The best traffic-free bike rides in Acadia National Park
4.9
(30)
915
riders
28
rides
Touring cycling in Acadia National Park offers a unique blend of accessible, car-free routes and dramatic coastal and mountainous landscapes. The park features a 45-mile network of historic Carriage Roads, providing a quiet experience through forests and past serene ponds. Beyond these, the rugged coastline and glacial formations like Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain shape the terrain. This region provides varied no traffic touring cycling routes for different skill levels.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Acadia National Park
…Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(4)
165
riders
51.6km
03:40
870m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
111
riders
33.5km
03:16
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
76
riders
21.5km
01:55
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
53
riders
9.69km
00:57
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
17
riders
7.96km
00:48
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures in Acadia National Park
Tips from the Community
Nice stone bridge that takes you over a small creek that juts out from Jordan Pond. The bridge is part of Carriage Trail, and like the road, it is well maintained.
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Eagle Lake is the largest glacial lake in Acadia National Park. The wide crushed gravel paths of the carriage roads circumnavigate the shoreline, with access points to the water and dramatic views of the mountains.
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At the end of the 19th century, Desert Island became a tourist attraction. The Green Mountain Cog Railway, a cog railway, was in operation from 1883 and took tourists to the summit of Green Mountain, today's Cadillac Mountain (from 1918), where they could enjoy the breathtaking view. The railway ran from Eagle Lake to the summit over a distance of around 1.8 km. When passenger numbers declined, the railway service was discontinued in 1891. In the following years, the railway line was completely dismantled. Today, only remnants of the route remain. The Buckboard Road was built in the late 19th century, leading up to the summit along the north ridge. However, the journey was only possible by horse-drawn carriage and tourists preferred to walk up the mountain. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/secrets-of-the-summit.htm The paved ‘Cadillac Mountain Road’ was completed between 1929 and 1932. The more than six kilometer long route is considered an exceptional example of construction work in mountainous terrain. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/motor-road-history.htm
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On a sunny day in early June, we passed Thunder Hole on a circular hike from Sand Beach, via The Beehive and Gorham Mountain to Otter Point along the Ocean Path. The sea was calm and there were no signs of the tide changing anytime soon. Since we didn't want to wait two hours, we missed the spectacle, the noise and the high waves on the sea cliff. https://www.nps.gov/places/thunder-hole.htm
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Acadia National Park?
There are over 30 dedicated touring cycling routes in Acadia National Park that offer a no-traffic experience, primarily utilizing the historic Carriage Roads. These routes range in difficulty from easy to difficult, ensuring options for all skill levels.
What are the best routes for beginners or families looking for easy, car-free cycling?
For an easy and family-friendly experience, consider routes like the Eagle Lake Loop, which is a scenic 9.6 km gravel path. Another excellent option is the Witch Hole Pond Loop, offering a gentle 7.9 km ride through serene woodlands. Both are part of the car-free Carriage Road network.
Are there any challenging no-traffic routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, experienced touring cyclists can find challenging no-traffic routes within Acadia National Park. The Around the Mountain Loop is a difficult 33.5 km route that utilizes the Carriage Roads, offering significant elevation changes and rewarding views.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic cycling routes?
The primary no-traffic routes, the Carriage Roads, feature a crushed-rock surface that is well-maintained and suitable for touring bikes. These paths wind through varied terrain, including gentle grades, rolling hills, and some steeper sections, often passing through forests, alongside lakes, and over elegant stone bridges.
What are the best times of year to cycle the car-free routes in Acadia National Park?
The best times to cycle the car-free routes are typically late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, and the park experiences fewer crowds than in peak summer. Fall offers stunning foliage, while spring brings blooming wildflowers.
What attractions or natural features can I see along the no-traffic cycling routes?
Many no-traffic routes offer access to Acadia's stunning natural beauty. You can cycle past serene lakes like Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and Bubble Pond. While not directly on the car-free paths, highlights like Cadillac Mountain — Summit and Overlook and Thunder Hole are accessible via other park roads or short detours. The Carriage Roads themselves feature historic stone bridges and picturesque views of the park's interior.
Are e-bikes permitted on the car-free Carriage Roads?
Yes, Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on Acadia National Park's historic Carriage Roads. This allows more visitors to enjoy the extensive car-free network, though all cyclists, including e-bike users, must yield to horses and pedestrians.
Is there public transport available to access the car-free cycling routes?
Yes, the fare-free Island Explorer shuttle service operates within Acadia National Park and is an excellent way to access various points, including the Carriage Roads. The shuttles are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to transport your bicycle to your desired starting point.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Acadia National Park?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Acadia National Park, with an average score of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled experience of the car-free Carriage Roads, highlighting the peaceful environment, the well-maintained surfaces, and the stunning natural scenery that allows for immersive exploration away from vehicle traffic.
Are there any cafes or amenities along the car-free Carriage Roads?
While the Carriage Roads themselves are primarily natural and car-free, you can find amenities at key points within the park. Jordan Pond House, for example, is a popular stop accessible from the Carriage Road network, offering refreshments and light meals. It's always a good idea to carry water and snacks, especially on longer rides.
Can I bring my dog on the no-traffic cycling routes?
Dogs are generally welcome on the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park, provided they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. This makes many of the no-traffic cycling routes a great option for cyclists who wish to bring their canine companions along for the adventure.
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