Price from
2990 USD
Duration
6 Days | 5 Nights
Level
2
Average Ride
Overview
Coastal Maine is home to more charming towns and stunning vistas than anywhere in America and it’s ideal for pedal & paddle touring. The fishing ports & art enclaves, islands & inlets, clam shacks & lobster traps of central Maine are pure down-east, mostly unspoiled and awaiting you with open arms, splendid seas and an unpretentious hospitality.
Our multi-active tour of Maine takes you from the idyllic town of Camden, the “Jewel of the Coast,” up to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, a destination that must be experienced to be believed, resonating with Victorian splendor reminiscent of bygone days. Along the way you’ll meet the locals who make Maine what it is today.
Explore scenic byways and coastal waters, well off the beaten path to savor local flavors, history and the world-famous artistic traditions of this proud state. Maine stands ready to welcome you and Grasshopper Adventures will show you the way, ensuring you’ll speak like a ‘Main-ah’ by tours’ end.
A limited number of Pedal-assist E-bikes are available for this tour on a first-come basis - cost $200.
95-135 miles or 152-216 km riding. Cycling on paved roads with wide shoulders and quiet country lanes. Minimal elevation with frequent stops along the route and a support vehicle always nearby.
Highlights
♦ Pedal coastal towns to lighthouses steeped in history
♦ Paddle the waters off Acadia Nat'l Park brimming with wildlife
♦ Savor the flavor of Maine lobsters, fresh from the sea
♦ Explore Acadia's Carriage Roads, America's most beautiful bikeway
INCLUSIONS
- 5 nights in charming, Maine Inns & Hotels
- 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches & 4 Dinners included
- Sunset cocktails on an historic schooner cruise
- Healthy snacks, fruit & water during activities
- 2 local Maine Guides
- Comfortable van for support and all transfers
- Scenic crossing on the Islesboro Ferry
- Bikes, Kayaks & safety equipment provided
Introducing Naturalist, Author & Guide - Stephen Grace
We are excited to have Steve join our tours in Maine. An author, naturalist and environmental educator, Steve has wandered the world exploring unique ecosystems and habitats and is quick to point out that one of the planet’s most interesting and biodiverse is right in our backyard.
Study and travel has fueled his passion for nature, and while touring the coast and national parks of Maine he will be your go-to expert for all things wild and wonderful, opening up a whole new dimension to your tour experience.
Day to Day
Meet for coffee in Portland before transferring to the start of our ride, coastal views lining our route. We'll kick off our cycling heading to the fishing village of Port Clyde. Watching the lobster boats unloading the ‘catch of the day.’ The local general store here is real down-home Maine, and the town is also famous for its many local artists. About mid-ride we'll stop to enjoy lunch before pedaling on. From here it’s on to the Marshall Point Lighthouse for more wonderful ocean views and a visit to the small lighthouse museum. Tonight's Inn overlooks the sea.
We begin today’s ride to Birch Point State Park and the spectacular Owls Head Lighthouse, standing guard over Penobscot Bay. From here, it is a short pedal to the eclectic village of Rockland, home to the Farnsworth Museum of Art and a must-see viewing of their extensive Wyeth Family collection. Nearby the Island Institute is dedicated to preserving Maine's local communities. Rockland boasts countless charming shops and galleries so there’s time to browse, before pedaling on to the picturesque town of Camden.
This morning starts with a somewhat challenging ride to the Islesboro Ferry. A jewel in the heart of Penobscott Bay, Islesboro's stately pines serve as a backdrop for our cycling tour around one of Maine's prettiest islands. Long and thin the island affords ocean views on both sides of the road. We will pause for a short hike around Pendleton Point before cycling up-island to see Grindle Point Lighthouse which dates to 1850. Late afternoon board the classic Schooner Olad for a two-hour sunset cruise on the bay. After sailing, a free evening in Camden considered Maine's trendiest town for food.
Hike 1 hour - Kayak 2 hours
An early transfer moves us along to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia
National Park. We arrive and start our exploration of the park with a beautiful 2-mile hike on the Great Head and Sand Beach park trail, offering postcard views of the peninsula.
In the late afternoon, we'll take to the water for a kayak adventure of Blue Hill Bay whose waters team with wildlife, often spotting seals, porpoises, and bald eagles while on the water. After our paddle there may still be a little spare time to explore the town before dinner.
Breathtaking scenery, gentle grades plus car-free cycling await today along Acadia’s historic Carriage Roads. A gift of John D. Rockefeller to help the people of America enjoy Acadia’s beauty, the carriage roads pass through stately forests of pine and birch affording panoramic views of Mount Desert Island. Continuing along the shore of Eagle Lake to the Jordan Pond House, we’ll pause for lunch. You can choose to keep cycling and add the one-mile climb to the top of Day Mountain for spectacular views of the Cranberry Islands.
An early morning transfer brings us to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard between Maine and Rio de Janeiro. The peak is the first place to see sunrise in the United States, but due to a new vehicle reservation system it is difficult to access the peak at this popular time. Nevertheless we'll try our luck to catch what we can of the morning views atop the peak, then enjoy an easy 3-mile hike back down. We return to the hotel to shower and breakfast before a late morning departure to Portland, 3 hours south. For anyone wanting to reach Boston on this day, a transfer is available on request.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
Your tour is not just about ticking the highlights, its about having an unforgettable travel experience. On our active-escapes in North America, you'll enjoy a stimulating variety of activities, getting off the worn tourist routes and into nature, while also meeting local experts and learning along the way. Your experience will leave you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and genuinely connected to the people and place.
