Bicycling in Acadia National Park
Ocean, Mountains, Lakes and Streams in Eastern Maine
Unique characteristics of downeast Maine make Acadia National Park a great cycling getaway
Surrounded by Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park boasts many unique attributes. Three are of special interest to bicyclists of all ages and abilities: the carriage roads, the park loop and the Cadillac Mountain road.
Carriage Roads
The Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park, 47 miles network of crushed stone and woodland roads free of motor vehicles, were the vision of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The roads were constructed between 1913 and 1940 for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and carriages. Approximately 45 miles of Carriage Roads within the park allow cross-country skiing and limited snowmobiling. Many maps of the Carriage Roads are available.
For bicyclists a mountain bike or cross bike are best. The Carriage Roads have gradual climbs and fantastic views of lakes, ponds, wildlife and mountains. The best place to start is the Eagle Lake parking lot (east of Bar Harbor on the Eagle Lake Road – Route 233). From the parking lot one can bicycle the Carriage Roads around Eagle Lake and branch out to all the other inter-connected roads. Bring plenty of food and fluids as there are no services.
The 27 mile Park Loop Road is the paved road traversing through Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island by automobile and bicycle. Follow the signs from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to reach Acadia's wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, mountains, forests and rocky shores. The road has two lanes but is mostly one way, making it very bicycling friendly. Be aware that automobiles can and do stop often to admire the scenery. Acadia is also dotted with hiking trails so be mindful that hikers can cross the Park Loop Road. A fee is required ($5.00 per bicyclist) and is at the gate entrance, about one-half mile north of Sand Beach at the entrance station. The Park Loop Road offers many challenging climbs, wonderful views and fast descents.
Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the North Atlantic coast and the point where one can first view the sunrise in the United States from October through March. For the bicyclist the road to the top is 3.5 miles of aggressive climbing. The last 1.5 miles to the Bluehill Overlook is very steep. On a warm day, the temperature is especially felt once the bicyclist climbs above the tree line. Use caution when climbing as the road must be shared with motor vehicles including tour buses and the “trolley.” The view from the top is breath-taking and well worth the strenuous effort! There is a small store at the top where you can enjoy a cold drink and even a popsicle. The descent is fast and the bicyclist must proceed with care.
These three unique aspects of Acadia National Park make it a great place to vacation, especially on a bicycle.
