Arrive in Bar Harbor, Maine and hike Acadia Mountain
This trip begins in Bangor, Maine. We meet our cycling companions in the morning at our host hotel in Bangor and transfer to Bar Harbor. After introductions and a picnic lunch, we will do our initial exploration of Acadia National Park on foot. We hike the Acadia Mountain Trail through the forest and along beautiful granite formations to reach the summit of Acadia Mountain. Here we enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, islands and mountains. We wrap up our day with dinner in lively Bar Harbor. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 3 miles, elevation gain/loss: 700’. Transfer: 1.5 hours.
Cycle Acadia’s Carriage Roads in the heart of Mount Desert Island
We cycle out the front door of our lodging into the park to begin our cycling adventure for the day. The Carriage Roads offer superb car-free cycling through the interior of Acadia National Park. Arched stone bridges and crushed stone trails make up the roads, built and gifted in the 1900s by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family. The historic road system offers 45 miles of quiet, motor-free access for horses, pedestrians and bikes. We pedal through old-growth forests, over stone bridges, past numerous ponds and Eagle Lake. We stop at Jordan Pond, one of the park’s most pristine lakes surrounded by towering granite mountains. After dinner we have time to explore the lively streets of Bar Harbor, its shops and galleries, before walking back to our lodging. All meals included.
Cycling: 12-30 miles on crushed stone roads, elevation gain/loss: 1000’-1,800’.
Take a ferry to Winter Harbor and cycle the Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland, separated from Mount Desert Island by Frenchman Bay. Our day begins with a one-hour ferry ride from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor. Enjoy views of Egg Rock Light and watch for seals along the way. After the ferry, we pedal to Schoodic Head for great views of the pounding waves and Cadillac Mountain. From here, we continue cycling to the tiny fishing village of Corea for lunch overlooking the harbor. Enjoy a lobster roll right off a lobster boat or other fresh seafood options. We cycle back to Winter Harbor and catch the ferry back to Bar Harbor. All meals included.
Cycling: 16 to 35 miles, paved roads, elevation gain/loss: 900’-,1671’.
Kayak Blue Hill Bay
We head to the quieter side of Mount Desert Island for our kayaking excursion on Blue Hill Bay. Exploring the beauty and ecosystem of Maine on the open water is a one-of-a-kind experience. Our professional kayak guides will assess the tide and winds and create a one-way paddle to maximize time on the water. The area offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing, including seals, porpoises, and bald eagles. Later this afternoon, explore Bar Harbor on our own or join our guide for an easy hike. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.
Kayaking: ~ 3 hrs on protected water with waves, tides, currents.
Rise early to experience sunrise at the summit of Cadillac Mountain and Cycle the Park Loop Road
Sleep in or rise early and shuttle up Cadillac Mountain to take in the epic sunrise from the summit. Enjoy views overlooking Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and scores of islands. An early morning ride lets us enjoy the beautiful Park Loop Road before the crowds arrive. Along the route, visit park highlights like Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Sand Beach. Enjoy one last lunch together before we say farewell to Acadia National Park and return to Bangor International Airport in the afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.
Cycling: 24-31 miles, elevation gain/loss: 1,600’-2,600’. Transfer: 1.5 hours.
