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Adventure Collective Journal

Exploring Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads on a Guided Ebike Tour

Exploring Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads on a Guided Ebike Tour

Discover Acadia National Park’s historic Carriage Roads on a guided 22-mile e-bike tour. Experience rugged lakeshores, stone bridges, and wildlife at a steady pace ideal for all fitness levels.

Bar Harbor, Maine
4 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Begin your tour in the morning for cooler temperatures and quieter paths, ensuring a more peaceful ride.

Hydrate Regularly

Carry water and drink frequently, as the 22-mile ride can last around 4 hours with moderate exertion.

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Opt for closed-toe shoes with good grip to navigate gravel surfaces comfortably and safely.

Bring Layers for Variable Weather

Mornings can be cool, especially near the lakes; packing a lightweight jacket can help manage changing temperatures.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Beaver Pond near Duck Brook Bridge offers intimate wildlife observation rarely crowded.
  • The quieter north end of Bubble Pond provides serene forest ambiance with fewer riders.

Wildlife

  • Beavers at their pond habitats
  • White-tailed deer along forest edges

Conservation Note

The park maintains strict guidelines limiting e-bike class and group sizes to protect the Carriage Roads and minimize erosion.

The Carriage Roads were developed in the early 1900s, financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to provide scenic, non-motorized access through Acadia.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour in early morning, Late afternoon light
Key viewpoints:
  • Paradise Hill overlook
  • West side of Jordan Pond
  • Duck Brook Bridge
Subjects to capture:Mountain vistas, Stone arch bridges, Wildlife at beaver ponds

What to Bring

HelmetEssential

Protective gear is required and provided, but wearing your own ensures proper fit and hygiene.

Comfortable Cycling ShoesEssential

Closed-toe shoes with grip improve control and comfort on gravel and uneven terrain.

Hydration Pack or Water BottleEssential

Staying hydrated throughout the tour is critical due to moderate exertion and outdoor exposure.

Windbreaker or Light Jacket

Layer up to adjust easily to the cool mornings and winds along open lake areas.

Common Questions

Do I need prior e-bike experience to join the tour?

No, the guides provide an e-bike lesson at the start, and the bikes are easy to operate with pedal-assist only.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Participants must be at least 16 years old to join the tour for safety reasons.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, the e-assist levels make the ride accessible for various fitness levels, including beginners with basic bike handling skills.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

Tours are cancelled in cases of severe weather, with full refunds issued if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are restrooms available along the route?

Yes, restrooms are located near Duck Brook Bridge, Bubble Pond, and at Jordan Pond House for convenient breaks.

Can I bring my own e-bike or bicycle?

No, the tour provides high-quality Class I e-bikes to maintain safety standards and ensure all riders have an equal experience.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

4 hours

Location

Bar Harbor, Maine

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Suitable for riders in moderate physical condition; the e-assist helps on hills but expect a steady pace over 22 miles.

Free cancellation available

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