Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Rockland, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is a very enjoyable trail from Augusta to Gardner. Much of it is along a high bank of the river with wooded views to the east side. At the Augusta side, in season large sturgeon jump high and loudly flop into the water below the damn. Passing through Hollowell is a treat with its interesting shops and a great halfway stop for drinks and/or food at its several restaurants. Gardner on Thursday evenings has an antique car show in the river park with music and food trucks.
We spent 3 days riding the carriage roads in Acadia. The views are stunning. The roads are wide and smooth gravel. The around the mountain road was especially beautiful with wonderful granite bridges to cross and views other sea, Somes sound, and across Frenchman’s bay. The trail circling Eagle lake is super nice as well. With 45 miles don’t understand the previous review being disappointed about the roads outside of park being closed to bikes. Plenty of fun in the park. Parking can be an issue, we did have to park on side of road once.
So, the positives first. It's a well paved trail with views to a picturesque river.
However, forget the "ring your bell" or "on your left" helps. The proximity to Rt 1 (sometimes within 15 ft. or so) - and the associated traffic noise - all but end any communication, signals, or thoughts of a nice scenic contemplative ride. Also, parking at either end was sparse. And, yes, somewhat thankfully, it is short. A one and done.
Visited on Aug 1, 2024. Basically all trails and carriage roads outside of the Acadia NP are now owned by an entity called Mt. Desert Land and Garden Preserve and closed for bikers. See attached photos. Very disappointing!
I've never been more disappointed in a rail trail than the portion of the Down East Sunrise Trail we rode in Machias. It may be maintained, but it's maintained only for ATV's not for cyclist except mountain bikers and even then the large gravel present would make for a miserable ride. Just don't.
I love the waterfront it’s such a beautiful area and the scenery along waterfront is awesome
The carriage roads of Acadia National Park are among the most beautiful and rewarding places I've ridden. They are unique and unlike a typical rail-trail, but if they were, they would undoubtedly be in the Hall of Fame. The riding on the carriage roads is comparable to the Virginia Creeper Trail, with some climbing and numerous great views, but the carriage roads are generally wider and more engineered. They offer a fantastic range of scenery, including dense forests, lakes, stream crossings over historic stone bridges and spectacular views of the coastal mountains, bays, ocean and inland Maine. With forty-five miles open to bicycles, one can plan a variety of rides from relatively flat and easy circuits around the lakes and ponds to more extended climbing in the mountains. The grade is typically gentle and the National Park Service does a wonderful job of keeping the carriage roads groomed and free of obstacles. Being the only national park in the region, Acadia can be very crowded during the summer and the carriage roads are often congested. Cyclists need to be very careful around horses in particular. The more challenging and remote sections of the carriage roads are typically less crowded, so those are better choices during the summer. Late October to early November is the best time for cycling as the crowds, heat and humidity give way to crisp cool days without insect pests. The carriage roads can easily be ridden with almost any kind of bike except road bikes, but most riders would probably do best with a dedicated gravel bike, fat bike, hybrid or hardtail mountain bike. E-bikes are a common sight and can be rented in Bar Harbor. Suspension is mostly unnecessary but good tires are a must. Surface conditions can range from hardpack to fairly deep gravel, so wider tires with some teeth are helpful. Good brakes are also highly recommended. The carriage roads provide a fantastic cycling experience but they do require hundreds of hours of upkeep so please be sure to purchase a park pass. As a capstone to a stupendous carriage road adventure, Bar Harbor has plenty of restaurants where one can enjoy a traditional Maine post-ride pigout of chowdah, lobstah and beeah. Enjoy!
Trail was ruined by loose stones, ruts, etc. cause primarily by ATV's and generally not rideable, even for wide tires used by a very experienced rider. Other reviews say the same thing. I don't understand why the powers that be allow ATV's on this "trail." Certainly there is support for a more sensible and appropriate use of the trail as well as lots of other places in Maine where you can ride your ATV. With all the need these days for clean air, energy conservation, healthy exercise for our population, preserving animal habitats, etc., why in the world would this continue to be supported along the entire trail no less!
I skied the entire trail over 6 days eastbound in February 2020. There were a few snow machines but they were never a problem. All were courteous and plenty of room to share the trail. Camping was fun and greatly aided by the picnic tables placed trailside. Very enjoyable trip!
Plenty of places to park at either end of this out and back trail. No ATVs allowed, obviously. Just a bit short of three miles, roundtrip. Very easy walk, only downside is that it's very much on the short side, less that 1.5 miles each way, out and back. No facilities along the trail, though there are plenty of opportunities to walk a few dozen yards to visit local businesses and eateries. Dog friendly, on leash please, and a dog waste disposal can is about halfway along the trail. Would that all walking trails made that accommodation!
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