Tandem biking the Carriage roads

Acadia National Park, Maine

One of our main ideas in Acadia was to bicycle the carriage roads which are a unique aspect of this park.  These were created by Rockefeller Jr. for his own horse drawn carriages and then were donated to create the park.  They are now a bicyclist’s paradise.  Though biker beware – as the ranger told us, none of them are flat, and she was right.  Lots of ups and downs on well packed wide roads (enough for two horse carriages to pass).  It was like hiking through the forest – just a lot faster on a bicycle – except of course when you went up a steep hill.

David and Siri overlook Jordon Pond on their first day
Siri points out the two beaver ponds as she walks next to the typical carriage road – a firm crushed gravel trail – an excellent biking path
Our carriage road map shows us the 45 miles of trails we could ride – around lakes, up and over mountains, and through dense forests.  We completed most of the trails – at least the good parts – over our three days at the park.
Siri takes in the view at Eagle Lake
Well deserved break for traditional popovers and jam at Jordon Pond Teahouse – a 130 year-old traditon
Relaxing along the way
One of the many bridges built by Rockefeller Jr. On his beloved carriage roads – this one was completed in 1928
A ride ‘around the mountain’ that seemed more like ‘up and over the mountain’ on our second day
A few rest stops by the many bridges
This two arched bridge was built in 1925
More bridges
We stop at a waterfall as we enjoy the long descent down the mountain
A tasty fresh blueberry doughnut from a cafe recommended by a fellow biker, was lunch after our second day of biking the carriage roads
Enjoying the Sandy Beach stop on the park loop – a bit too cold for a swim, but we did dip our feet
We finish the day with dinner with a local – my brother-in-law’s niece (who has lived here for 12+ years) and her boyfriend at a great non-touristy restaurant in Bar Harbor (another great lobster meal!)
Another beautiful sunset to end the day – in Bar Harbor

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