Community Forums

cuffumdano · 08-13-2015, 09:18 PM

Hi all, we are going to be in Acadia NP on the 24-28 staying at Blackwoods campground. We brought bicycles but no car. I understand they run a shuttle to a lot of the attractions. We are debating about renting a car to use while we are there. Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thank you

2011 Serrano 31X
Wonderful Life

BoA36 · 08-14-2015, 08:14 AM

You can take the Island Explorer all over the place and load your bikes on it as well. You can even go into Bar Harbor on the bus. Look up the routes online.

datrbone8 · 08-14-2015, 08:23 AM

If you want to see the "other" Acadia that most people miss, rent a car and go to Schoodic Point. No gift shops, restaurants or tourists but raw Maine beauty

J.Mack · 08-15-2015, 03:32 AM

We just came back and we rented a car. It worked well for us as we were in Trenton by the air field. We got to Cadillac Mt for sunrise (by 5:00am) and were able to stop in some off the track stores and restaurants. The airport only has only five rental units and we went to the local Subaru dealership. Nice people and they gave us a ride back to the campground.

datrbone8 · 08-15-2015, 07:51 AM

Maybe try Ellsworth for car rental

cuffumdano · 08-15-2015, 09:27 AM

Thanks for all the information. I looked up the explorer routes and just happened on to two ladies that camp and bike there every year. They recommended the explorer as well. So that's our plan! Everyone enjoy the rest of summer🌞

2011 Serrano 31X
Wonderful Life

joemcgin · 08-18-2015, 09:44 AM

We did 2 nights at both campgrounds in Acadia last July. No toad or rental car just 2 bicycles. The Island Explorer takes you from your campground to downtown Bar Harbor where you can hop on other shuttles or pick up a commercial tour. They do make the last run of the night fairly early back to the campgrounds so be aware of that when making dinner or evening sightseeing plans.

sinnettc · 08-20-2015, 01:43 AM

We lived on MDI (Bass Harbor) for 4 years when I was a kid and I rode my bicycle everywhere (dated a girl in Bar Harbor 18 miles 1 way). Definitely take the Island Explorer or rent a car. Most of the roads are not made for large RV's.

I still remember the time a big tour bus ran me off the road; somehow I managed to get my feet out of the toe clips, bailed off the bike and landed on my feet. 40 years on I'd be a mess on the side of the road.

MDI is great and lots to do and see. The park loop drive is beautiful, Thunder Hole, Bass Harbor Head, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond House for popovers, lots of carriage trails for hiking or bike riding. There used to be a park service nature cruise out of Bass Harbor that was quite good. If you're into sailing/yachts, Hinckley is in Southwest Harbor and Morris is in Bass Harbor. If it's hot, locals go to the bluffs at Echo Lake for a swim. Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor are upscale, Southwest Harbor, Bass Harbor/Tremont (referred to as the "backside") are less touristy, more rural and traditionally where the majority of year-round working class folks lived. Which is why we lived there too!