The carriage roads of Acadia are perhaps the most popular and picturesque for mountain biking. Located on the eastern side of MDI these hard-packed, auto-free roads provide nearly 50 miles of biking. Multi-speed, fat-tire, or hybrid bikes are strongly suggested. Numbered sign posts serve to orient bikers, hikers, and equestrians. Cyclists should remember to ride on the right at all times, and to yield to those on foot, horseback or carriage.

Ocean Drive - Park Loop Road, provides the most challenging and spectacular cycling on MDI. Beginning at the Park Visitor's Center in Hulls Cove, this route proceeds toward Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. Most of this circular ride is on a one-way, two-lane road, making it quite safe for biking. A side excursion up Cadillac Mountain should be attempted only by the rider in fairly good physical condition. It is suggested that cyclists avoid pedaling up Cadillac during peak traffic hours.

For those who either don't own or didn't bring a bike, there are rental companies who have bikes for the whole family. Reservations are recommended during the summer season.

BIKE RENTALS:

Acadia Downhill,
Acadia Bike & Canoe, 48 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor. (207) 288-9605.

Southwest Cycle,
Main Street, Southwest Harbor. (207) 244-5856.