Coastal Maine
United States Bike Tours
A self-guided or guided bike tour in New England
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length7 days
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Prices from$2620 Rates
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Overview
During this self-guided or guided bike tour in New England, you bike the best of the diverse and dramatic Maine Coast. As you pedal the quiet beauty of Pemaquid Point, travel up the coast, exploring the east and west shores of Penobscot Bay and Blue Hill Bay, you will feel as if you have stepped into an Andrew Wyeth painting.
No trip to Maine would be complete without a visit to the pristine environment of Acadia National Park and the scenic charm of Mt. Desert Island.
Three itineraries are possible for this tour: an easy to-moderate and a moderate to difficult self-guided one. The moderate to difficult route is also offered as a guided tour. The day-to-day details vary so be sure to check the itineraries carefully.
Don't forget that electric bikes are available, which changes the difficulty level of any tour.
Highlights
- Enjoy 7 days of cycling along the Maine Coast
- Explore charming towns and coastal villages
- Discover hidden coves and stunning coastline
- Enjoy a variety of Maine delicacies, from lobster and smoked salmon to fresh blueberries and the local favorite “whoopee pies”
Take a look at all our other tours and trips in the USA!
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Itinerary
Easy to Moderate Itinerary/Self-guided
Day1: Port Clyde and Clark Island, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 2: Clark Island - Rockland, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 3: Rockland - Vinalhaven - Rockland, 21 mi. (13 km)
Day 4: Rockland - Camden, 10, 17, or 32 mi. (16, 27, or 51 km)
Day 5: Acadia's carriage road, 24 or 35 mi. (38 or 56 km)
Day 6: The Schoodic Peninsula, 16 or 35 mi. (26 or 56 km)
Day 7: Acadia's National Park, 24 or 30 mi. (38 or 48 km)Day 1: Port Clyde and Clark Island, 24 mi. (38 km)
You will be met by our local representative in the morning at a prearranged time and waterfront destinaton and transferred to your first hotel. Since accommodation in Portland is not included in your tour price, you will want to make your own arrangements.From the hotel, you will enjoy a ride along coastal roads to the fishing village of Port Clyde and the onto the Marshall Point Light, made famous by Forrest Gump. Today’s itinerary leaves plenty of time to enjoy coastal views from the lawn of the inn or to hike the trails of nearby Clark Island.
Elevation: 1200 feet
Accommodation: The Craignair Inn
Located on St. George’s peninsula - halfway between the Marshall Point lighthouse (the one from Forrest Gump) and the vibrant coastal town of Rockland, Maine - the Craignair offers a quiet escape with easy access to everything that mid-coast Maine has to offer.Day 2: Clark Island - Rockland, 21 (34 km)
You begin your day exploring the quiet town of Port Clyde before cycling to Birch Point State Park and the spectacular Owls Head Lighthouse as it stands guard over Penobscot Bay. Your ride then takes you to the eclectic village of Rockland, home to the Farnsworth Museum of Art, which features an extensive collection of the art of the Wyeth Family. Rockland is known for its lobster fishing industry and deep protected harbor, dotted with hundreds of inlets and coves throughout the area. (B)Elevation: 1240 ft
Accommodation: Berry Manor Inn
Proud to have been named as one of the Top Bed and Breakfasts in the US by TripAdvisor, this inn is considered one of the Rockland/Camden area’s premier luxury Maine coast inns.Day 3: Rockland - Vinalhaven - Rockland, 21 mi. (13 km)
You have a lot of choices today. The ride from Rockland to Camden is only 10 miles. Camden is one of the most picturesque towns on the Maine Coast, featuring a well-sheltered harbor surrounded by hills lush with forests. From Camden, you can cycle in the hills or through an oceanfront preserve. Other options include sailing, kayaking, or simply relaxing at your historic accommodation. (B)Elevation: 1100 ft
Accommodation: Berry Manor InnDay 4: Rockland - Camden, 10, 17, or 32 mi. (16, 27, or 51 km)
You have a lot of choices today. The ride from Rockland to Camden is only 10 miles. Camden is one of the most picturesque towns on the Maine Coast, featuring a well-sheltered harbor surrounded by hills lush with forests. From Camden, you can cycle in the hills or through an oceanfront preserve. Other options include sailing, kayaking, or simply relaxing at your historic accommodation. (B)Elevation: 572-2624 ft
