Biking around Acadia or Southwest Harbor

Every year that we%26#39;ve biked in and around the park, I always seem to pick a hard route. I%26#39;ve biked around Jordan Pond Area (we pass by the stables), and there are some tough grades there. I always see people coming from the other side of where we have been and they look like they are much happier!

Anyone have any good routes? I%26#39;ve also read in a few places that people suggested riding over on Cranberry Islands or Deer Island.

This year we are going with our 10 year old daughter and our 70 yr old parents, so routes that would be good for them are appreciated.

Thanks!

Biking around Acadia or Southwest Harbor

Eagle Lake is easy, but it%26#39;s better to wait for the crowds to thin out in the afternoon.

Biking around Acadia or Southwest Harbor

Do you have Diana Abrell%26#39;s ';Pocket Guide to the Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park';?

In the back, it has a distance and change-in-elevation index to the 16 carriage road loops that she describes in detail in the guide.

For example, the Witch Hole Pond Loop has an elevation change of 80 feet. Granted, this doesn%26#39;t tell you if there is one tough grade, but it could steer you away from the more strenuous routes.

As to the the people you meet on a grade looking happier, sure---they climbed the other side of the hill and now are on the way down.

;--%26gt;

Looking at my hiking map, there seem to be some flatter routes (e.g., Hio Rd., Seal Cove Rd., Western Mountain Rd.) in the SW Harbor/Bass Harbor/Seal Cove area. However none of them provide a loop that doesn%26#39;t involve riding on a town road or highway.

Thanks Guys!

I%26#39;m so glad I found this forum:) I%26#39;ve been reading all kinds of info and getting even more ideas for our trip.

Eagle Lake sounds like our best bet, and getting a book with the elevations (whether for hiking or biking) is my next purchase!

Thanks so much!

Abrell%26#39;s book is $4.50 and is available at several places, including Sherman%26#39;s and Cadillac Mountain Sports, in Bar Harbor and on the island. If you want to order it through your local bookseller, the ISBN is 0-89272-349-1