Maine Biking
In Acadia National Park & Along Penobscot Bay
"Why go West," asked legendary writer Henry David Thoreau, "when Maine has everything?" The Pine Tree State is indeed blessed with an abundance of natural splendors - rocky coastline, lakes, mountains, rivers, islands, forests and beaches. Breathe crisp clean air and delight in weathered fishing villages, where life still rings with old New England charm. Bike to hidden coves, along quiet country lanes and kayak past classic yachts and weathered cottages. And top off your day with succulent lobster. Come experience the same enchanting world that charmed Thoreau so long ago.
Trip Planning Links
- Discover the understated beauty of Maine's coastline
- Pedal under towering firs and past pristine crashing surf at Acadia National Park
- Fish lobster traps out of the water, just like the locals
- Paddle and cruise on Penobscot Bay spotting cormorants, loons and bald eagles
- Seaside Camden, brimming with galleries, museums and shops
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Bar Harbor
Meet in Portland 
Shuttle to Northeast Harbor in Acadia National Park, then hop on your bike to discover its meadows, mountains and beaches On Mount Desert Island, pedal over arched bridges and quiet carriage roads that were a gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. Ascend Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the park.
Days 3-4 Deer Isle
Shuttle to Deer Isle, a perfect example of true "downeast" Maine As you bike, check out the enormous pink granite boulders that dot the island Pass through the fishing village of Stonington, whose waters are home to seals, porpoises and whales Accompanied by our local guides, kayak on Penobscot Bay, gliding past some of the more than 60 islands that comprise the Deer Isle archipelago Cruise in style on Penobscot Bay aboard a private lobster boat Arriving in Camden, often called Maine's prettiest seaside village, check out the shops and galleries on Main Street.
Days 5-6 Camden
Ride into the heart of Rockland, home to the Farnsworth Museum with its collection of Wyeth family paintings Spend the afternoon checking out the museum, browsing bookstores, relaxing in a café or purchasing souvenirs, such as blueberry jam Enjoy a farewell dinner at our inn's elegant French restaurant Pedal past scenic Lake Megunticook and amid the rolling countryside surrounding Camden.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Vermont Biking San Juan Islands Biking Martha's Vineyard BikingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
We had an awesome trip! It was so well organized, so much fun and really top-notch. We loved all of the special places we visited.- Highland Park, IL All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Maine Biking
MARITIME RETREATS: Premiere Inns*
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
Bar Harbor (2 nights) Featured on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list, this oceanfront lodge offers rooms with jetted tubs and private balconies.
Pilgrim's Inn
Deer Isle (1 night) Built in 1793 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this Colonial inn features individually decorated rooms, a library, in-room massage and lovely views of Penobscot Bay.
* Casual Inn
Camden Harbour Inn
Camden (2 nights) This boutique hotel in picturesque Camden welcomes you with exceptional hospitality, a stylish atmosphere and spectacular bay and mountain views, and pampers you with sumptuous linens, modern amenities and in-room spa treatments.
Maine Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 20 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 22, 29 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 25, 39, 48 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Sea Kayaking 4 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 14, 26 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 19, 22 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain