Bike Rentals and Trails

I am coming to BH for the first time with my 3 kids, ages 12 (twins) and 13 the second week in July. We are staying at the Wonderview Inn. We would like to rent bikes for either part of or the whole week. Are there bike rental places nearby? What are some good biking areas? Are there trails?

Thanks,

jersey girl

Bike Rentals and Trails

There are several bike rental places in Bar Harbor and the surrounding area; two of the most popular are Acadia Bike and Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop, both on Cottage Street.

See:

http://www.acadiamagic.com/stores.htm

for their links. That same site (acadiamagic.com) provides information on Acadia National Park (the carriage road system, hiking trails, etc.)

You might also check the Overview section at the top of this page for information on hikes and walks, restaurants, etc.

In the park, there are roughly 45 miles of carriage roads open to pedestrians, cyclists***, and horses (no motorized vehicles) and 120 miles of hiking trails that range from low-impact to challenging in their difficulty.

When you get here, pick up a copy of Diana Abrell%26#39;s ';A pocket Guide to the Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park.'; It costs $4.50 and is available at Sherman%26#39;s bookstore and several of the outdoor/sporting goods shops.

***A small part of the carriage road system that is on private land on the southern end of the island is closed to bicycles.

One word of advice: the access to the park from Bar Harbor via bike is an uphill grind (you%26#39;ll understand that when you get to the Wonderview). If you do not have a bike rack for your vehicle, rent one where you rent the bikes. Also, ask the folks at Wonderview to show you the ';back-door'; route into the village or to West Street Extension (a park access route). This will minimize the amount of time you have to bike on Eden St. (Rte. 3), which is not a good route to bike.

I would also suggest that as much as possible, you use the Island Explorer shuttle (see: %26lt; http://exploreacadia.com%26gt;) to get into the park. The shuttle also runs a bicycle express (a trailer and van) than goes from the village green to the Eagle Lake access of the carriage road system.