Day 1: Portsmouth
Arrive independently in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the starting point for your journey along the Maine coast. There is no cycling scheduled today, giving you time to reach Portsmouth and prepare for the first riding day.
Meals: -
Chat with us on WhatsApp. We're just a message away.Self-Guided
at your own pace
14 days
671 km
~48 km/day
moderate
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
ends Bar Harbor, Maine
2–12
participants
Casual+ Inns (4★)
Jun – Sep
Experience the quintessential beauty of Maine's dramatic coastline on this unforgettable 16-day cycling adventure from Portsmouth, NH to Bar Harbor, ME. This self-guided inn-to-inn journey takes you through charming fishing villages, past iconic lighthouses standing sentinel on rocky shores, and along scenic harbors dotted with colorful lobster boats. Visit beloved coastal towns including Kennebunkport, Portland, Camden, and Belfast before reaching the crown jewel of Acadia National Park. With 13 days of cycling through breathtaking coastal landscapes, daily luggage transfers, GPS navigation, and stays at carefully selected charming inns, you'll enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Indulge in Maine's culinary treasures including fresh lobster, smoked salmon, wild blueberries, and the iconic whoopie pie while cycling at your own pace along this spectacular coastal route.
Highlights
Experience the charm of Maine's most beloved coastal communities including Kennebunkport, Portland, Camden, and Belfast. Each town offers its own unique character, from historic harbors and working waterfronts to vibrant arts scenes and excellent dining.
Spend four nights based in Bar Harbor with three full days to explore Acadia National Park. Ride the famous carriage roads, cycle the Park Loop Road, and take a ferry to the quieter Schoodic Peninsula for a comprehensive Acadia experience.
Savor the flavors of coastal Maine with fresh lobster, locally smoked salmon, wild blueberries, and authentic whoopie pies. The route takes you through some of Maine's best food destinations, including Portland's renowned restaurant scene.
Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure.
| Day | Place | Casual+ Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Portsmouth | - | - | - | - |
| 02 | Kennebunkport | Colony Hotel | B | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| 03 | Scarborough | Higgins Beach Inn | B | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| 04 | Portland | Portland Regency | B | 35 km / 22 mi | cycling |
| 05 | Freeport | Harraseeket Inn | B | 31 km / 19 mi | cycling |
| 06 | Newcastle | Tipsy Butler | B | 68 km / 42 mi | cycling |
| 07 | Newcastle | Tipsy Butler | B | - | - |
| 08 | Rockland | Berry Manor Inn | B | 61 km / 38 mi | cycling |
| 09 | Camden | Blue Harbor House Inn | B | 45 km / 28 mi | cycling |
| 10 | Belfast | Jeweled Turret Inn | B | 47 km / 29 mi | cycling |
| 11 | Bucksport | Fort Knox Park Inn | B | 37 km / 23 mi | cycling |
| 12 | Surrey | Under Canvas Maine | B | 64 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| 13 | Bar Harbor | Sand Bar Cottage Inn | B | 43 km / 27 mi | cycling |
| 14 | Acadia Carriage Roads | Sand Bar Cottage Inn | B | 43 km / 27 mi | cycling |
| 15 | Schoodic Peninsula | Sand Bar Cottage Inn | B | 48 km / 30 mi | cycling |
| 16 | Acadia National Park | Sand Bar Cottage Inn | B | 34 km / 21 mi | cycling |
Meals: B = Breakfast · L = Lunch · D = Dinner
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives.
Arrive independently in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the starting point for your journey along the Maine coast. There is no cycling scheduled today, giving you time to reach Portsmouth and prepare for the first riding day.
Meals: -
Begin your coastal journey with a scenic ride from Portsmouth to the picturesque village of Kennebunkport. This quintessential Maine seaside town is known for its elegant historic homes, charming harbor, and beautiful beaches. Enjoy your first day of cycling along the stunning coastline.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Elevation Gain: 390 m
Accommodation: Colony Hotel
Continue your journey north along the coast to Scarborough, home to beautiful sandy beaches and scenic coastal views. The ride offers a mix of coastal roads and quiet byways, with opportunities to explore charming seaside communities along the way.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 55 km / 34 mi
Elevation Gain: 273 m
Accommodation: Higgins Beach Inn
A shorter ride brings you to Portland, Maine's vibrant coastal city. Known for its thriving food scene, historic Old Port district, and working waterfront, Portland offers plenty to explore. Consider arriving early to enjoy the city's excellent restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
Elevation Gain: 281 m
Accommodation: Portland Regency
A pleasant ride north brings you to Freeport, famous as the home of L.L.Bean and a shopper's paradise. Beyond the outlet stores, Freeport offers charming downtown streets and easy access to beautiful coastal scenery.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 31 km / 19 mi
Elevation Gain: 319 m
Accommodation: Harraseeket Inn
Your longest ride yet takes you deeper into mid-coast Maine to Newcastle. This challenging but rewarding day showcases the region's rugged beauty with rolling hills, coastal views, and charming villages. Newcastle sits along the Damariscotta River, known for its oysters and maritime heritage.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 68 km / 42 mi
Elevation Gain: 667 m
Accommodation: Tipsy Butler
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Newcastle. Explore the Damariscotta region, visit local oyster farms, browse antique shops, or simply relax and recharge for the days ahead. This is the perfect opportunity to explore at a leisurely pace without the bike.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Tipsy Butler
Resume your journey with a ride to Rockland, a thriving arts community and working fishing harbor. The ride features more challenging terrain with rewarding coastal views. Rockland is home to the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum and the Maine Lobster Festival.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 61 km / 38 mi
Elevation Gain: 745 m
Accommodation: Berry Manor Inn
Today's route offers a choice. The direct ride from Rockland to Camden is just 21 km, leaving time to explore Camden. Riders looking for more mileage can choose an extended route through the surrounding hills or an oceanfront preserve. Other optional activities mentioned by the source include sailing, kayaking or simply relaxing.
