Bike Rental and Carriage Roads

Question

Hi! We are going to be in Acadia the 2nd week of October and are looking to rent bikes one day to ride on the carriage roads. My original plan was eBikes, but unfortunately my daughter doesn't meet the 5-ft height limit (and she's 10 - so pulling in a trailer or riding in a toddler seat won't work either). So switching gears to regular bikes!

Where is the most convenient place to rent the bikes? I'd rather drive farther to pickup if that means we can spend more time/energy on the carriage roads. I would also prefer to minimize riding on roads with busy car traffic. (We are staying in Bar Harbor.)

Are there any favorite routes/loops? We'll plan to spend most of the day with stops for picnic lunch, views, etc. We're pretty active, so assume we would do 15-20 miles (but that's a total estimate) but not sure We'll be in Bar Harbor for a full week and doing other hikes/drives in Acadia, so ideally looking for the most unique experience. And I'm very excited about all the bridges!

Are the carriage roads generally pretty flat or are they hilly? Elevation change definitely would affect how far we go!

Answer

Biking the carriage roads in Acadia is a fantastic way to experience the park, especially with their scenic views, stone bridges, and car-free environment. Since your daughter is too small for eBikes or trailers, switching to regular bikes is a good plan, and there are several rental options that cater to families.

Bike Rental Locations:

While there are multiple bike rental shops in Bar Harbor, some are more convenient for direct access to the carriage roads, minimizing road riding and busy traffic:

Bar Harbor Bike Shop: Centrally located in town, they offer a wide range of adult and youth bikes. From here, you can ride a short distance to the Park Loop Road and join the carriage roads, though it does require a brief road segment.
Acadia Bike Rentals (or private local shops near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center): Renting closer to Hulls Cove or Sieur de Monts is advantageous because it gives direct access to the carriage road network, allowing you to start your ride on quieter paths without much traffic.
Echo Lake or Jordan Pond Bike Rentals: These are slightly farther out but convenient if you want to maximize your time on the carriage roads. Driving to these locations is recommended if you want a full day of riding with minimal road exposure.

Favorite Routes/Loops:

The carriage roads offer numerous loops. For a 15–20 mile day, here are some options that showcase stone bridges, scenic ponds, and iconic views:

Jordan Pond Loop: Begin near Jordan Pond House, ride the carriage roads around the pond, and include a side loop to connect to the Eagle Lake carriage roads. Offers flat stretches and beautiful views, ideal for a relaxed picnic stop.
Triangle Loop: Start at Sieur de Monts or Hulls Cove, do the triangle loop connecting Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and Witch Hole Pond. This is about 15–18 miles with minimal road exposure, includes several bridges, and has varied but manageable elevation.
Eagle Lake and Witch Hole Loop: Shorter option if you want a half-day ride, with rolling hills and forested scenery. You can stop along Eagle Lake for a picnic or short hike.

Carriage Road Terrain:

The roads are mostly gravel and packed dirt, very well-maintained, and car-free. Elevation changes exist but are generally gentle; there are some rolling hills and short climbs, but nothing too steep for regular bikes. Overall, the rides are moderate and scenic, making it suitable for a full-day family adventure.

Tips:

Bring a picnic lunch or snacks, as there are many scenic stopping points along ponds and stone bridges.
Arrive early at rental locations if you’re visiting in October to ensure availability, as this is peak foliage season.
Check maps at the visitor center or online to plan loops based on your total mileage goals.
Remember to dress in layers; fall weather in Acadia can change quickly, especially on exposed carriage roads.

Overall, prioritizing rentals closer to Hulls Cove or Sieur de Monts will maximize your time on the carriage roads and provide the most serene and scenic biking experience for your family.