Proper tires for Acadia in Maine?

[1x1Dave]

I recently received my confirmation from BikeVermont for their Maine bike tour in June. My question to the board is one of tire choice. They mention bringing a set of 32c tires for riding the carriage roads in Acadia. Have any of you ridden there? Is that tire suggestion just their way of erring on the safe side for people who are not particularly experienced on a bike? Sounds like a huge tire to me but then again, I have never ridden a carriage road. Any input or personal anecdotes from your own rides there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

[AA]

A 32c tire (1.25") sounds like it would work well. The carriage roads are pretty well groomed cinder (stone dust) paths you could probably get away with a standard road tire in most places but the downhill corners would be scary and there are always a few washboard sections that could use a bigger tire. If you are riding a mt bike use any kind of slick tire and you will be all set.

[C.P.]

I agree with AA, esp if you'll be riding a fully loaded tour bike.
Here's a good idea of what most of the roads look like.

http://www.customvisuals.net/catalogs/previews/Photos_as_art/p0000000101.jpg

[ride in maine]

Road in there last year with cyclocross tires,and was more than comfortable riding it all. Have fun ltr Calvin Weeks

[imploded]

The CR's are fun to explore the park. Plan on a lot of low-speed (under 12mph) riding - there are a lot of tourists on the CR's and it does nothing but completely tick off hikers if you are blasting along.

'Cross tires on a 'cross frame only for those who are more experienced, 32c's or a slick 1.95" on a mtb will be nice. Some of the corners have a lot of wash and would be a solid pucker moment on skinny sneakers.

Cheers,

-Andrew

[GW]

Hi Dave,
I've ridden every inch of the carriage trails (about fifteen years in a row), and skinny tires (1.5-1.75) on your mountain bike will do just fine. I suggest you use a fairly decent tread pattern (NO SLICKS!) so you can enjoy all the curvy decents. The roads are very hard packed for the most part, but there's enough loose stuff for your tires to bite into. And when you go on pavement, the skinny tires will do just fine.
Be sure to climb up to Day Mountain when on the carriage roads. And save some energy to climb Cadillac Mountain when you ride the Park Loop Road. It's an easy climb, you'll have all the gears you need. Enjoy the view, and have a lobster for me.
GW :)

[1x1Dave]

Thanks for all the great feedback. As luck would have it I happened to buy a 'cross bike about 8 months earlier than I had planned. That made my bike and tire decision very easy. I will now be exploring Acadia on a shiny new(to me anyway) Giant TCX. Should be great fun.