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Pedal the Coast Self-Guided

Itinerary

What’s Included

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2026 Dates

May - Oct

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7 Days
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Difficulty Level

Moderate - I Own Bike Shorts

Slow Down and Explore the Maine Coast by Bike

An inn-to-inn bike tour along quiet coastal roads, working harbors, and places worth lingering — designed for travelers who want to experience Maine without rushing through it.

Pedal the Coast is a self-guided inn-to-inn bike tour for travelers who want to experience the Maine coast without rushing it. The days unfold at an easy, natural pace — quiet coastal roads, time to stop when something catches your eye, and welcoming inns waiting each evening.

Wake up near the water, log some steady miles, breath the salt air, and take in the views that pull you forward without asking. From the rocky shore of Clark Island to protected working harbors farther up the coast, the full range of Maine’s coastline unfolds ahead of you one mile at a time.

You ride, you eat well, you sleep deeply — and by the end of the week, Maine feels less like a destination and more like a place you’ve settled into.

If you have any questions about this tour, please get in touch.

Highlights

  • Enjoy 7 days of Inn to Inn cycling along the Maine Coast
  • Explore charming towns and coastal villages
  • Cycle in Acadia National Park
  • Enjoy a variety of Maine delicacies, from lobster and smoked salmon to fresh blueberries and the local favorite “whoopie pies”
  • Discover miles of car-free Carriage Roads
Pricing

Tour Price: $2595 per person double occupancy

E-Bike: $250

2026 Dates

Pedal the Coast Self-Guided Tours can start on any Sunday from mid-May through mid-October

Pickup/Drop Off
Portland, Maine (PWM)

Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival, Salt Air, and First Miles

Your Week Begins the Easy Way

We handle the details. You ride and explore.

One of our staff meets you at our waterfront pick-up location in Portland and shuttles you north along the coast to your first inn. Once settled, you roll out on quiet coastal roads toward the working fishing village of Port Clyde — where lobster boats still set the rhythm of the day.

From there, you continue to Marshall Point Light, standing at the edge of the Atlantic. You might recognize it from Forrest Gump — but in person, it’s unforgettable for entirely different reasons.

The riding is relaxed, the scenery is stunning, and there’s no rush to be anywhere but right where you are.

The afternoon is yours. Stretch out on the inn’s lawn with the ocean in view or head out for a walk on nearby Clark Island trails as the light softens and evening settles over the coast.

What You’ll Feel: The immediate exhale. You’re here. The week ahead is yours. And already, Maine is working its magic.

The Day:

  • Transfer: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cycling Options: 24 miles | elevation gain 1,220 ft
  • Meals: None (but dinner awaits at your inn!)
  • Lodging: The Craignair Inn
  • Transfer: 2 hours from Portland to Spruce Head

Port Clyde Rhythm: This town is one of Maine’s idyllic working fishing villages. The lobster boats you see? They’ve been setting out from this harbor for generations.

 

DAY 2 Lighthouses and a Harbor Town

Where the Coast Reveals Itself

Not a tourist — an explorer.

You start the day tracing the edges of Spruce Head before turning east along a string of quiet roads that feel made for bikes.

Today’s route carries you to Birch Point State Park, then on to Owls Head Lighthouse, standing watch over Penobscot Bay. It’s one of those places where most people stop talking without realizing it. Take your time here — you’ve earned it.

From there, the ride leads you into Rockland — a lively harbor town known for art, boats, and good food. Spend the afternoon exploring the Farnsworth Museum, browsing galleries and shops, or simply sitting near the water watching the harbor come and go.

Tonight, you’ll sleep well.

What You’ll Feel: Like you’re discovering Maine at exactly the right speed. Not too fast. Not too slow. Just right.

The Day:

Art Lovers’ Note: The Farnsworth Museum houses one of the finest collections of American art in New England, including extensive works by the Wyeth family. It’s world-class — and you have all afternoon.

DAY 3 Island Time on Vinalhaven

A Day Most Visitors Never Experience

Travel that gives back to Maine.

This morning begins on the water.

An early ferry carries you across Rockland Harbor with wide views of the Camden Hills and the open bay ahead. When you step onto the island of Vinalhaven, things slow in the best possible way.

Spend the day riding quiet island roads, wandering the small downtown, and getting a glimpse of what year-round island life looks like. There’s time to swim in an old granite quarry, explore the island’s back roads, visit the lighthouse on the northwest tip, or simply enjoy the feeling of being someplace most visitors never reach.

