Nestled along Maine’s beautiful coast, Acadia National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. If you come here, you’ll find that there are countless breathtaking natural wonders to explore. And for me, in addition to hiking, biking in Acadia National Park is also one of the most worthwhile things to do here.
I love the beauty of Acadia, that’s why I spent so much of my time coming back here even 4 times in 1 year. Therefore, I am completely confident that I can bring you the most comprehensive guide possible drawn from my experiences. If you are planning to come here and are wondering what to do to have the most memorable experience, then you have come to the right place. Me and nationalparkshops.com are here to help you! Ready to explore with me? Let’s go!
Main bike trail in Acadia National Park: Carriage Roads
As far as I know, the construction of the Carriage Roads was largely financed by John D. Rockefeller and took place between 1913 and 1940. With the emergence of automobiles, Rockefeller recognized the importance of establishing a motor-free zone, allowing visitors to appreciate the tranquility of nature undisturbed by vehicles.
The roads measure approximately 16 feet in width and are composed of crushed stone. Their design prioritizes the preservation of hillsides, the protection of trees, and the maximization of alignment with scenic vistas.
The Carriage Roads feature 17 bridges adorned with stone facades. Each bridge boasts a distinct design and incorporates local stone to maintain a natural aesthetic. Acadia National Park offers cyclists access to 45 miles of Carriage Roads.
A notable aspect of the Carriage Roads is their restriction to bikes, pedestrians, and horses in certain areas. Cyclists are required to cede the right of way to pedestrians and horses. While Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the Carriage Roads, Classes 2 and 3 are prohibited.
Most people access Carriage Road from Duck Brook Road, Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond House. You can get to Carriage Road from Hulls Cove Visitor Center, but it’s a very steep climb up Carriage Road.
If you start your trip in Bar Harbor, you’ll have to climb a bit to get to Carriage Road. Follow West Street across 3rd Street onto the West Street Extension to Duck Brook Road from the town green. It is one mile from the town green to Duck Brook Road with an elevation gain of 175 feet. If you want to avoid this, drive to the Eagle Lake parking area and start cycling there.
Transit routes are typically busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In the late afternoon and evening, some people use the roads, making this a great time to cycle.
Is there a fee for the Carriage Roads?
The most apparent aspect is that you’ll need to cover an admission fee to gain access to Acadia National Park. Even if your primary activity is biking in Acadia National Park, you’ll likely engage in other activities alongside biking on the Carriage Roads, which necessitates paying the $30 private vehicle fee (valid for a week) or utilizing the America the Beautiful Pass.
However, if you venture into the park without a vehicle, you’ll be eligible for a $15 reduction for individuals without cars (such as cyclists, hikers, or pedestrians). Here’s a suggestion: if you choose to enter the park by bicycle from Bar Harbor, as I did, there won’t be any fee checks, making it an honor-based system that allows you to visit Acadia at no cost.
Popular cycling routes in Acadia
The Carriage Roads system, which extends over 45 miles, provides a wide variety of cycling paths within Acadia National Park for your exploration. Here are my recommended routes that I’ve personally traversed, showcasing some of the most stunning sceneries along the journey.
Eagle Lake Loop
The Eagle Lake loop trip is one of the most popular Carriage Road trips when you start your biking in Acadia National Park. You can start your journey at Duck Brook Bridge. This route will result in a 10-mile round trip. However, if you start at the Eagle Lake parking lot, the distance is reduced to 5.8 miles. Regardless of whether you choose to cycle around the lake clockwise or counterclockwise, the first part of your route will be mostly uphill, while the second half is mostly downhill.
Around Day Mountain
Biking around Day Mountain is perfect for those looking to get in a full day of cycling on the Carriage Roads. Starting from Bar Harbor, I had a 36-mile round trip. Don’t feel tired just yet though, this trip will take you on some less traveled Carriage Roads and offer some beautiful views of the Sommes Sound. After resting at Jordan Pond House, I climbed Day Mountain to see the Cranberry Islands. If you visit in late July/early August, you’ll also have the opportunity to pick amazing Maine blueberries at the top of the mountain.
Park Loop Road
I have written many articles about Park Loop Road before. In addition to being able to come here to watch the Acadia National Park sunrise, Park Loop Road is also a beautiful road running along the ocean for those who are passionate about biking in Acadia National Park. Park Loop Road has two one-way lanes, creating the default bike lane, passing by some of the park’s prominent features, including Sand Beach, Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole.
From Bar Harbor, there are two ways to access the Park Loop. One is up West Street Extension, a bit of a climb; a gentler way is to follow Ledgelawn Street to Great Meadow Drive, where the roundabout is located. Although the Loop Road park can get very crowded, cycling early in the morning can give you an almost car-free experience.
About a mile before Jordan Pond House, the road becomes two-way; The road is narrow and has no sidewalk as it runs through the inside of the park. Cycling this stretch can be uncomfortable when the park is crowded. Unless you intend to bike up Cadillac Mountain on your trip, I recommend exiting the loop at Jordan Pond House and cycling the stagecoach roads back to Bar Harbor.
The Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula is situated north of Mount Desert Island and is accessible by either car or a seasonal ferry service. The ferry between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor is privately managed and does not accommodate e-bikes. If you choose to drive, parking is available at the visitor center in the Schoodic Point Campground. The route of biking in Acadia National Park is fairly brief, spanning nine miles from the visitor center to the junction with Route 186. Similar to the park loop, a significant part of Schoodic consists of two-lane, one-way roads.
There’s a minor stretch within the park referred to as a “carriageway” on the peninsula’s interior. These paths are rather rugged and not particularly scenic. To extend your Schoodic visit into a full-day excursion, you can bike through the town of Winter Harbor, around the picturesque Grindstone Neck, and to the fishing village of Corea. Here, you can pause for a meal at Lunch on the Warf, which offers delicious food, breathtaking views of Corea Harbor, and an abundance of local charm.
Swan’s Island
Reached by ferry from Bass Harbor, Swan’s is a wonderful glimpse into Island life. It’s a forty minute ferry ride to get to the island. There isn’t much cycling on the island but there are plenty of opportunities to explore the island. Cycling on most roads will cover a cycling distance of approximately 16 miles. Several scenic ferry rides and bike rides make for a fun day. It is for this reason that Swan’s remains one of the popular trips biking in Acadia National Park.
Witch Pond Loop
Witch Pond Loop is a 4.7-mile loop on the north end of the park, leading you past Witch Hole Lake and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. If you don’t have much time biking in Acadia National Park and just want to stop at the visitor center, you can choose the Witch Pond Loop for your bike ride.
Recommend as a perfect half or full day bike ride
Are you still having trouble with Acadia National Park’s bike routes? I’m here to give you the most specific suggestions so you can get the most beautiful route on Carriage Roads.
First, consider whether you decide to ride a traditional bicycle or an electric bicycle. Carriage Roads is about 29 miles long and took me almost a day to explore. Start in downtown Bar Harbor and take in the Duck Brook Bridge. You’ll have to ride a short distance on real roads and cross busy Maine Route 3. This can be a little stressful, but stay alert and you’ll be able to get to the park safely.
At intersection 7, turn left and enter Jordan Pond Loop. You will have to cross Park Loop Road, so be very careful of oncoming cars. After crossing the street, you’ll see Bubble Pond, a great place to get off your bike and walk around a bit.
The road will pass Wildwood Stables and you will soon cross Park Loop Road and reach Jordan Pond. The bike path is only a short distance from Jordan Pond, so this is a good time to park your bike and walk around. You can also walk over to Jordan Pond House for lunch.
Go very quickly north on the Jordan Pond Loop then turn left at intersection 14 to start the Mountain Loop. This is my favorite part of the day. Not only does the loop have some stunning views, but you can also pass by some beautiful waterfalls. The best views are on the northern portion of the loop, where you’ll get a great view of Eagle Lake. There are some long switchbacks as you start to descend the mountain.
When you reach intersection 10, turn left. You’ll then quickly turn left again at intersection 8. You’ll ride up the west side of Eagle Lake and then return the way you started to finish your ride.
A quick addition to this route would be to add the rest of the Witch Hole Pond loop to see the pond and the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. This will be a complete and perfect cycling trip that can take you all day.
For finding the perfect half-day trip, I highly recommend the Eagle Lake Loop. It’s short enough to be manageable in a few hours but still offers stunning scenery and a relaxing ride.
Where to rent bicycles in Acadia National Park?
When it comes to biking in Acadia National Park, first you need a vehicle – in this case, a bicycle. You can bring your own bicycle. However, don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike or are embarrassed because it’s bulky to carry. Acadia National Park bike rentals are very popular right now with countless options.
I rented a bike from Acadia Bike, which offers great service and a wide selection of bikes. They offer everything from mountain bikes to hybrids and even e-bikes for those who want a little extra help on the hills. Another good choice is Bar Harbor Bike Shop, which also has many rental options and a helpful staff. Both shops can provide you with maps and recommendations to ensure you have a great cycling experience.
Map of the Mount Desert Island
You can see more detailed maps at the National Park’s official information page.
FAQs about Biking in Acadia National Park
Can you bike to the top of Cadillac Mountain?
From what I know, cycling to the peak of Cadillac Mountain is permitted without the requirement of a reservation. However, it’s important to note that the route is quite inclined and lacks a designated bike lane, making it potentially hazardous. It is advisable to undertake this journey only if you possess substantial cycling experience, plan your visit during off-peak hours, and consult with a park ranger prior to your ascent.
What are tips for biking the Carriage Roads?
Bring a light backpack for water, snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, and map. Ask for a lock (extra fee) if you plan to hike. Rental companies may offer car racks but didn’t allow transporting bikes in vehicles during my visit. Each intersection on Carriage Roads has a number for navigation. Match them with your map for easy navigation.
Is there a best time of year to bike in Acadia?
Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit Acadia National Park and bike. However, I find that autumn is especially beautiful with the changing foliage. Summer is also beautiful but can be busier because of large crowds, so if you biking in Acadia National Park in the summer, you should start early in the morning.
Conclusion
Biking in Acadia National Park is an experience you won’t soon forget. From scenic shipping lanes to breathtaking coastal routes, there’s something for every cyclist. Through my experiences, I hope I have brought you the most complete information. Now don’t wait any longer and make plans to go to Acadia National Park right away!
