The Bar Harbor area of Maine is famous for its dynamic rocky coastline, evergreen forests, open meadows, fresh seafood, blueberry pie, galleries and great cycling. Bike with us in and around Acadia National Park and enjoy this feast for the senses.
Start - End: Bar Harbor - Bar Harbor
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Gallery
Dynamic rocky coastline, evergreen forests and open meadows, fresh seafood, galleries, seals, ducks, geese and jabbering seagulls — these are the images of a Maine that does exist, and our tour, based on beautiful Mount Desert Island, takes you there.
For a change of pace from cycling, experience a morning of professionally guided kayaking along quiet inlets followed by an afternoon on an easy yet rewarding hike with views out to the Cranberry Islands. Don’t be shy at the dinner table! Local specialties, including a “Down East” lobster feast, are waiting for you.
Take full advantage of your visit to enjoy “downtown” Bar Harbor with its multitude of stores, craft shops, museums and galleries. Don't miss this chance to explore classic Maine scenery by bike and stay at this iconic inn.
Surfaces for this tour: 79% Paved and 21% Gravel.
See map below for the route you'll take of Maine's iconic coastal trails.
Many plan to arrive early to fully enjoy the spectacular inn or to stretch your legs with a stroll around Bar Harbor. Join us at 1 p.m. for a bike fitting and safety meeting followed by an optional warmup ride. Dinner is at approximately 6 p.m.
Biking: 9.4 miles (15.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 544 feet (166 meters) ascent, 540 feet (165 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier
After a lovely New England breakfast, you transit 20 minutes to start your cycling in the village of Seal Cove on the “quiet side” of Acadia National Park. Our cycling winds through the towns of Bernard and Tremont before turning up through Bass Harbor with a stop at the iconic Bass Harbor Lighthouse, one of the most photographed locales in the state. You continue on through the park’s “Wonderland” primitive area, with an option to enjoy a short walk overlooking intimate Ship Harbor. Enjoy lunch at the dynamic Seawall Picnic Area before proceeding into the bustling little town of Southwest Harbor.
Spend your afternoon roaming the shops, cafes and galleries of this charming town and, afterward, you are treated to a truly unique Maine repast at the local fishing pier — an authentic boiled lobster dinner with all the trimmings. Transit back by early evening, giving you plenty of time to relax at the inn or continue to explore the many streets and shops of Mount Desert Island’s largest town.
Biking: 19.4 miles (31.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 998 feet (304 meters) ascent, 1,028 feet (313 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier
Today’s ride is a great introduction to some of the beautiful carriage roads of Acadia National Park. The construction of the 57 miles of Carriage Roads was financed and directed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940 and they are restricted to use by bikers, hikers, horseback riders and, of course, carriages. You get to appreciate the care that was taken to leave the land as intact as possible … and the overall result of a beautiful network of roads leading you through unbelievably gorgeous scenery. Stop and admire each of the bridges you cross — they are famous for their beauty, engineering and use of natural materials.
Begin with a ride along Sargent’s Drive — surely one of the greatest oceanside cycling routes imaginable. Then spin into the village of Northeast Harbor, passing some magnificent shingled “cottages” owned by folks who have clearly made their fortunes. The harbor area of Northeast Harbor has an interesting variety of commercial fishing boats, private yachts and sightseeing excursion boats, and the village itself has interesting stores, a great number of galleries (and a good bike shop!). As you leave Northeast Harbor, you can stop and explore the paths leading through the lovely Asticou Azalea Gardens. From there, continue your exploration of the Acadia National Park Carriage Trail system with a stop at the Jordan Pond House — renowned for serving popovers at this site since 1893. A wonderful optional ride takes you to the lookout on Day Mountain, where you can see much of Mount Desert as well as experience a great view over the water to the Cranberry Isles.
Biking: 18.5 miles (29.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,105 feet (337 meters) ascent, 1,116 feet (304 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier
This morning, enjoy a memorable sea kayaking adventure along the shores of Mount Desert Island. Led by expert guides, you’ll paddle along Acadia’s rugged coastline, taking in the natural beauty of the park from a unique on-the-water perspective. Your guides will provide instruction and insight throughout, making this an engaging experience for both beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
This afternoon, head inland for a short hike up South Bubble, one of Acadia’s most iconic viewpoints. The trail climbs steadily through forest before opening onto smooth granite ledges with sweeping views over Jordan Pond. Along the way, you’ll encounter the famous Bubble Rock, a massive glacial boulder perched dramatically near the summit. It’s a relatively short hike with a big scenic payoff- perfect after a morning on the water.
You are on your own for dinner this evening. Enjoy a stroll along the “Shore Path,” or, if tides permit, walk across the sand bar to Bar Island. For nightlife, take in as much or as little as you like - many shops and galleries stay open late, and live music can often be found at local outdoor restaurants.
Hiking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), 1-1.5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet (91 meters) ascent/descent
Experience what must surely be one of the most scenic rides anywhere … the Loop Road of Acadia National Park. The mileage is modest today since we know you will want to linger and enjoy the fabulous views at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point etc…. And then wend your way back along the carriage roads and follow the Eagle Lake carriage road system as it leads past Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake. This afternoon, there's an option to cycle to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Your final celebration dinner is with the group.
Biking: 30.6 miles (49.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,487 feet (758 meters) ascent, 2,485 feet (757 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier
Our last day includes shorter rides to allow for guests’ travel plans. Perhaps start the day with a sunrise ride up Cadillac Mountain? Or sleep in … it’s your vacation! After-breakfast options include the Duck Brook carriage roads. Basic mileage is 10 or 16. Additional miles are available. Lunch is on your own with one complimentary shuttle to Bangor Airport leaving at 2 p.m.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 9.8 miles (15.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 619 feet (189 meters) ascent, 617 feet (188 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier
Inns
West Street Hotel
Stay in chicly appointed accommodations that marry classic northeast aesthetics, resort-style perks, and residential comforts. You’ll have plenty of space — complete with thoughtful amenities to make yourself at home. Discover your own idyllic waterfront retreat at West Street Hotel.
We know you might have a few questions before you book. Our Frequently Asked Questions cover useful information to help you feel ready for the ride.
On the first morning of the tour please meet at the West Street Hotel at 1pm. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Mount Desert Island, though you must make your own way to either of the pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Your tour ends with a drop-off at either the West Street Hotel at 1pm, or the Bangor International Airport at 3:30pm in time for flights below.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Bangor before 9am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour , we recommend departing from Bangor International Airport after 5:30pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
If you plan to drive to the tour’s pick-up location, please ensure you arrange parking for the duration of your tour. If the pick-up point is a hotel, we recommend contacting them directly to inquire about parking availability. Keep in mind some hotels do not permit non-guests to park on-site, so you may need to find alternative parking options.
With its perfect waterfront location, West Street Hotel in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, embodies luxury in a tranquil nautical setting with spacious rooms complete with Lexington Tommy Bahama Mahogany furnishings, reflecting the hotel’s relaxed, coastal setting.
Limited time offer: Book with flexible dates and save 10% on your trip. Use code: FLEX10 Learn more
