Reviewed by: IRA176 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Riding the carriage trails at Acadia National Park was pretty fun. The trails are fine gravel and are very smooth, which makes for an easy ride and good speed. Some of the hills are steep, but they offer the reward of a good view and a fast descent. I enjoyed the ride up near aunt betty pond.

Reviewed by: Bill , from Westchester, NY

Summary:
This is road biking at it's best! No Cars. The scenery is worth the smooth trails, but 2 days is enough. Then you go kayaking or hiking for more of a challenge. The bugs are usually not a problem due to the faster speeds the smooth trails allow, but the climb up from Aunt Betsy's pond on the around mountain trail had them biting like crazy. Thank goodness for the dragonflies. At first I just thought they were even bigger mosquitos as they dive bombed my body from all directions, then I realized that they were providing much needed air support for my run. You get tired quicky when every other pedal stroke is accompanied by a leg swat. In short, I should have applied 70% DEET before this uphill ride. As you climb higher, the air becomes drier and less bug filled. It is a worthy climb, if only there was an errant root or rock to make me feel at home. This trail has the best views of Somes Sound and the park as a whole (of the carriage trails). PS. The map with contour lines I purchased showed the trail staying mostly in between two 50 foot contour lines after about a 300 foot climb, this was clearly NOT accurate as the trail seems to climb continually until you are within about 100 feet of the summit (the summit of this "hill" was about 1370 feet). Personally I would not drive 9 hours for these trails alone, but I was in Beantown, and it was only 5 hours away and Acadia has always been a big curiosity. Go to hike and kayak, and take the bikes for a few 2 hour rides to wind down.
5 stars, for the dragonflies.

Recommended Route:
Day 1 Loop the lakes, Day 2 for a challenge take the Around Mountain trail going from Aunt Betsy'd Pond out to Jordan lake house and back. Dont forget insect repellant.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Only had two days, Maine MUST have some singletrack, AYE?

Reviewed by: Andy , from Winterport ME

Summary:
Acadia National Park is my favorite place in the world, but it isn't good for biking. The carriage trails are groomed and offer nothing technical. Many reviewers say it doesnt matter because the views are amazing and you ride here for the beauty. I both agree and disagree with that statement. I agree in the sense Acadia is stunning and you get tremendous views from anywhere on the carriage trails. But I disagree because the best views of Acadia are all from the hiking trails which are world class. The carriage trail system (which is the only place you are allowed to ride in Acadia) is very crowded with people and horses,(June- early October) and it does not take you to the best parts of the park.
My recomendation is go visit Acadia for the hiking not biking. Be sure to check out the western side of Mount Desert Island where there are no carriage trails and it is usually not as crowded as many tourists.

Recommended Route:
Acadia is better for hiking.

Reviewed by: Sean , from Clemson, SC

Summary:
There are 65+ miles of carriage roads. Pretty fun for the recreational rider. Fun rides by the lakes. Not at all technical. But there are some very decent hills like the 'Around the Mountain' trail. Too bad the National Park Service doesn't make it to the 21st Century and offer some mountain biking trails. They would be great.

Recommended Route:
Ride out of town down West St. and cross Rte. 3 going uphill. Take a right about mi. up. There's a little bike sign by the turn. Go down about another mi. to bridge. From here, explore at your leisure. You're at the Witch Hole Pond loop. Get a map from town if you're on vacation. There are good signs though at each intersection that give names of destinations, so if you have common sense you won't get lost.

Reviewed by: Zach , from Cornville, ME

Summary:
Rideable for all levels. But go in the off season before the bugs and tourists. Great for spinning and the incredible views. No, there are no technical trails here but nothing beats Acadia in the off-season for smooth, long climbs. Bike up the paved road to the summit of Cadillac for a killer ride down. And certainly don't listen to anyone complaining about the non- technical riding. Everyone should visit. Ride a cyclocross bike if you want to really crank. The trails are perfect for the skinny knobbies.

Recommended Route:
Start at Jordan Pond house, do Around the Mountain then over to Eagle Lake and follow that up with Day Mountain. Top it all of with a ride up the paved road to the summit of Cadillac. From the summit, ride all the way into Bar Harbor for some eats and a pint of Cadillac Mountain Stout--damn fine beer.