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Acadia Carriage Roads Mountain Bike Trail
Bar Harbor, Maine
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
5 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 8/12/08 by Fitch |
Difficulty:  Beginner |
| Length: 45 miles | Global Rank: #2190 |
| Tread: Fire Road | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 20 | Wishlist: 6 |
| Avg. Speed: 8.75 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 37min |
Directions:
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Description: OK, I gave this an aerobic difficulty of 8 because I hadn't done any biking in the two or three weeks before attempting this, so maybe someone in a little more shape would find this to be a six or seven. Not very technical as these are all car-free carriage roads built by John Rockefeller, Jr, but depending on the trails you take, you may have to face some 700-1000+ ft climbs on gravel roads. The views, especially in the fall with the color changes, are SPECTACULAR once you reach the peaks of the climbs. Coming down is a LOT more fun, though be careful in the gravel - very easy to slide out of control. Trails are also used by hikers and equestrians, so please follow IMBA trail rules. Overall, I rate this network a 10. Great to ride, great views, great history, great photo ops. Great place for a rigid, or even for singlespeeders after some pain. Also, great chances for some hiking - bikes are not allowed on any of the hiking trails, and there is no single track riding available on the Island (Acadia National Park). Also, some of the carriage roads are private, and are marked as such - please respect the markings and do not trespass. All of the trail intersections are very clearly marked, though I would highly suggest purchasing a local map/guide book of the trails, which offer information such as points of interest, trail length, difficulty, etc. These also enable you to find your way back to your car, and you can create your own 'loops'. Again, there is some serious climbing to be done. Roadies can also climb Cadillac Mountain in the park - the road up is open from one hour before sunrise until midnight, and due to the tourist traffic on the narrow roads, park rangers suggest that you attempt this in the earlier hours. Cadillac Mountain is 1532 feet high, and is the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coastline. Please note that not all of the park roads are open to cyclists.
added on October 13, 2003 by guest
Description: OK, I gave this an aerobic difficulty of 8 because I hadn't done any biking in the two or three weeks before attempting this, so maybe someone in a little more shape would find this to be a six or seven. Not very technical as these are all car-free carriage roads built by John Rockefeller, Jr, but depending on the trails you take, you may have to face some 700-1000+ ft climbs on gravel roads. The views, especially in the fall with the color changes, are SPECTACULAR once you reach the peaks of the climbs. Coming down is a LOT more fun, though be careful in the gravel - very easy to slide out of control. Trails are also used by hikers and equestrians, so please follow IMBA trail rules. Overall, I rate this network a 10. Great to ride, great views, great history, great photo ops. Great place for a rigid, or even for singlespeeders after some pain. Also, great chances for some hiking - bikes are not allowed on any of the hiking trails, and there is no single track riding available on the Island (Acadia National Park). Also, some of the carriage roads are private, and are marked as such - please respect the markings and do not trespass. All of the trail intersections are very clearly marked, though I would highly suggest purchasing a local map/guide book of the trails, which offer information such as points of interest, trail length, difficulty, etc. These also enable you to find your way back to your car, and you can create your own 'loops'. Again, there is some serious climbing to be done. Roadies can also climb Cadillac Mountain in the park - the road up is open from one hour before sunrise until midnight, and due to the tourist traffic on the narrow roads, park rangers suggest that you attempt this in the earlier hours. Cadillac Mountain is 1532 feet high, and is the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coastline. Please note that not all of the park roads are open to cyclists.
added on October 13, 2003 by guest 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by 8valvegrowl on August 10, 2011
Nice easy gravel carriage roads, great for a lazy pedal around the park.
Similar Trail: Any doubletrack/carriage road, but these have great views.
reviewed by maineskiaddict on March 9, 2011
I agree with several previous comments. Not much singletrack to be had. (however you can find a little) More wide open double track/ carriage trails. The scenery is top notch and there are several miles of riding to be had. Great to do with the significant other. Careful though as there are some pretty long steep climbs on gravel. As an aside, stop at the Jordan Pond house for a quick snack of popovers and fresh berry jam. Absolutely ridiculous.
reviewed by maddslacker on December 22, 2010
These trails are scenic, but they are all roads, not singletrack. Picture horse-drawn carriage roads and you'll have it about right.
reviewed by Fitch on August 12, 2008
Acadia is simply one of the most gorgeous places on Earth. The entire park, which is quite huge, has all different types of fire roads, trails, and carriage roads networking all over it. It's not the most off-road friendly place, but a good hybrid will bring you hours and days worth of excellent sights and great times.
