Interested in Acadia biking trails? Bicycling in Acadia is a wonderful experience... and you can get the scoop on Acadia National Park bike trails here.
Jordan Pond Carriage Trail Photo credit: abkfenris/Flickr
Although hiking is our favorite Acadia sport, we've always enjoyed biking there too. Acadia is rather unique in that it offers a dedicated system of winding "trails" through the heart of the park that are perfect for bicycling.
I'm talking about the historic carriage trail system, conceived and built by John D. Rockefeller... in response to cars being allowed on the island. He designed a separate system of hard-packed, gravel covered roads that no motorized vehicles would ever be allowed to travel.
Of course, you can do Acadia biking on the real island roads too, if you wish, though I don't necessarily recommend it... especially with children or inexperienced riders, because you will be battling heavy traffic if you go during high season. Still, it is possible to do bicycling in Acadia on the Park Loop Road or—for thrill seekers—a mad dash down the Cadillac Mountain road at sunset!
There are all levels of riding available on the Acadia National Park bike trails... from mostly flat or gently rolling rambles around the lakes and ponds... to strenuous climbs and exhilarating descents.
And you can ride as far or as short as you wish as well. The intersecting carriage trail system provides total flexibility.
Good bikes that you are comfortable riding are important. And always wear a bike helmet to prevent serious injury, adults included.
Getting Started with Acadia Biking Trails
If you follow these steps in planning your Acadia biking trip, you are sure to have a successful and fun time bicycling in Acadia!
Make sure you have the right equipment. You can bicycle on flat carriage roads on pretty much any decent bike, but be warned... Many of the carriage roads are hilly, so you'll have a much better time if you have a bike with adjustable gears that can help you go up hills without getting off and walking. That's where the $50 bike from KMart may falter!
One way to make sure you have a bike that can handle the Acadia biking trails is to rent one from one of the local outfitters. For a few bucks, you can rent a quality bike! Here are a few outfitters that rent bikes in the area:
Acadia Bike – 48 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, 207.288.9605
Southwest Cycle – 370 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, Maine, 207.244.5856
Plan your route... at least roughly. It's a good idea to plot out your route before you start those wheels spinning. It's easy to get lost in Acadia if you don't have your trip carefully planned. You'll find your way "home" eventually, but it might take a lot of miles! Learn about the Acadia carriage trails system. Or, you might prefer the Park Loop Road or Cadillac Sunset Sprint.
You can also jumpstart your route planning by choosing one of our favorite Acadia biking trails. Read about some trails we've tried and the pros and cons of each. You'll also find other visitors' recommendations on bike routes there.
Make sure you have a bike that works and be sure to use safety gear, especially a bike helmet. This might seem obvious, but it's essential to have a bike that's in good repair and equipped for the kind of ride you want to do. Be sure to check tires and brakes before you go.
Make sure you have a spare tube too; you never know when you might get a flat tire. Wear a helmet and have your kids wear one too; it's the best thing you can do to protect yourself. It's also a good idea to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants, because the gravel surface of the road can be brutal in a fall.
Gear up for fun! On the day of your Acadia biking trip, make sure you have the gear and supplies with you that you need to ensure a fun time is had by all. Check out our bike trip checklist here.
We highly recommend you experience Acadia biking at least once during your trip... it gives you a different perspective than you'll get from the car or from a hiking trail, and is not to be missed.
There are all levels of riding available on the Acadia National Park bike trails... from mostly flat or gently rolling rambles around the lakes and ponds... to strenuous climbs and exhilarating descents. 
