Bicycling in Acadia NP

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Bicycling

The more than 40 mi of carriage roads that crisscross the island are open to bicycles. Originally designed and funded by John D. Rockefeller to facilitate carriage travel after automobiles were introduced, these well-maintained gravel roads provide a range of terrains for bikers of all levels. Even during the busiest months you can find quiet stretches where you can get close-up looks at the native ferns, mosses, and trees. You may also spot chipmunks, birds, or even deer.

The two most popular places to start your ride are Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond. Eagle Lake has a small parking lot that fills up quickly, so don't be surprised if you have to park on the roadside. The 6-mi carriage road around Eagle Lake is popular with families. It meets up with other carriage roads along the way. Jordan Pond has a larger parking lot and a number of different trails. You may want to bike from Eagle Lake to Jordan Pond, where you can stop for tea and popovers at Jordan Pond House restaurant. Perhaps the most challenging route is the Around the Mountain Trail, an 11-mi loop with an extended climb up the northwest side of Parkman Mountain. Other places to start your ride -- with less parking -- are the Gate House and Parkman Mountain in Northeast Harbor.

Remember that horses and carriages still use these roads -- in fact, you can ride a horse along this road, too (though you must bring your own horse). It is best to yield to horses when they approach and to warn the rider when approaching from behind. Although it is not nearly as peaceful, you can bike along Park Loop Road. You must follow the traffic on the one-way section between the Route 233 entrance and the Stanley Brook Road entrance. If you want to bike the entire loop, ride clockwise. Biking is not allowed on any of the hiking trails.

Although the carriage roads are marked at most intersections, it's a good idea to carry a map. With so many side roads and loops, it is easy to extend or shorten your trip. You can pick up trail maps at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

Bike Rentals

Acadia Bike Rentals (48 Cottage St. 207/288-9605 or 800/526-8615) rents mountain bikes good for negotiating the trails in Acadia National Park. The Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop (141 Cottage St. 207/288-3886 or 800/824-2453) rents bikes by the half or full day. Caution: Riding a bike around Bar Harbor is fun, but be careful; the town is full of gawking tourists, and many of the streets are narrow.