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Acadia's Carriage Roads - Coastal Maine by Bike, United States
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Coastal Maine by Bike

United States
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 1 review

7 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: CCM
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 7 Days
Activities
  • 7 days self-guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotels/inns
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Trip highlights

  • Sweeping vistas along Maine’s spectacular coastline
  • Explore historic towns such as Bar Harbor and the Jewel of the Coast
  • Indulge in Maine’s local specialties
  • Cycle Acadia National park on rustic carriage roads

Overview

Explore charming towns and beautiful coastal villages on this 7-day self-guided cycling adventure along the coast of Maine. Your journey features postcard scenery, from stunning bays and hidden coves to the unique Acadia National Park. The shoreline is dressed up with sixty-five lighthouses offering picturesque vistas and novel stories. Immerse yourself in the historic landmark that inspired Andrew Wyeth for its masterpiece, marvel at the exquisitely renovated Victorian opera house, spend time in the art galleries and enjoy the cultural vibe as you cycle into Belfast. A holiday on the coast wouldn’t be complete without sampling delicacies on the menu: lobster, smoked salmon, fresh blueberries and the local favourite whoopee pies, a mini chocolate cake sandwich in a cookie form.

Itinerary

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One of our staff meets you at our waterfront pick-up location in Portland and shuttles you north along the coast to your first inn. Once settled, you roll out on quiet coastal roads toward the working fishing village of Port Clyde, where lobster boats still set the rhythm of the day. From there, you continue to Marshall Point Light, standing at the edge of the Atlantic. You might recognize it from Forrest Gump, but in person, it’s unforgettable for entirely different reasons. The riding is relaxed, the scenery is stunning, and there’s no rush to be anywhere but right where you are. The afternoon is yours. Stretch out on the inn’s lawn with the ocean in view, or head out for a walk on the nearby Clark Island trails as the light softens and evening settles over the coast. • Elevation 1,200ft • Transfer: 1 hr. and 45 min.

Meals: Nil

You start the day tracing the edges of Spruce Head before turning east along a string of quiet roads that feel made for bikes. Today’s route carries you to Birch Point State Park, then on to Owls Head Lighthouse, standing watch over Penobscot Bay. It’s one of those places where most people stop talking without realizing it. Take your time here. You’ve earned it. From there, the ride leads you into Rockland, a lively harbor town known for art, boats, and good food. Spend the afternoon exploring the Farnsworth Museum, browsing galleries and shops, or simply sitting near the water, watching the harbor come and go. • Elevation Gain 1,230 ft

Meals: B

This morning begins on the water. An early ferry carries you across Rockland Harbor with wide views of the Camden Hills and the open bay ahead. When you step onto the island of Vinalhaven, things slow in the best possible way. Spend the day riding quiet island roads, wandering the small downtown, and getting a glimpse of what year-round island life looks like. There’s time to swim in an old granite quarry, explore the island’s back roads, visit the lighthouse on the northwest tip, or simply enjoy the feeling of being someplace most visitors never reach. You return to Rockland by ferry in the afternoon, with salt on your skin and a full day behind you. • Elevation Gain 1,300 ft

Meals: B

Today is about options, and that’s the beauty of self-guided travel. The ride from Rockland to Camden is short and scenic, just thirteen easy miles along the coast. Once there, you decide how the day unfolds. Ride farther into the hills for sweeping views, or skip the bike altogether and wander Camden’s harbor, shops, and cafés. Sailing and kayaking are also options if you’re feeling adventurous. Camden has a way of pulling people in. Enjoy your time in town, on your schedule and at your pace. • Elevation Gain 770 - 2,050 ft

Meals: B

This morning, one of our staff transfers you from Camden to Bar Harbor and the entrance to Acadia National Park. Then comes one of the greatest rides anywhere. Car-free, gently graded, and designed to be traveled slowly, Acadia’s Carriage Roads wind through pine and birch forests, cross graceful stone bridges, and explore the interior of Acadia National Park. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. so people could experience the park without the noise and air pollution of the newly popularized automobile, they still deliver exactly that. It’s peaceful, immersive riding, the kind that makes you forget how far you’ve gone until you stop. • Elevation Gain 1,470 ft

