The best cycling routes in Maine

The Tri Lakes Loop offers a moderate touring bicycle ride through Acadia National Park, covering 20.5 miles (33.0 km) with 1282 feet (391 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to spend around 2 hours and 56 minutes exploring this route. As you cycle, you will pass Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and Bubble Pond, enjoying views across the water. The path winds through cool forests and over charming stone bridges, providing glimpses of the iconic Bubbles mountains across Jordan Pond.

This route largely follows Acadia's historic Carriage Roads, which are free of motor traffic, making for a peaceful cycling experience. You won't need any special permits for this journey. Parking is usually available at various entry points within Acadia National Park, so you can choose a convenient starting spot. Plan your visit to enjoy the car-free paths and the natural beauty of the park.

The historic Carriage Roads themselves are a key feature of this loop, offering a unique way to explore the park without vehicle interference. These dedicated paths were designed to blend with the landscape, providing a smooth and scenic ride. This makes the Tri Lakes Loop a notable option for experiencing Acadia's natural and historical charm on two wheels.

Embark on the Cadillac Mountain & Otter Cliffs loop, a challenging touring bicycle ride that spans 32.1 miles (51.6 km). You will experience diverse scenery, from lush pine forests to rugged coastlines, as you cycle along the paved Park Loop Road. The route features a significant mountain ascent, gaining 2859 feet (872 metres), culminating in panoramic views from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. This difficult ride, estimated to take 3 hours and 39 minutes, also passes dramatic landmarks like Otter Cliffs, offering classic ocean vistas.

This route demands very good fitness, particularly for the steep grades on the ascent to Cadillac Mountain. The Park Loop Road can be congested, winding, and narrow in some sections, with no shoulder, so cycling during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm is generally not advised. You should be prepared for varying road conditions, including sections of historic crushed rock Carriage Roads. Plan your start time carefully to avoid crowds and ensure a safer experience.

This loop offers a unique combination of Acadia National Park's natural beauty, blending coastal views with a substantial mountain climb. The route provides an excellent opportunity to see iconic park features like Thunder Hole and the dramatic Otter Cliffs. Reaching the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and Bar Harbor, making it a truly memorable touring bicycle experience.

Embark on the Around the Mountain Loop for a difficult touring cycling adventure spanning 20.8 miles (33.5 km) with a significant 1847 feet (563 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route will take you about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, offering varied landscapes as you pedal. You will experience panoramic views of Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, with the distinct Bubbles mountains always in sight as you encircle peaks like Sargent and Penobscot Mountain. Expect a rewarding ride with consistent climbs and descents.

Before you head out, remember that this loop is part of Acadia's historic carriage road system, featuring well-maintained, hard-packed gravel surfaces. Be prepared for steep sections, especially on the northwestern side of the route. Always check local park conditions before your visit, as weather can impact the trail, ensuring you have the best possible touring cycling experience. Planning your start time to avoid peak crowds can also enhance your ride.

The Around the Mountain Loop is notable for its integration into Acadia's unique infrastructure, allowing you to cross several historic stone arch bridges, including the picturesque Waterfall Bridge. This route provides a deep dive into the park's natural beauty and history, showcasing its distinct geological features and lush wilderness. It stands out as a premier touring cycling option for those seeking an immersive and physically demanding journey through the heart of Acadia.

Embark on the Tri Lakes Loop, a moderate touring bicycle route that guides you through Acadia National Park's unique carriage road system. You will cycle on well-maintained fine gravel paths, experiencing a mix of varied terrain and beautiful scenery. The route spans 13.4 miles (21.5 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 733 feet (223 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 54 minutes. As you pedal, you will pass by the serene waters of Eagle Lake, Bubble Pond, and Jordan Pond, enjoying picturesque lake views and the refreshing shade of cool forests. Look out for the distinctive stone-faced bridges, such as the one near Jordan Pond Dam, which are iconic features of these historic roads.

This touring bicycle route is part of Acadia National Park's extensive motor-free carriage road network, providing a peaceful cycling experience without vehicle traffic. Since amenities are limited along the way, remember to bring your own water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized. The intersections are clearly marked, making navigation simple and allowing you to focus on the ride. Consider starting your journey early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people on the paths.

The carriage roads themselves are a testament to early 20th-century conservation efforts, funded and designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. They were specifically built to allow visitors to enjoy the park's natural beauty by horse and carriage, and now by bicycle, away from motor vehicles. This network of roads offers a unique perspective on Acadia's diverse landscapes, from its dense woodlands to its tranquil lakeshores. The Tri Lakes Loop is an excellent way to immerse yourself in this historical and natural setting.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle journey along the Cape Elizabeth loop, a route that spans 24.4 miles (39.3 km) and includes 684 feet (209 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this ride in about 2 hours and 19 minutes. As you cycle, you'll experience diverse coastal scenery, passing by the historic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, Maine's oldest lighthouse. The route also guides you through classic sandy stretches of Crescent Beach State Park and Scarborough Beach State Park. Beyond the beaches, you'll pedal through the peaceful farmlands of Cape Elizabeth, offering a pleasant change of scenery. This ride is mostly on paved roads, making for a smooth experience.

To best enjoy the Cape Elizabeth loop, consider that the route is primarily paved, making it ideal for road or hybrid bicycles. While much of the ride takes place on quiet roads with respectful drivers, be aware that there are very small sections of unpaved surfaces. This moderate route is generally manageable for most skill levels, so you can plan your visit without needing advanced cycling experience. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially during peak tourist seasons.

