Take a Bike and Also Where to Find Them
Cycling Mount Desert Island
There are a lot of opportunities for riding a bike on the carriage roads within Acadia National Park.
According to Acadia National Park, “To encourage safe, car-free experiences for cyclists on Acadia's historic carriage roads, the fare-free Island Explorer provides a van and bike trailer with regularly-scheduled routes on a seasonal basis between downtown Bar Harbor and the Eagle Lake Carriage Road Entrance on Route 233. Limitations apply. While tag-along bikes are allowed, tandem bikes, fat tire bikes, e-Bikes, and dogs are prohibited. Find current information and schedules posted online at Bicycle Express.”
CARRIAGE ROADS IN ACADIA
Carriage roads wind and meander throughout the national park. They have crushed rock surfaces and sign posts. Many are hilly.
According to the park:
“Cyclists share the carriage roads with horses and pedestrians. Everyone yields to horses and bicyclists yield to everyone.
“Class 1 E-bikes are permitted on carriage roads. Class 2 and 3 are not allowed.
“No bicycle may exceed 20 mph on the carriage roads.
“Bicycling is not permitted on hiking trails or on privately owned carriage roads.
“In the spring, carriage roads often close to all traffic during mud season, typically March and April. Please respect all posted signs and notices. To stay updated on temporary closures, visit http://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAlerts.”
CARRIAGE ROAD MAP
You can download a carriage road map here.
PARK LOOP ROAD AND CADILLAC SUMMIT ROAD
These are not carriage roads, but real roads and have real traffic and some lovely views. There is no shoulder or bike lane on the roads. Bicyclists can ride on them just like other roads. However, it can be congested at peak times in peak seasons.
You will need a park entrance pass to cycle on park roads.
When you come to the Sand Beach Entrance Station on the Park Loop Road, you can’t just ride through, but must queue.
The Park Loop Road is 27 miles long. It’s beautiful.
The Summit Road is challenging on the body and when it comes to not being too close to other cars as well. It brings you to the top of Cadillac Mountain. It is also really beautiful along the way.
Western Mountain Roads (Seal Cove Road, Western Mountain Road, and Lurvey Spring Road)
Bikes can go on all the Western Mountain Roads listed above.
Be wary of ruts or potential deadfall.
WHERE TO RENT A BIKE
Acadia Bike Rentals
Acadia Bike features the largest bicycle rental fleet in New England, so you're sure to get the bike you want. Enjoy Acadia's natural wonders as you pedal the car-free carriage roads or Park Loop Road.
Acadia Ebike Adventure
Acadia Outdoor Center
18 Main St Seal Harbor
(207) 801-9343
Acadia Stand Up Paddle Board
113 Main St Bar Harbor
(207) 610-2970
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop
141 Cottage St Bar Harbor
(207) 288-3886
Island Bike Rental
102 Main St, Northeast Harbor
(207) 266-9211
Island Time Ebike Rentals & Tours
Ebike rentals & Tours in both Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor.
16 Village Green Way, Southwest Harbor
Maine State Sea Kayak
(207) 244-9500
254 Main St Southwest Harbor
Schoodic Bike
Book online and then it’s delivered to you at Schoodic Woods Visitor Center, 54 Farview Dr, Winter Harbor
Southwest Cycle
370 Main St Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
(207) 244-5856