Maine: Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

Make your own independent arrangements for travel to Bar Harbor. If you’re flying to Maine, Bangor International Airport is the closest airport. For suggestions on traveling to Bar Harbor, please refer to your VBT Vacation Preparation Handbook.

As you begin biking Acadia National Park, you’ll meet your Local host and any other VBT guests arriving on the same day in the lobby of the Bar Harbor Inn in the lovely seaport town of Bar Harbor. At 1:00 p.m., join your VBT Local host for a Welcome Orientation and head out on a ride.

Today's Ride Choices

Bar Harbor to Schooner Head — 8.3 miles

What to Expect:

Ride to Schooner Head Scenic Overlook along paved roads and enjoy the lovely ocean views before returning the way you came.

Today’s route biking Acadia National Park passes Compass Harbor, site of George Dorr’s Old Farm ruins. If you wish, a short hike (one-mile roundtrip) takes you to Dorr Point with views of Compass Harbor and the Porcupine Islands. Continue on the Park Loop to Sand Beach, where you can relax on the shore. After the Fabbri Memorial Picnic Area, you may cycle back to Bar Harbor or, for additional miles, continue on the Park Loop Road past Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. If you’re feeling strong and want to bike to the summit, the road is a steady ascent of 1,000 feet in 3.5 miles but the view from the top is worth the effort. Be forewarned that unless you go early in the morning, the road may be busy with cars.

Tonight you’ll find several delightful options for dinner in Bar Harbor.

Today's Ride Choices

Park Loop Road to Sand Beach short option — 14.4 miles

Park Loop Road base of Cadillac Mountain long option — 22.6 miles | Long option with out-and-back ascent of Cadillac Mountain Road — 29.6 miles

What to Expect:

Short option:
Today features a nice ride along the Park Loop Road to Sand Beach where you can spend time on the sand or hike along the cliffs. You’ll return to your cycling route on Park Loop Road and visit Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Fabbri Memorial.

The long option:
This longer ride continues past the Fabbri Memorial Picnic Area on the Park Loop Road passing Bubble Rock and the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road, back to Bar Harbor.

Long option plus Cadillac Mountain Ascent:
If you love to climb, at mile 18.1, you can add a seven-mile roundtrip pedal up and back down Cadillac Mountain Road for an elevation gain of 1,000 feet and spectacular views.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today’s route biking Acadia National Park has you depart the Bar Harbor Inn skirting the edge of town and at 3.4 miles, you’ll merge with the carriage roads of Acadia National Park joining a loop around Eagle Lake that brings you back along the carriage roads and past Breakneck Ponds and back to Bar Harbor.

This afternoon, you may choose among several activities (at your own expense) including sea kayaking in Frenchman Bay or a sunset cruise on the schooner Margaret Todd. You may also decide to spend time browsing Bar Harbor’s charming gift shops and boutiques.

Today's Ride Choices

Carriage Roads to Eagle Lake — 15.9 miles

What to Expect:

Depart the Bar Harbor Inn skirting the edge of town and at 3.4 miles, you’ll merge with the carriage roads of Acadia National Park joining a loop around Eagle Lake that brings you back along the carriage roads and past Breakneck Ponds and back to Bar Harbor.

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you can  ride the carriage roads one last time for a ride around Witch Hole Pond from your hotel in Bar Harbor.

Today's Ride Choices

Witch Hole Pond Loop — 8.7 miles

What to Expect:

In Ride with GPS Experience, select “D2 Witch Hole Pond Loop.” Depart the Bar Harbor Inn skirting the edge of town and joining the Carriage Roads at the Duck Brook Carriage Road trailhead. A counterclockwise loop provides views of Witch Hole Pond and surrounding wetlands with an option to stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center before returning to Bar Harbor.

Included Meals: Breakfast