Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TAKE NOTE:
Several park carriage roads in the
Seal Harbor area pass onto private land owned by the
Rockefeller family yet open to the public. While dogs
are permitted off-leash (which is against the law in
the park) bicycles are not allowed following several in-
cidents of bikers riding too fast around horses and
walkers. Bikers on Rockefeller property without per-
mission can be summonsed to court.
The Amphitheater.
This is a natural headwall in a valley between two
of Acadia's major peaks. While it is not visible from the carriage road, it
does take its name from it. For a five-mile trip begin at the Brown Moun-
tain Gate House parking area on Route 198/3 and take a right at inter-
section 18, another right at intersection 19 and curve around the south
end of Cedar Swamp Mountain. Go straight at intersection 20 and curve
around the Amphitheater. Right turns at intersections 21 and 22 and a
left when you get back to 20 will allow you to retrace your steps to the
start.
Long Pond Fire Road
. An easy five-mile ride with only small hills and
an occasional motor vehicle can be had on the Long Pond Fire Road,
which traverses park land on the Western side of Mount Desert Island.
Park at the Pretty Marsh Parking area off Route 102. The entrance to the
dirt fire road is just down the road on the left.
This dirt track, which can get quite dusty in summer, winds through
damp forest and over barren ledges as it approaches the west side of Long
Pond. Along the lake is a favorite casual swimming spot and canoe and
kayak launching area. The road cuts back inland with only short side
spurs to Duck Pond and around Pine Hill. Before rejoining Route 102 it
crosses a low, wet area between Seal Cove and Hodgdon Ponds. A right
on Route 102 will bring you back to the start.
Breakneck Road
. This three-mile-long abandoned dirt road cuts
through a portion of Acadia National Park, but is owned by the town of
Bar Harbor. Therefore, mountain bikes are allowed. Beginning on the
Eagle Lake Road, just uphill from the Eagle Lake Road Carriage Path
Parking Area, the Breakneck road heads downhill through deep wash-
outs and over rocks and roots. It passes between two ponds where the
road often floods in spring. Eventually the Breakneck Road comes out in
Hulls Cove. You can take a right to the nearby Park Visitor Centers and
follow carriage roads back to the parking area for a loop trip.
Isle au Haut
. You have to take a boat out to this wild and unspoiled is-
land off the coast of Stonington. The mailboat/ferry, which takes passen-
gers and freight, will also take bikes for a nominal fee.
