We have a large selection of 21-speed mountain and hybrid bikes in all sizes, plus a wide variety of accessories, including child seats, trailers and tagalongs. Our friendly staff will make sure you are fitted with the perfect bike for a great day on the carriage roads. We’ll also provide maps and advice on the best routes to take!
Mount Desert Island, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, provides some of the most beautiful bicycling routes anywhere in the United States. From gently rolling terrain bordering the rugged coastline to hard-cranking mountain slopes, there's a route for every biking enthusiast.
Most people choose the island's lovely carriage roads, which are closed to all motorized traffic. Upset by a decision to allow automobiles onto the island in the early part of the 20th century, John D. Rockefeller Jr. set out to build a 45-mile-long series of roads on which all cars would be banned. The resulting roads took years to complete, and they have recently undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishing. The hard-packed gravel surfaces are ideal for mountain biking, and at Acadia Bike we provide complimentary maps of the roads.
You can choose the gently sloping Eagle Lake or Jordan Pond trails; the rugged Around The Mountain loop, which will leave you gasping for breath; or any one of several others. Many people like to bike the famous Park Loop Road, a 21-mile-long paved section that includes several miles along Ocean Drive, where the crashing Atlantic meets the granite coast of Acadia. Because this road is heavily traveled by cars and recreational vehicles, we recommend that only experienced cyclists use it -- and then only with caution.
Our bike shop professionals, all of whom are avid riders themselves, can also recommend other off-island routes for you. They're always happy to talk mountain biking with our customers.
During the 2021 season, the park will be working on portions of the Eagle Lake loop of the carriage roads, and the Bicycle Express shuttle will not run this season. We want to make sure all our bikers have the best experience and know how to get to and navigate the carriage roads in a safe and enjoyable way. See below for a helpful Q&A to make your experience most successful!
Q: What should I expect?
A: The carriage roads will remain open throughout the season. Bikers can avoid the sections under repair, and we will provide maps and instructions on how to do that.
Q: How will I get to the carriage roads from Acadia Bike?
A: There are a few options for getting your family to the carriage roads from our shop.
Cycle directly from our shop to the closest carriage road access point at Duck Brook Bridge, which is what everyone did before the Bicycle Express was founded several years ago. This 1.6-mile route is the quickest way to get to the carriage roads. Detailed info and elevation changes are listed below.
—You’ll start at our shop and ride approximately ½ mile to West Street Extension, on level surface through town.
—For the next .4 mile there is a steady slope that averages 6.6% in grade. For people who aren’t experienced bikers, some like to ride a bit and then walk a bit. After that, the road levels out for the last .7 mile before arriving at Duck Brook Bridge.
—And on the way back to our shop, you’ll be smiling all the way; gravity will be your friend as the sloped section will be all downhill!
Rent one of our hitch-mount or clip-on bike racks at a discounted rate for the 2021 season. The clip-on racks, which attach to the back of sedans, mini-vans and SUVs, work on 90% of cars, and our staff members will attach them for you. There are several parking lots which provide direct access to the carriage road system (see our attached map with highlighted parking) though during the height of the season these lots sometimes are filled. We’ll advise you on that at the time of your rental.
Use the Island Explorer buses, which pick up at the Village Green near our shop. However, the Island Explorer’s bike racks carry only six bikes at a time and do not accommodate kids’ trailers, tandem bikes or tag-a-longs. Getting back to town from designated Island Explorer stops can be risky, especially if you are looking for a ride back from Jordan Pond House, as there may be bikes already on the Explorer.
Q: If there aren’t any available racks, can I just put the bikes in the back of my car, minivan or SUV? What about a pick-up truck?
A: With guidance from our staff, we allow bikes to be placed in the back of open pick-ups, but placing them in cars, vans and SUVs does not work well as they are often damaged in that manner.
Q: How will I know which portions of the carriage roads will be closed to cyclists and walkers?
A: We will keep this page updated with closure and re-routing info, so you’ll know which areas to avoid.
To help in your planning, check out the Carriage Road map HERE.
Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel or change the date of your bike reservation, please do so by noon the day prior to your rental to avoid being charged for the bikes and/or equipment. Call 800-526-8615 to speak with a customer service representative, as our booking system is not equipped to accept cancellations.