You return to Rockland by ferry in the afternoon, with salt on your skin and a full day behind you.

What You’ll Feel: Connected to a way of life that’s disappearing from most of coastal America. Vinalhaven isn’t performing “island life” for tourists. This is the real thing.

The Day:

Island Secret: The granite quarries on Vinalhaven once supplied stone for buildings across America. Today, they’re some of the best swimming holes in Maine — and they’re all yours to discover.

DAY 4 Choices along the Coast to Camden

Your Day to Design

Safe, supported, and designed for every rider.

Today is about options — and that’s the beauty of self-guided.

The ride from Rockland to Camden is short and scenic — just ten easy miles along the coast. Once there, you decide how the day unfolds.

Ride farther into the hills for sweeping views. Follow a route through an oceanfront preserve. Or skip the bike altogether and wander Camden’s harbor, shops, and cafés. Sailing and kayaking are on the table too, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Camden has a way of pulling people in. Enjoy your time in town — on your schedule, at your pace.

What You’ll Feel: The freedom that comes with choice. Today is exactly what you want it to be. No group to keep up with. No schedule but your own.

The Day:

  • Cycling Options: 10, 17 or 32 miles | elevation gain 692-2,319 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging: Blue Harbor House Inn

Camden Character: Where the mountains meet the sea. Camden is what happens when working harbor meets summer resort meets year-round community — and somehow it all works beautifully together.

DAY 5 Acadia’s Carriage Roads

One of the Greatest Rides Anywhere

Breathe deep. Move freely. Feel alive.

This morning, one of our staff transfers you from Camden to Bar Harbor and the entrance to Acadia National Park.

Then comes one of the greatest rides anywhere.

Car-free, gently graded, and designed to be traveled slowly, Acadia’s Carriage Roads wind through pine and birch forests, cross graceful stone bridges, and explore the interior of Acadia National Park. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. so people could experience the park without the noise and air pollution of the newly-popularized automobile, they still deliver exactly that.

It’s peaceful, immersive riding — the kind that makes you forget how far you’ve gone until you stop.

What You’ll Feel: Pure presence. No cars. No rush. Just you, the forest, and the kind of riding that reminds you why you love bikes in the first place.

The Day:

  • Transfer: 2 hours
  • Cycling:  24.4 miles | elevation gain 1,468 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging: The Sand Bar Cottage Inn
  • Transfer: 2 hours from Camden to Bar Harbor

Rockefeller’s Vision: John D. Rockefeller Jr. spent decades and millions of dollars building these roads so future generations could experience Acadia without cars. You’re living his dream today.

DAY 6 The Park Loop Road and a Mountain Finish

Earn the Summit. Savor the View.

The ride that brings it all together.

Today’s ride traces Acadia’s dramatic coastline along the Park Loop Road, where the land drops sharply into the sea and the views keep pulling you toward the water.

Before reaching Jordan Pond, you leave the Park Loop Road for a steady climb up Day Mountain — along the only Carriage Road with a mountaintop finish. From the summit, the Cranberry Islands spread out across the bay before you descend back toward the heart of the park.

Lunch at the Jordan Pond House is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, refuel, and relax off your bike. The popovers are legendary — and after this morning’s ride, you’ve earned them.

Return to Bar Harbor via the Carriage Roads, savoring more car-free miles and wooded scenery.

What You’ll Feel: Accomplished. Strong. Grateful for legs that carry you up mountains and eyes that can see views like this.

The Day:

Jordan Pond Tradition: The Jordan Pond House has been serving popovers and tea since 1896. Some traditions are worth keeping.

DAY 7 One Last Ride, Your Way

Stories You’ll Tell for Years

Accomplished. Proud. Already planning your return.

Your final morning offers a choice — because that’s what this week has been about all along.

If you want a gentle goodbye, ride more Carriage Roads on the Witch Hole Loop, passing beaver dams, quiet ponds, and stretches of road that feel tucked away from everything else.

If you’re craving one last challenge, ride from town to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard — where the coast stretches out in every direction and the week comes full circle.

However you choose to finish, you’ll leave knowing you didn’t rush this place. You lived it. At your pace. On your terms.

What You’ll Feel: Transformed. Seven days ago, you arrived with your bike and your maps. Today, you leave with stories, photos, and the quiet confidence that comes from navigating Maine’s stunning coastline — entirely on your own.

The Day:

  • Cycling Witch Hole Option: 8.3 miles | elevation gain 570 ft
  • Cycling Cadillac Option: 12.9 miles | elevation gain 1,566 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transfer: 3.5-4 hours from Bar Harbor to Portland

Full Circle: You came to see the coast. You leave having claimed it as your own.

Please Ask a Question or give us a call at 1-866-857-9544 if you have any questions.

What's Included

  • Six nights’ lodging
  • All lodging taxes and gratuities
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Detailed route notes and maps plus turn by turn navigation using the Ride with GPS app (no cellular data needed)
  • Daily Luggage Transfers
  • Emergency Support
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  • Hybrid or All Road Bike
  • Round Trip Ferry Rockland to Vinalhaven
  • Summer Feet Souvenirs – cycling water bottle and t-shirt (available in men’s & women’s fit)
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Learn More About this Trip

Download a Detailed Itinerary

Andrew - 2025 guest
★★★★★

My two daughters and I did the Pedal-the-Coast self-guided 7-day tour in Maine in June 2025. It was completely wonderful. Bikes were in excellent condition. The Ride-with-GPS instructions were spot-on, and each day’s rides were well-described in the guide. The lodging accommodations were first rate. Needless to say, the Maine coast was gorgeous, and Acadia National Park was spectacular. The Summer Feet staff were terrific at all stages of our tour, from the pre-tour preparations to the last day airport drop off. We’ve been on several self-guided tours before, and this was the best.

David - 2025 guest
★★★★★

Absolutely outstanding. We completed a full week of a self-guided bike tour through Maine designed and assisted by Summer Feet. The bikes were perfect; the routes incredibly fun; the hotels wonderful; and the views spectacular. Everything was terrific. Never an issue with anything planned. Pickups and transportation so enjoyable with special thanks to Kim and Scott. Highly recommend the plan prepared before us by Norm and his team. It was a great week exploring the coast of Maine.

Marsha W
★★★★★

Our Summer Feet cycle along the Maine coast was glorious. In early September, we had perfect weather. We cycled along breathtaking views. Then we caught our breath in quaint Maine towns and fishing villages. Each evening our luggage was waiting for us at a charming inn, where we were served breakfast before heading out the next morning. The Summer Feet staff were friendly and efficient. We will hope to plan another Summer Feet trip soon!

Donna M - 2025 guest
★★★★★

This mother/daughter adventure was fantastic! Our 7-day coastal Maine adventure was one of the best trips we’ve done! Port Clyde, Bar Harbor, Camden, Vinalhaven, Acacia National Park, we loved it all! …

David M - 2024 guest
★★★★★

We did the self-guided Pedal the Coast tour and it was delightful. The routes were spot on and very scenic. The overnight stays were in wonderful places with lots of history and friendly owners. We only had one mechanical problem with a bike and Norm was quick to respond and I got it fixed at a local bike shop. All of the Summer Feet employees we dealt with were friendly, personable, and knowledgeable and the whole experience exceeded our expectations! We will return.

Jill S - 2025 guest
★★★★★

Once again, thank you soooo much for the most amazing experience last month! Kim, we all just loved you and we felt so lucky to have you as our tour guide / driver! Hope you enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed you! I don’t think I have laughed as much in the last year as I did in those ten days with those awesome and crazy women! Think of you and the trip quite often and will hold those great memories forever!

Frequently asked questions

What type of accommodations are included?

You’ll stay in hand-selected coastal inns chosen for comfort, character, and convenient locations.  These inns are an integral part of the overall experience.

We’re always just a phone call, text, or WhatsApp away.  If you need help with directions, timing, or an unexpected issue, our team is ready to assist so your trip stays smooth and enjoyable.  You and your travel companion will receive a tire changing kit and multi-tool so that you can take care of minor mechanical issues roadside.

Daily rides are planned to feel rewarding without being exhausting.  Distances allow time for breaks, sightseeing, and relaxed afternoons at the inn.  Distances for the Pedal the Coast itinerary are generally 10 to 30 miles per day.

You ride independently at your own pace while we handle routes, lodging, luggage transfers, and support.  Help is always available if needed during your trip.

Yes.  E-bikes are available and make the tour accessible for a wider range of riders.  They provide pedal assistance on hills and longer stretches while still allowing you to ride at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

Your luggage is transferred every moving day and will be at the next inn by 4pm.  You ride with only what you need for the day.

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