Cycling: 21 km or 45 km Elevation gain: 235 m or 626 m
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Elevation Gain: 626 m
Accommodation: Blue Harbor House Inn
Ride along Penobscot Bay to Belfast, a vibrant small city with a beautifully preserved downtown and thriving arts scene. The route offers stunning bay views and passes through quintessential coastal Maine landscapes.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 47 km / 29 mi
Elevation Gain: 645 m
Accommodation: Jeweled Turret Inn
Begin by crossing the old railroad bridge over Belfast Harbor, then head inland to avoid traffic on Route One. Continue toward Bucksport, situated at the mouth of the Penobscot River. The source highlights Fort Knox and the Penobscot River Observatory as possible places to visit during your stay.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 37 km / 23 mi
Elevation Gain: 485 m
Accommodation: Fort Knox Park Inn
Continue from Bucksport toward Surry on one of the longer riding days of the itinerary. After completing the day's miles, settle into Under Canvas Maine, a glamping accommodation on the Maine coast, offering a different overnight experience from the inns used earlier in the journey.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 64 km / 40 mi
Elevation Gain: 823 m
Accommodation: Under Canvas Maine
Arrive in Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park and your home base for the next four nights. This charming resort town offers excellent restaurants, shops, and access to one of America's most beloved national parks. The ride offers beautiful views as you approach Mount Desert Island.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 43 km / 27 mi
Elevation Gain: 446 m
Accommodation: Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Explore Acadia National Park's famous carriage roads, a network of scenic gravel paths built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. These car-free roads wind through forests, past lakes, and over historic stone bridges, offering an intimate experience of the park's interior beauty.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 43 km / 27 mi
Elevation Gain: 520 m
Accommodation: Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Take the ferry to Winter Harbor and explore the quieter Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park. This less-visited area offers dramatic rocky coastline, crashing waves, and peaceful cycling on the scenic loop road. The round-trip ferry is included in your tour.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 48 km / 30 mi
Elevation Gain: 475 m
Accommodation: Sand Bar Cottage Inn
Enjoy a final ride through Acadia National Park, perhaps tackling the Park Loop Road with its stunning ocean views and access to Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and Jordan Pond. After your ride, transfer back to Portsmouth to conclude your memorable Maine Coast cycling adventure.
Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 34 km / 21 mi
Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.
Historic oceanfront hotel with classic Maine charm and beautiful views of the Atlantic.
Charming beachfront inn offering comfortable accommodations steps from a beautiful sandy beach.
Elegant hotel in the heart of Portland's Old Port district, perfect for exploring the city's vibrant dining and cultural scene.
Upscale country inn offering luxurious accommodations and excellent dining in the heart of Freeport.
Boutique inn with distinctive character and hospitality in the heart of Maine's mid-coast region.
Beautifully restored Victorian mansion offering elegant accommodations in Rockland's historic district.
Charming inn in one of Maine's most picturesque coastal towns, within walking distance of Camden's harbor and downtown.
Victorian-era inn featuring unique architecture and warm hospitality in downtown Belfast.
Comfortable accommodations near the historic Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
Unique glamping experience with luxury safari-style tents near Acadia National Park, offering a memorable night under the stars with modern comforts.
Welcoming inn in Bar Harbor providing comfortable accommodations and easy access to Acadia National Park and downtown.
Lodging
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
Bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
Meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Airport Pickup
We recommend to book directly from airport.
Airport Drop
We recommend to book directly from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases due to height or availability constraints, we may provide an equivalent alternative.
Fuji Absolute 1.7 or similar
hybrid
Included in your trip price
Norco VFR 1 or similar
hybrid
Included in your trip price
TREK VERVE 2 + or similar
ebike
Available at a surcharge
Batch Low Step or similar
ebike
Available at a surcharge
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Bar Harbor, Maine
Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
The tour begins in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and ends in Bar Harbor, Maine, with a transfer back to Portsmouth on the final day. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), approximately 60 miles from Portsmouth. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is a larger alternative, about 60 miles south of Portsmouth. Plan to arrive in Portsmouth the day before your tour starts (Day 1) to be ready for your first ride on Day 2. Arrange your departure flight from Portland or Boston after the transfer returns to Portsmouth on Day 16, ideally in the late afternoon or evening to allow time for the return journey.
The best time for cycling the Maine Coast is from late May through October, with July through September offering the most reliable weather. Summer months (July-August) bring warm temperatures ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C) with occasional hot days, though coastal breezes keep conditions comfortable. These months are popular but can be busy in tourist areas. Early fall (September-October) is exceptional with cooler temperatures (60-70°F/15-21°C), fewer crowds, and spectacular fall foliage beginning in late September. Spring (late May-June) offers mild temperatures (60-70°F/15-21°C) and blooming wildflowers, though some days can be cool and rainy. Maine's coastal weather can be changeable year-round, so layers are essential. Fog is common in spring and early summer. Rain is possible in any season, but prolonged wet periods are less common in summer and early fall. The tour operates during the prime cycling season when all attractions and accommodations are fully open.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Mixed
May
Good
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Best
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Check for updates close to departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance, including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses, and personal liability, travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact through our reservation form. If you cannot provide proof, you'll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Keep your emergency contact number and policy number accessible while traveling.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly. We recommend comparing policies and choosing the one that best fits your needs. A useful place to start is Insured Nomads.