter spots along the Maine mid-coast. There's no signature coastal town, but the roads in this area are quiet, pastoral, and great for running. We've put together two easy-to-follow loop options of 7.2 and 11.4 miles.
Rockport is the smaller cousin of Rockland (to the south) and Camden, which is 2 miles north. We've put together a route highlighting the prettiest streets of central Rockport and its harbor.
A 5-mile loop between the popular towns of Rockport and Camden. Lovely New England homes, occasional water views, and pleasantly shaded. This fairly hilly route mainly involves Bayview Ave. and Chestnut St. Good add-on opportunities at each end.
Lovely coastal town, located on Penobscot Bay at the mouth of the Megunticook River, with Mount Battie rising above. Nice running in town, to Rockport, and 30 miles of trails in Camden Hills State Park.
This beautiful island is located just off of Maine’s mid-coast, accessible by ferry from Camden. Great for running in the Penobscot Bay, with quiet roads, pretty foliage, and nice water views. We've mapped a 7 mile loop from the ferry terminal.
Create your own route in this historic seaport town. A highlight is the 1 mile Harborwalk and footbridge. Then, enjoy some of the main streets downtown, which feature historic buildings and fun restaurants and shops.
A charming midcoast Maine spot offering cozy inns, scenic views, and plenty of history. We have put together two routes for running in Castine, featuring its elm-lined main streets, waterfront roads, and trails in Witherle Woods.
A pleasant 5-mile out and back run along the water from the center of this island town in the Penobscot Bay. Nice water views along Greenhead Rd. and Sand Beach Rd., with a short detour to Moose Island.
This lobster fishery and summer colony, reachable via a 75-minute ferry from Rockland, features 50 miles of traffic-free roads. We've put together a 4-mile waterfront loop, and a 9-mile 'round the island' loop.
The Park Loop Road is great for running, especially the 5 mile section between Seal Beach and Little Hunters Beach. The Carriage Roads are special for running, with many options. And for a true challenge, run up Cadillac Mountain!
You don’t have to be a serious trail runner to enjoy the backcountry views in this National Park. Acadia has 45 miles of wide, well-groomed carriage roads that are perfect for a refreshing fall run. Fantastic option in the fall.
Known as “The Prettiest Village in Maine,” Wiscasset is a choice town for a residential/commercial run with an old timey seaport feel. We've mapped out a gorgeous 5-mile run highlighting Wiscasset and over the bridge to Fort Edgecomb State Park.
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