Meals: B

Today’s ride traces Acadia’s dramatic coastline along Park Loop Road, where the land drops sharply into the sea and the views keep pulling you toward the water. Before reaching Jordan Pond, you leave Park Loop Road for a steady climb up Day Mountain along the only Carriage Road with a mountaintop finish. From the summit, the Cranberry Islands spread out across the bay before you descend toward the heart of the park. Lunch at Jordan Pond House is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, refuel, and relax off the bike. The popovers are legendary, and after this morning’s ride, you’ve earned them. Return to Bar Harbor via the Carriage Roads, savoring more car-free miles and wooded scenery. • Elevation gain 1,120

Meals: B

Your final morning offers a choice because that’s what this week has been about all along. If you want a gentle goodbye, ride more Carriage Roads on the Witch Hole Loop, passing beaver dams, quiet ponds, and stretches of road that feel tucked away from everything else. If you’re craving one last challenge, ride from town to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, where the coast stretches out in every direction and the week comes full circle. However you choose to finish, you’ll leave knowing you didn’t rush this place. You lived it, at your pace and on your terms. • Elevation Gain 1,570 ft

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

22 scheduled departures between 30 May 2027 and 24 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 30 May 2027 – ends 5 Jun 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 6 Jun 2027 – ends 12 Jun 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 13 Jun 2027 – ends 19 Jun 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 20 Jun 2027 – ends 26 Jun 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 27 Jun 2027 – ends 3 Jul 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 4 Jul 2027 – ends 10 Jul 2027 (7 days)
  • … and 16 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with private ensuite facilities
  • All accommodation taxes and gratuities
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • Navigation App
  • Luggage transfers (2 pieces per person, not exceeding 20kg per piece)
  • Emergency hotline
  • Performance hybrid bicycle rental including panniers
  • Round trip ferry transfer from Bar Harbour to Winter Harbour

Not included

  • Travel to and from Portland
  • Meals where not specified
  • Unscheduled transfers requested during the trip
  • Entrance fees
  • Helmet (mandatory)
  • Guide

Reviews (1)

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Bikes were excellent. All the moves came off as expected and on time.

Gary Larsen|Salt Lake City
1 Sep 2021

Extra trip info

Will my trip run?

Will this trip run?

Self guided trips usually only require 2 people to operate. Book as two people and the date is confirmed. We also offer a price to operate it just for 1 person, pay that price & it is also confirmed to run.

How self guided dates work

Three things that are different from a group departure.

Two travellers is enough There is no group to fill and no minimum to reach. That is why these dates carry no status and no guarantee note — there is nothing to wait for.
Depart on the date you choose These are not fixed group departures. Pick the start date that suits you and, once your booking is confirmed, that is the date you travel.
Book further ahead Every night, transfer and permit is booked individually for you along the route. That takes longer to arrange than a place on a group departure.

Availability questions answered

Do you need a minimum number of people for this trip to run?

Two travellers is enough, and that is the total rather than two in addition to you. You are not joining a group departure and there is no minimum for the trip to reach, so if you book for two, the trip will run on your date.

The date I want isn't bookable online. Is the trip full?

Self guided trips close to online booking well before departure because every night, transfer and permit is arranged individually for you, and that takes time to put together. Ask us anyway, you never know - it might still be possible to organise something.

How far ahead do I need to book?

Further ahead than a guided trip, because each night and each transfer is arranged individually for you. Popular routes fill their accommodation well before the season starts, so the earlier you give us your dates the more of the route we can secure.

Can I travel on my own?

Yes, and solo travellers are a large share of the people who walk and ride these routes. Where a route carries a supplement for a single traveller it is shown with the price, because the arrangements cost the same whether one or two of you use them.

Will I get my money back if you cancel my trip?

Yes. If we cancel, because we cannot confirm arrangements for your date then we will fully refund. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere - flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - so wait until your dates are confirmed with you before booking flights. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

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