Accommodation: The Hartstone Inn
Fodor considers the Hartstone Inn to be “an elegant and sophisticated retreat and culinary destination.Day 5: Acadia's carriage road, 24 or 35 mi. (38 or 56 km)
The morning will start with one of our local representatives driving you from Belfast to Acadia National park. Picture breathtaking scenery, gentle grades, and car-free cycling, and you have Acadia’s famous carriage roads. A gift of John D. Rockefeller to help the people of America enjoy Acadia’s beauty the carriage roads offer the opportunity to cycle through stately forests of pine and birch and to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Desert Island.Elevation: 1800 ft
Accommodation: The Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Sand Bar Cottage is a boutique lodging experience seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern luxury.Day 6: The Schoodic Peninsula, 16 or 35 mi. (26 or 56 km)
Today you enjoy a unique ferry ride across Frenchman Bay to Winter Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula. You experience the dramatic power of the open ocean as it crashes along the Schoodic’s rugged shore before cycling to a real lobstering community.Elevation: 900-1671 ft
Accommodation: The Sand Bar Cottage InnDay 7: Cycling Acadia National Park, 24 or 30 mi. (38 or 48 km)
You end a memorable week cycling Acadia National Park’s famous Park Loop Road as it winds along the shore and ends with an optional climb up Cadillac Mountain before a noon transfer to Portland. Accommodation in Portland is not included.Elevation: 2601 ft
Moderate to Difficult Itinerary/Self-guided
Day 1: Boothbay Harbor - Pemaquid Point, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 2: Pemaquid Point - Clark Island, 54 mi. (86 km)
Day 3: Clark Island - Camden, 30 or 53 mi. (48 or 85 km.)
Day 4: Camden - Castine, 29 or 53 mi. (48 or 85 km)
Day 5: Castine - Bar Harbor, 52 mi. (83 km)
Day 6: Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor, 36 or 50 mi. (58 or 80 km)
Day 7: Acadia's park loop road, 26 or 33 mi. (42 or 53 km)Day 1: Boothbay Harbor - Pemaquid Point, 45 (72 km)
Our local representative will collect you in Portland, ME on the 1st morning of your trip for the one-hour transfer to Boothbay Harbor. Please note that accommodation in Portland is not included in your tour price so you will want to make your own arrangements. Begin your trip cycling stunning Ocean Point before pedaling to the charming village of Damariscotta and to the inn in the shadow of the Pemaquid Point Light.Elevation: 3126 ft
Accommodation: The Bradley Inn
Located on Pemaquid Peninsula, The Bradley Inn, which is a full-service Midcoast inn offering guests a unique, comfortable, and warm environment that truly exudes the essence of MaineDay 2: Pemaquid Point - Clark Island, 54 mi. (86 km)
Today you visit historic Pemaquid Harbor where the English and the French fought for control of New England during the French and Indian Wars. Later you cycle to the “off the beaten track” town of Waldoboro for a glimpse of small-town life in Maine before pedaling to Clark Island and your inn overlooking the ocean. Enjoy an optional visit to the farm where Andrew Wyeth painted the iconic “Christina's World” before pedaling to Clark Island and our inn overlooking the ocean. (B)Elevation: 3316 ft
Accommodation: The Craignair Inn
Located on St. George’s peninsula - halfway between the Marshall Point lighthouse (the one from Forrest Gump) and the vibrant coastal town of Rockland, Maine - the Craignair offers a quiet escape with easy access to everything that mid-coast Maine has to offer.Day 3: Clark Island - Camden, 30 or 53 mi. (48 or 85 mi.)
Begin your ride exploring the quiet peninsula of Spruce Point before cycling to Birch Point State Park and the spectacular Owls Head Light as it stands guard over Penobscot Bay. Your ride then takes you to the eclectic village of Rockland, home to the Farnsworth Museum of Art, which features an extensive collection of the art of the Wyeth Family, The Island Institute dedicated to preserving Maine’s Island communities, and a number of charming shops and galleries. (B)Elevation: 2797 ft
Accommodation: The Hartstone Inn
This coastal hideaway in the heart of Camden is considered by Fodor's to be "an elegant and sophisticated retreat and culinary destination."
