Western Side of Acadia

Bikers can travel on state highways and on two gravel roads within the Park.

Plan Around Western Side of Acadia

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Western Side of Acadia Details

If you're the kind of cyclist who prefers the crunch of gravel under your tires over the hum of pavement, the western section of Mount Desert Island offers a quiet, woodsy escape. The Seal Cove Road is a four-mile stretch of hard-packed gravel that links the quaint village of Southwest Harbor to the lesser-known Seal Cove. Though cars aren't banned here, you'll likely encounter more squirrels than sedans-aside from the occasional local commuter zipping home. It's an ideal option if you're looking to trade Acadia's busy Park Loop Road for something a little less traveled, with tall spruce trees and glimpses of coastal charm lining your route. For an even gentler ride, the Hio Road delivers a serene, level cruise through a tucked-away corner of the island. Starting from the group camping area at Loop C of Seawall Campground, this 2.5-mile gravel path winds past the peaceful Bass Harbor Marsh and connects directly to Highway 102. Sheltered by woods and fringed by wetlands, it's a favorite shortcut for campers and cyclists alike who want to bypass the traffic and experience Acadia's quieter, marshy magic. Together, these two gravel roads offer a refreshing, backwoods alternative to the island's more famous (and sometimes frenetic) biking routes.

Difficulty

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

N/A