Park Loop Road to the Around the Mountain and Witch Hole Pond Carriage Roads loop from Bar Harbor — Gravel

To access the loop from Bar Harbor, you can often find parking in town and then connect to the park. Cyclists frequently use routes like West Street Extension (which involves a climb) or Ledgelawn Street to Great Meadow Drive (a gentler approach) to reach the Park Loop Road or Carriage Roads. Be aware that parking in Bar Harbor can be busy, especially during peak season.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Park Loop Road and the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 meters) at all times. Always remember to clean up after your pet.

The best time to cycle this route is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and all park facilities are usually open. Fall offers stunning foliage, while spring and early summer provide lush greenery. Be aware that the Park Loop Road can be very busy with vehicle traffic during peak summer months.

Yes, an entrance pass is required to enter Acadia National Park, which includes cycling on the Park Loop Road and the Carriage Roads. You can purchase passes at various locations within the park or online. For current fees and purchase options, please check the official National Park Service website.

This loop is rated as moderate overall. While some sections of the Carriage Roads have gentle grades, there are also challenging climbs, particularly on the Around the Mountain loop. The Park Loop Road also has elevation changes and requires sharing the road with cars. For beginners or families with young children, consider shorter, flatter sections of the Carriage Roads or other trails within the park, rather than the entire loop.

Given the mix of paved and crushed gravel surfaces, a gravel bike is ideal for comfort and efficiency on this route. A road bike with wider tires (28mm or more) could manage, especially if you're comfortable on gravel, but a gravel bike will provide a smoother and more stable ride on the Carriage Roads. Mountain bikes are also suitable, though they might feel slower on the paved sections.

The loop features a diverse mix of surfaces. The Park Loop Road is paved, though it can be winding and narrow in places, requiring cyclists to share the road with vehicles. The Carriage Roads, including the Around the Mountain and Witch Hole Pond sections, are made of crushed-rock or gravel. These gravel surfaces are generally firm and well-drained, making them suitable for cycling.

This loop offers incredibly varied and beautiful scenery. Along the Park Loop Road, you'll experience breathtaking coastal views and landmarks like Otter Cove. As you transition to the Carriage Roads, the landscape shifts to mountains, forests, and serene lakes such as Beaver Dam Pond, Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and Witch Hole Pond. You'll also encounter the historic stone bridges that are a hallmark of the Carriage Roads.

The full loop is approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) long with over 400 meters (1300 feet) of elevation gain. For an average cyclist, it typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to complete, not including stops for sightseeing or breaks. Your actual time may vary depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Yes, this route integrates with and crosses several other trails within Acadia National Park. Notably, it includes significant portions of the Eagle Lake Carriage Road, the Around-Mountain Carriage Road (Gravel) by Jordan Pond, and the Witch Hole Pond Carriage Road. You'll also encounter sections of trails like the Tri Lakes Loop, Jordan Pond Loop, and Ocean Path.

The Park Loop Road is shared with vehicle traffic, and while it often has one-way sections that provide a de facto bike lane, it can be winding and narrow with no dedicated shoulder in places. Be prepared to share the road, ride defensively, and be aware of parked cars that might occupy the right lane. Always follow traffic laws and use appropriate hand signals.

While the route itself doesn't have many direct food or water stops, you start and end in Bar Harbor Main Street, which offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Within the park, the Jordan Pond House, located near the Jordan Pond section of the Carriage Roads, is a popular spot for refreshments and popovers, though it might require a slight detour from the main cycling path. It's always recommended to carry sufficient water and snacks for your ride.