Day 4: Camden - Castine, 29 or 53 mi. (48 or 85 km)
The rolling hills of Camden offer miles of riding on quiet country roads. Follow these roads through the summer community of Bayside and into the coastal town of Belfast and enjoy lunch before a short transfer. Your ride continues along the western shore of Penobscot Bay and into the historically rich town of Castine. (B)Elevation: 3517 ft
Accommodation: The Castine Inn
Constructed in 1898, this historic Inn stands one block from the harbor on Main Street. The Inn is a simply elegant building surrounded by a wraparound porch and beautiful, well-maintained perennial gardens overlooking the active harbor.Day 5: Castine - Bar Harbor, 52 mi. (83 km)
Your adventure continues as you explore the town of Castine, a historical gem that has flown the flag of four nations during its rich history. Your morning ride through town is a journey through pre-colonial American history. After exploring Castine, your ride continues along miles of quiet coastal roads along Eggemoggin Reach and into the town of Blue Hill before a transfer to Bar Harbor. An optional non-supported route will be offered for those who wish to cycle to Bar Harbor. (B)Elevation: 3616 ft
Accommodation: Sand Bar Cottage Inn
A boutique lodging experience seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern luxury.
Day 6: Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor, 36 or 50 mi. (58 or 80 km)
Today you cycle to the quiet side of Acadia National Park. The ride takes you through Northeast Harbor, along Sommes Sound and into the town of Southwest Harbor where you pause for lunch. After lunch, you cycle to the Bass Harbor Light before following country roads back to Bar Harbor. (B)Elevation: 3538 to 3800 ft
Accommodation: Sand Bar Cottage Inn
A boutique lodging experience seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern luxury.Day 7: Acadia's park loop road, 24 or 30 mi. (42 or 53 km)
You end a memorable bike tour cycling Acadia National Park’s famous Park Loop Road as it winds along the shore and end with a climb up Cadillac Mountain before your noon transfer to Portland. (B)Elevation: 2601 ft
Moderate to Difficult Itinerary/Guided
Day 1: Boothbay Harbor - Pemaquid Point, 48 mi. (77 km)
Day 2: Pemaquid Point - Clark Island, 54 mi. (86 km)
Day 3: Clark Island - Camden, 30 or 54 mi. (48 or 87 km)
Day 4: Camden - Castine, 53 or 63 mi. (85 or 100 km)
Day 5: Castine - Bar Harbor, 40, 61, 77, or 100 mi. (64, 97, 123, or 160 km)
Day 6: Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor, 36 or 50 mi. (58 or 80 km)
Day 7: Acadia's park loop road, 26 or 33 mi. (42 or 53 km)Day 1: Boothbay Harbor - Pemaquid Point, 48 mi. (77 km)
Our local representative will collect you in Portland, ME at the visitor's center on the 1st morning of your trip for the one-hour transfer to Boothbay Harbor. Please note that accommodation in Portland is not included in your tour price so you will want to make your own arrangements. Begin your trip cycling stunning Ocean Point before pedaling to the charming village of Damariscotta and to the inn in the shadow of the Pemaquid Point Light. (D)Elevation: 3126 ft
Accommodation: The Bradley Inn
Located on Pemaquid Peninsula, The Bradley Inn, which is a full-service Midcoast inn offering guests a unique, comfortable, and warm environment that truly exudes the essence of MaineDay 2: Pemaquid Point - Clark Island, 54 mi. (86 km)
Today you visit historic Pemaquid Harbor where the English and the French fought for control of New England during the French and Indian Wars. Later you cycle to the “off the beaten track” town of Waldoboro for a glimpse of small-town life in Maine before pedaling to Clark Island and your inn overlooking the ocean. (B,D)Elevation: 3316 ft
Accommodation: The Craignair Inn
Located on St. George’s peninsula - halfway between the Marshall Point lighthouse (the one from Forrest Gump) and the vibrant coastal town of Rockland, Maine - the Craignair offers a quiet escape with easy access to everything that mid-coast Maine has to offer.Day 3: Clark Island - Camden, 30 or 54 mi. (48 or 87 km)
Begin your ride exploring the quiet peninsula of Spruce Point before cycling to Birch Point State Park and the spectacular Owls Head Light as it stands guard over Penobscot Bay. Your ride then takes you to the eclectic village of Rockland, home to the Farnsworth Museum of Art, which features an extensive collection of the art of the Wyeth Family, The Island Institute dedicated to preserving Maine’s Island communities, and a number of charming shops and galleries. You finish your day in the picturesque town of Camden, where you enjoy a sunset sail on Penobscot Bay. (B,L,D)Elevation: 2797 ft