This touring bicycle route stands out for its unique blend of coastal beauty and rural charm, showcasing the varied landscapes of Cape Elizabeth. You will encounter not just the iconic lighthouses and sandy beaches, but also the agricultural heartland of the region. The trail offers a comprehensive look at the area's natural and historical landmarks, providing a rich experience that goes beyond a typical beach ride. It's a great way to explore the Maine coastline and its inland areas in one continuous loop.

Embark on the Eagle Lake Loop, an easy touring cycling route that takes you 6.0 miles (9.7 km) around the crystal waters of Eagle Lake. You'll gain 361 feet (110 metres) over an estimated 57 minutes, cycling on a primarily gravel path that is part of Acadia's historic carriage road system. Enjoy the shaded sections and the gorgeous alpine forests surrounding the lake, with many opportunities to get close to the water's edge. The route offers continuous views of the lake as you complete the full circuit, making for a consistently scenic ride. You will find the terrain smooth and well-maintained, suitable for all skill levels.

Accessing the Eagle Lake Loop is straightforward, with parking areas available on the northern side of Eagle Lake. Look for the carriage road parking lot conveniently located on Route 233. While excellent for touring cycling, remember that the path is also popular with walkers and runners. Be mindful of other users as you navigate the route, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. This easy accessibility makes it a great choice for a spontaneous outing.

The Eagle Lake Loop is a prime example of Acadia National Park's historic carriage road system, a network of gravel paths originally built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. These roads were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering gentle grades and scenic vistas. Circling the entirety of Eagle Lake, the route provides a unique perspective of this prominent natural feature. It stands out as a well-preserved piece of history, allowing you to experience the park as it was intended decades ago.

Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure with the Scarborough Beach State Park loop via South Portland Greenbelt, a route spanning 23.7 miles (38.1 km) with 452 feet (138 metres) of elevation gain. This journey typically takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete, guiding you through a varied landscape of paved paths and crushed stone sections. You'll experience the refreshing coastal air, winding through wetlands and woods before arriving at the inviting sandy shores of Scarborough Beach State Park.

When planning your ride, be aware of a specific 4-mile on-road section between Scarborough and South Portland; it can be quite busy with vehicle traffic and features narrow stretches, so exercise caution. You will find convenient bike racks available at Scarborough Beach State Park for your use. Consider the time of year you choose to visit, as conditions can vary, ensuring you pick the optimal season for your touring cycling experience.

This route offers more than just a ride; it provides expansive views of Portland Harbor from Bug Light Park, a significant landmark along the South Portland Greenbelt. You'll also traverse the vast 2200-acre Scarborough Marsh, recognized as Maine's largest salt marsh, which presents excellent opportunities for birdwatching as you cycle through its unique ecosystem.

The Schoodic Peninsula loop offers a distinct touring bicycle experience with continuous ocean vistas and rugged cliffs. As you pedal, you will see striking granite shorelines and pristine forests. The route is a moderate 14.1 miles (22.7 km) long, with an elevation gain of 555 feet (169 metres), and typically takes about 1 hours and 24 minutes to complete. You can expect to see waves crashing against the rocky coast at Schoodic Point, a memorable visual landmark along the way. This loop provides a refreshing coastal atmosphere.

Planning your touring bicycle trip on the Schoodic Peninsula is straightforward. This area is known for being less crowded than other parts of Acadia National Park, offering a quieter ride. A significant portion of the loop road is one-way, which helps improve safety for cyclists. You can also use the free Island Explorer shuttle bus, which accommodates bicycles, to extend your ride or return to your starting point. Consider visiting during off-peak times for an even more serene experience.

This loop stands out for its unique position within Acadia National Park, providing a different perspective of the region's natural beauty. On clear days, you might even spot Cadillac Mountain across the water, adding to the dramatic coastal scenery. The peninsula's geology features impressive granite formations shaped by the ocean, creating a rugged and captivating landscape. It's a great option if you are looking for a coastal ride away from the main park crowds.

Embark on an easy touring cycling adventure along the Eastern Trail, a pleasant route covering 14.2 miles (22.8 km). You'll experience a gentle elevation gain of just 186 feet (57 metres), making it accessible for most riders. This journey, estimated to take about 1 hour and 37 minutes, guides you through diverse coastal Maine landscapes. As you pedal, you'll pass historical landmarks and enjoy scenic views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay. The trail also winds through unique forest sections, offering a varied and enjoyable experience.

When preparing for your ride, be aware that the Eastern Trail features a mix of both off-road and on-road sections. Approximately 30% of the route is off-road, typically on hard-packed gravel or stone dust surfaces. For these segments, you will find hybrid or mountain bikes most suitable, though touring road bikes with tires of 28mm or wider are also recommended. While the trail is generally well-maintained, you should be prepared for some sections that might present rougher surfaces or areas with large loose gravel.

A significant highlight of the Eastern Trail is the vast Scarborough Marsh, which stands as Maine's largest saltwater wetland. This ecologically rich area is located within the Scarborough Marsh Wildlife Management Area. As you cycle through this section, you will often have the opportunity to spot various marine birds. The trail's blend of coastal views, historical points, and unique natural environments like the marsh makes it a notable route in the region.