Biking in Acadia National Park

Hike to dramatic mountain summits, scale granite cliffs or pedal past sweeping coastal views to experience Acadia National Park. Biking ranks among the park’s most popular adventures, and you can see most of the park in just a day or two on wheels. Whether you’re planning your first ride or looking for the best routes, this ultimate guide covers everything you need to know, including bike rentals, the top trails and useful information to help you make the most of your visit.

Though bicycles aren’t permitted on hiking trails, you’ll find plenty of the top biking trails to explore, from the historic carriage roads, widely considered as some of the best gravel biking in Maine, to the scenic Park Loop Road and the quieter paths of Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland.

Exploring the Historic Carriage Roads (Car-Free)

Experience Acadia’s most iconic ride along the park’s historic carriage roads. Every mile blends beautiful scenery with a piece of history left by John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s legacy. He created roads designed for horseback-riding and carriages so visitors could enjoy the park without the sounds and smells of cars. Today, the car-free network winds through mountains and valleys, with fantastic views over the park’s uniquely designed stone bridges.

The 45 miles of maintained crushed-rock surface is ideal for biking and there are loops of varying lengths. Choose from easy loops perfect for families with young children or longer routes with rewarding climbs and panoramic views, making Acadia one of the best places in Maine to experience gravel biking.

Best Bike Type: Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are the best choice for the park’s crushed-stone carriage roads, providing the stability and traction needed for the gravel surface. However, if you want a ride that does it all, a gravel bike is perfect for any place a bike can be used in Acadia. If you aren’t bringing your own, rent one from one of the local outfitters listed below before you hit the trails.

Popular Loops

Choose from eight named loops within Acadia’s historic carriage road system, each offering its own mix of terrain and scenery. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a more challenging adventure, these popular routes are a great place to start:

Witch Hole Pond Loop

4.7 miles, a gentle and easy route that passes ponds and a bridge with a small waterfall, ideal for families

Eagle Lake Loop

5.9 miles, a moderate ride circling the picturesque Eagle Lake with mountain views

Jordan Pond Loop

8.6 miles, a moderate route with several ups and down and a flat section around Bubble Pond

Safety Rules: Cyclists are required to yield to both horses and pedestrians on carriage roads and no bicycle may exceed 20 mph on carriage roads. Class 1 electric bikes (E-bikes) are permitted on carriage roads. Class 2 and 3 are not allowed.

Cycling the Scenic Park Loop Road (Paved)

Park Loop Road remains a go-to route for bikers looking for a more challenging ride. This 27-mile paved route brings you past many of Acadia’s favorite sights, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and the Precipice. The section from Sand Beach to just before Jordan Pond follows a one-way route, making it a favorite among cyclists.

Unlike the car-free carriage roads, Park Loop Road is shared with vehicles and much of the route allows roadside parking, leaving little or no shoulder for cyclists. Be prepared to ride confidently alongside moving traffic and parked cars. Always stay alert to opening car doors and changing road conditions.

Best Bike Type: Road bikes, hybrids and e-bikes are ideal choices for Park Loop Road, especially for riders looking to cover more distance or enjoy a faster cycling experience. The paved route and rolling terrain make it one of Acadia’s best options for road cycling.

Safety Rules: Since the road can become congested with vehicles, especially during the busiest time of day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), consider riding early in the morning or late afternoon. Always wear a helmet, bike with the traffic flow and use extra caution on the steep climb up Cadillac Mountain.

Escape the Crowds at Schoodic Peninsula 

Head to Schoodic Peninsula for a quieter, more secluded ride away from the more popular Mount Desert Island. Located on the mainland, this section of Acadia National Park is about an hour drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Explore 8.3 miles of bike paths and Schoodic Loop Road while taking in spectacular views.

Best Bike Type: A gravel bike is a great choice for any of the paths on Schoodic Peninsula. 

Safety Rules: Cyclists must follow one-way traffic patterns.

Taking Your Bike on Acadia’s Bus & Shuttle System

Skip the hassle of parking by using Mount Desert Island’s fare-free Island Explorer. The bus system is the easiest way to transport your bike.

The Bicycle Express operates June through September between the Bar Harbor Village Green and Eagle Lake. There’s only room for 16 bicycles and it can carry tag-along bikes, but not tandem, fat tire or electric bikes.

The Island Explorer buses feature exterior racks that hold up to 6 bikes on a first-come, first-served basis. The racks cannot accommodate tag-along, tandem, fat tire, electric or small children’s bikes. 

Where to Rent Bikes for Acadia National Park

If you aren’t bringing your own wheels, check out the local outfitters below to find bike rentals and gear for exploring Acadia National Park.

Acadia Outfitters in Bar Harbor
Bike Types Offered: Mountain, Road

Acadia E-Bike Adventure in Bar Harbor
Bike Types Offered: E-Bike

Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop in Bar Harbor
Bike Types Offered: Hybrid, E-Bike, Kids, Mountain, Road

Pedego Electric Bikes in Bar Harbor
Bike Types Offered: Hybrid, E-Bike, Kids, Mountain, Road

Island Bike Rental in Northeast Harbor
Bike Types Offered: Hybrid, E-Bike, Kids, Mountain, Road

Southwest Cycle in Southwest Harbor
Bike Types Offered: Hybrid, E-Bike, Kids, Mountain, Road

Frequently Asked Questions about Biking in Acadia

Where can I get a map of the Acadia bike trails?

A map of the park’s roads is extremely helpful in selecting a route. Download an official NPS user’s map online before you arrive or visit the Hulls Cove Visitor Center for a printed one.

Do you need an entrance park pass to bike on the routes in Acadia?

Yes, you must have a park entrance pass to ride in the park which includes the Park Loop Road, gravel roads within the park and carriage roads.

What is the best biking trail for families in Acadia?

Explore the less-hilly sections of the carriage roads, like the Witch Hole Pond Loop, which provides a relatively flat route with beautiful views and fewer challenging climbs.

Can I ride a road bike on the carriage roads?

Yes, while possible, the gravel surface is much better suited for hybrid or mountain bikes with wider tires for more stability. If you do bring a road bike, consider using wider tires designed for mixed surfaces.

What is the best all-around bike for Acadia?

Consider using a gravel bike that is designed for versatility. Gravel bikes can handle carriage roads and paced roads, making it ideal for anywhere you can ride in the park.

Is the Park Loop Road hilly?

Yes, Park Loop Road includes several climbs and rolling hills, with the most significant one up Cadillac Mountain, which many cyclists include as an extension for the rewarding summit views.