Accommodation: The Hartstone Inn
This coastal hideaway in the heart of Camden is considered by Fodor's to be "an elegant and sophisticated retreat and culinary destination."Day 4: Camden - Castine, 53 or 63 mi. (85 or 100 km)
The rolling hills of Camden offer miles of riding on quiet country roads. Follow these roads through the summer community of Bayside and into the coastal town of Belfast and enjoy lunch before a short transfer. Your ride continues along the western shore of Penobscot Bay and into the historically rich town of Castine. (B,D)Elevation: 3517 ft
Accommodation: The Castine Inn
Constructed in 1898, this historic Inn stands one block from the harbor on Main Street. The Inn is a simply elegant building surrounded by a wraparound porch and beautiful, well-maintained perennial gardens overlooking the active harbor.Day 5: Castine - Bar Harbor, 40, 61, 77, or 100 mi. (64, 97, 123, or 160 km)
Your adventure continues as you explore the town of Castine, a historical gem that has flown the flag of four nations during its rich history. Your morning ride through town is a journey through pre-colonial American history. After exploring Castine, your ride continues along miles of quiet coastal roads along Eggemoggin Reach and into the town of Blue Hill before a transfer to Bar Harbor. An optional non-supported route will be offered for those who wish to cycle to Bar Harbor. (B,L)Elevation: 4537 ft
Accommodation: The Inn on Mount Desert
Completed in 2018, The Inn on Mount Desert offers modern amenities in a historic setting on tree-lined Mount Desert StreetDay 6: Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor, 36 or 50 mi. (58 or 80 km)
Today you cycle to the quiet side of Acadia National Park. The ride takes you through Northeast Harbor, along Sommes Sound, and into the town of Southwest Harbor where you pause for lunch. After lunch, you cycle to the Bass Harbor Light before following country roads back to Bar Harbor. (B,D)Elevation: 3538 ft
Accommodation: The Inn on Mount Desert
Completed in 2018, The Inn on Mount Desert offers modern amenities in a historic setting on tree-lined Mount Desert StreetDay 7: Acadia's park loop road, 24 or 30 mi. (38 or 48 km)
You end a memorable bike tour cycling Acadia National Park’s famous Park Loop Road as it winds along the shore and end with a climb up Cadillac Mountain before your noon transfer to Portland.Elevation: 2601 ft
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Map
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred accommodation for each night. You will enjoy a lovely mix of historic and boutique inns and B & Bs. For example, The Hartstone Inn is a “coastal hideaway in the heart of Camden with an award-winning restaurant celebrating regional flavors.” Please note that final hotel list is based on availability.
Bicycles
Road Bike
Kona Libre Road Bike
- Rear rack and panniers
Electric Bike
Trek Verve +2
- Aluminum frame
- Pefal assist system
- 9 - 9-speed Shimano drive train
- Bosch Active Line (250W/40Nm) motor
- 400Wh battery
- Bontrager Boulevard saddle
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 45 c puncture-resistant tires
- Platform pedals (toe clips and SPD pedals are also available on request)
- Rear rack
- Weight 23 kg (51.5 lbs)
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided
Easy version
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- 6 breakfasts
- Standard bike rental with panniers
- Detailed route notes & maps plus turn by turn navigation using the Ride with GPS app (no cellular data needed)
- Luggage transfer
- Round trip ferry Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor
- Roundtrip ferry Rockland - Vinalhaven
- All lodging taxes & gratuities
- Complimentary water bottle & t-shirt
- Emergency Support
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- 6 breakfasts
- Choice of bikes (drop-down handlebar or flat handlebar road bike)
- Detailed route notes & maps plus turn by turn navigation using the Ride with GPS app (no cellular data needed)
- Luggage transfer
- Entrance fee for Penobscot Narrows Bridge
- All lodging taxes & gratuities
- Complimentary water bottle & t-shirt
- Emergency Support
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Lodging taxes & gratuities
- Most meals, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 5 dinners
- Taxes & gratuities for these meals
- Road bike OR e-bike
- Entrance fee for Acadia National Park
- Cycling guide(s)
- Turn by turn directions using Ride with GPS
- Van support including freshwater, ample snacks, and sag support
