Biking in Acadia National Park
There are many ways to enjoy Acadia National Park, from hiking to rock-climbing, but biking is one of the most popular experiences. Visitors can see most of the park in just a day or two by bike. Although bikes are not allowed on hiking trails, there is plenty of room for adventure, from the 27-mile Park Loop Road to the 45 miles of carriage roads that are available to cyclists.
Park Loop Road
Paved and often with one-way traffic, this loop brings you past many of Acadia’s favorite sights, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and The Precipice. The Loop can be moderately challenging, and cyclists must be comfortable sharing the road with cars. Note: Much of the Park’s popular Loop Road allows cars to park on its right lane. That means cyclists on the Loop Road may have to peddle between moving traffic and parked cars.
Carriage Roads
The beautiful carriage roads are part of John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s legacy to the park. He created roads designed for horseback-riding and carriages so visitors could enjoy the park without the sounds and smells of cars. The carriage roads wind through the park’s mountains and valleys, with fantastic views and some challenging climbs, and over the uniquely designed stone bridges that are a highlight of Acadia. The 45 miles of crushed-rock surface is ideal for biking and there are loops of varying lengths, so riders can select a length that suits them best – even families with young children can enjoy riding through the park. Cyclists are required to yield to both horses and pedestrians on carriage roads. Electric bikes (e-bikes) aren’t allowed on carriage roads at all.
Park Maps
A map of the park’s roads is extremely helpful in selecting a route. You can download one here.
Bike Rentals
Visitors can rent bikes nearby, along with bike racks for their cars, or simply take a free ride on the Island Explorer’s Bicycle Express. The Bicycle Express operates June through September between the Bar Harbor Village Green and Eagle Lake. Cyclists can access the Acadia National Park carriage road system at many locations, including Eagle Lake.
Click here for more information on biking.
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