Frazer Point – Schoodic Point loop from Birch Harbor

If you're looking for a quieter, incredibly scenic touring cycling experience in Acadia National Park, the Frazer Point – Schoodic Point loop from Birch Harbor is definitely worth your time. This easy 11.6-mile (18.7 km) route, with only 406 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, making it a perfect high-payoff ride for families or anyone seeking to escape the crowds of Mount Desert Island.

What to expect on Frazer Point – Schoodic Point loop from Birch Harbor

This loop offers a fantastic mix of paved coastal roads and interior gravel paths, giving you varied terrain and views. You'll start by cycling along the Schoodic Loop Road, where continuous, dramatic ocean vistas unfold, showcasing Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island in the distance. The highlight is undoubtedly Schoodic Point itself, where you can watch waves crash against striking granite ledges. The interior gravel paths, while offering fewer water views, wind through peaceful evergreen forests and provide a different, more secluded perspective of the peninsula. While the paved sections are mostly flat, some gravel paths, especially near Frazer Point, can have steeper grades, so be prepared for a bit more effort there. This route is ideal for recreational riders and families who appreciate stunning coastal beauty without the usual crowds.

Planning your visit

The Schoodic Peninsula is known for its tranquility, offering a serene escape within Acadia National Park. Parking is available in Birch Harbor, and Frazer Point itself has restrooms and is a great spot for a break. During the summer, the free Island Explorer shuttle bus, equipped with bike racks, can help you cover sections of the route or return to your starting point if needed. This area is intentionally managed for low visitation, so you'll find a peaceful atmosphere year-round, though summer offers the convenience of the shuttle.

Trail details

• Distance: 11.6 miles (18.7 km)
• Elevation gain: 406 feet (124 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 11 minutes