- Complimentary water bottle & t-shirt
Moderate to difficult version
Guided (moderate to difficult version only)
What’s Not Included
Self-guided
- Lunches & dinners
- Accommodation in Portland before & after the tour
- Electric bike rental (available with supplement)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not mentioned as included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Accommodation in Portland before & after the tour
- Electric bike rental (available with supplement)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Guided
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Dates & Pricing
Dates
Self-guided
Easy to Moderate or Moderate to Difficult
Sundays: May through October 2024
The minimum number of participants is 2
Guided
Moderate to Difficult
Sundays: June through September 2024
Available on request for groups of 4 or more.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Self-guided
Easy to Moderate Itinerary
Twin/double $ 4190 £ 2100 $ 3,783 € 2533 Ft 1049498 kr 369032 ₪ 9574 ¥ 400768 Mex$ 54050 NZ$ 4587 kr 29859 zł 10806 S$ 3587 kr 29272 CHF 2348 $ 2,620 Single supplement $ 1439 £ 721 $ 1,299 € 870 Ft 360515 kr 126767 ₪ 3289 ¥ 137668 Mex$ 18567 NZ$ 1576 kr 10257 zł 3712 S$ 1232 kr 10055 CHF 807 $ 900 Self-guided
Moderate to Difficult Itinerary
Twin/double $ 4190 £ 2100 $ 3,783 € 2533 Ft 1049498 kr 369032 ₪ 9574 ¥ 400768 Mex$ 54050 NZ$ 4587 kr 29859 zł 10806 S$ 3587 kr 29272 CHF 2348 $ 2,620 Single supplement $ 1439 £ 721 $ 1,299 € 870 Ft 360515 kr 126767 ₪ 3289 ¥ 137668 Mex$ 18567 NZ$ 1576 kr 10257 zł 3712 S$ 1232 kr 10055 CHF 807 $ 900 Guided
Twin/double $ 6828 £ 3422 $ 6,165 € 4128 Ft 1710442 kr 601437 ₪ 15604 ¥ 653160 Mex$ 88089 NZ$ 7476 kr 48663 zł 17612 S$ 5846 kr 47707 CHF 3827 $ 4,270 Single supplement $ 1439 £ 721 $ 1,299 € 870 Ft 360515 kr 126767 ₪ 3289 ¥ 137668 Mex$ 18567 NZ$ 1576 kr 10257 zł 3712 S$ 1232 kr 10055 CHF 807 $ 900 Extra Options
Self-guided electric bike: $ 400 £ 200 $ 361 € 242 Ft 100143 kr 35213 ₪ 914 ¥ 38241 Mex$ 5157 NZ$ 438 kr 2849 zł 1031 S$ 342 kr 2793 CHF 224 $ 250
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This tour offers three itneraries. A “light” or easy to moderate self guided itinerary, a more difficult self guided itinerary and a fully guided itinerary. The easy-to-moderate self guided version is designed for those cyclists who ride regularly, and though beginners are still quite athletic. Daily mileage is between 30 and 50 miles. The more difficult self guided itinerary is designed for people who spend a lot of time in the saddle and seek an athletic challenge. Daily mileage is generally 50 and above.
The guided version is rated moderate to difficult. When you see a day with several options in the guided version, remember that there is a support vehicle. The guide will plan on riding the longer distance and the support vehicle is available for pick up at shorter distances.Airport Info
For those traveling from within the USA or Canada, the most practical airport to fly to is Portland International Jetport (PVM).
Local Travel
The meeting location for the group is the Portland waterfront at 8 am. For this reason, we advise arriving at least a day early and booking your accommodation in Portland. Taxis are readily available at Portland International Jetport. The Greater Portland Transit District Metro provides bus service. Route #5 travels to and from the Portland Jetport into downtown Portland.
Climate
The climate in Camden is considered temperate and experiences four seasons. On average, the hottest months of the year are July and August, during which time the daily high temperatures will hover around the mid to upper 70’s. Not too bad for cycling! The nighttime temperatures during this time will generally drop to the mid to upper 50’s. Temperatures begin to drop as the summer winds down but fall is spectacular time of year to cycle here.
Recommended
The night before your tour in Portland, Maine is not included. May we suggest Booking.com for arranging your overnight accommodations?
Important to know
Travel Documents
For US citizens, documents for travel to/from Maine are the same as for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Maine from within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
For Non-U.S. citizens a passport is required. In addition, please research documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Summer Feet.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
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Reviews
Karl R.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Karl R.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer