Ellsworth is the gateway to Down East Maine. It provides easy access to Acadia National Park, the Down East Coast, and the Penobscot Bay Region. Hardy riders can venture up to Moosehead Lake or up to Caribou for a Harley stamp. There is good riding in all directions. The rides are listed according to the regions underlined in blue on the map. Be sure to click on the many red links for more information.

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Acadia National Park is the second most visited National Park in America. The rocky coast vistas and the view from Cadillac Mountain are justly famous. Highlights include the Park Loop Road, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Otter Point, the Jordan Pond House, Sargeant Drive, Bar Harbor, Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Bass Harbor. Here is a great interactive map of the Park: (map).

Ride #1 - This 131 mile ride is filled with spectacular scenery and many great places to stop. Despite the modest mileage, this is a full day (or two). Lunch in Bar Harbor (restaurant reviews). Highlights include Cadillac Mountain, the Park Loop Road, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Otter Point, the Jordan Pond House, Sargeant Drive, Bar Harbor, Seal Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Bass Harbor. Here is a link with some tips on stops and parking: tips. (approx 4 hours without stops.)

Down East refers to the coast from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border. Highlights include the Schoodic Peninsula, Schoodic Scenic Byway, Blackwoods Scenic Byway, Roque Bluffs State Park, The Blueberry Barrens around Machias, and Quoddy Head State Park.

Ride #1 - This 152 mile ride includes the Schoodic Peninsula, Schoodic Scenic Byway, Blackwoods Scenic Byway, Fox Pond, and OSJ's secret loop around Graham Lake. Lunch at Maple Knoll Pizza. A fun 2-up ride. (approx 4 1/4 hours without stops.)

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Ride #2 - This 235 mile ride includes the Schoodic Peninsula, Schoodic Scenic Byway, Blackwoods Scenic Byway, Roque Bluffs State Park, The Blueberry Barrens around Machias, and Quoddy Head State Park. Lunch at Tall Barney's in Jonesport, Helen's in Machias, or Uncle Kippy's in Lubec. (approx 6 1/2 hours without stops.)

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The Penobscot Bay Region is a pretty coastal region of harbors, fishing villages, and the Camden Hills. Highlights include Deer Isle, Castine, Fort Knox, the Penobscot Observatory, and the view from Camden Hills State Park.

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Ride #1 - This  149 mile ride is for those that want to savor the best of the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle. This ride explores many of the backroad scenic spots and interesting places to see. You'll want to get off your bike often to see the sights. Lunch in Castine (reviews) or MacLeod's or others in Bucksport (reviews). Highlights include Deer Isle, Castine, and the view from the Penobscot Observatory. A great 2-up ride. Here is a link showing the best places to stop and explore: link.  (approx. 5 hours without stops.)

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Ride #2 - This 229 mile ride hits most of the best spots around Penobscot Bay. Lunch in Castine (reviews) or MacLeod's or others in Bucksport (reviews), or Anglers in Searsport. Highlights include Deer Isle, Castine, and the view from Camden Hills State Park (approx. 6 1/2 hours without stops.)

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The Moosehead Lake Region is an outdoorsman's paradise on the edge of the Maine wilderness. Highlights include the Route 201 Byway, Moxie Falls, and Moosehead Lake.

Ride #1 - This 300 mile ride travels north into the Maine wilderness. Lunch in Jackman (reviews and map). Highlights include the Route 201 Byway, Moxie Falls, and Moosehead Lake.   (approx. 6 1/2 hours without stops.)