Tri Lakes Loop

The Tri Lakes Loop primarily features well-maintained gravel roads with a hardpacked earth base. You'll ride through shaded paths, cool forests, and enjoy amazing views of the park's landscape and lakes, including Eagle Lake, Bubble Pond, and Jordan Pond. The route also includes stream crossings and numerous historic stone bridges.

This route is generally suitable for beginner to intermediate gravel bikers. While the eastern side is relatively flatter, the western side includes a 'high point' and other fairly hilly sections that require effort. These inclines are often followed by enjoyable downhill stretches. For families with younger children, the hilly sections might be particularly challenging.

The loop offers stunning views of Eagle Lake, Bubble Pond, and Jordan Pond. You'll also traverse historic carriage roads, including the Eagle Lake Carriage Road, Around-Mountain Carriage Road (Gravel) by Jordan Pond, and Carriage Road past Bubble Pond (gravel). Keep an eye out for the many historic stone bridges, such as the Eagle Lake Bridge and Jordan Pond Dam Bridge.

The 17.9 km (11.1 mi) loop can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level. The average duration for this route is around 1 hour 48 minutes.

The carriage roads are generally open for biking from spring through late autumn. Spring offers lush greenery, while autumn provides spectacular fall foliage. Summer is also popular, but can be busier. Winter conditions can make the trail challenging or impassable due to snow and ice.

Specific parking information for the Tri Lakes Loop trailhead is best found on the official Acadia National Park website. It's advisable to check their site for current parking regulations and availability, especially during peak seasons.

Dogs are generally allowed on the carriage roads in Acadia National Park, including the Tri Lakes Loop, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Always remember to pack out any waste.

While there isn't a specific permit for the Tri Lakes Loop itself, you will need to pay the entrance fee for Acadia National Park. This fee grants access to the park's facilities and trails. You can find detailed information on fees and passes at nps.gov.

The carriage roads are generally well-marked with numbered intersection signposts, which aids navigation. However, due to potential spotty GPS service within the park, carrying a physical map or having an offline digital map is highly recommended to ensure you stay on track.

The Tri Lakes Loop is part of Acadia National Park's historic 45-mile network of carriage roads. These roads were originally constructed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to allow travel through the island without motor vehicles, providing a unique, car-free biking experience through the park's beautiful landscape.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Tri Lakes Loop (100%) but also includes sections of the Jordan Pond Loop (64%) and the Eagle Lake Loop (40%). You'll also briefly encounter parts of the Around the Mountain Loop (21%) and various segments of the Carriage Road system.