Backroads | Maine Family Multisport

Maine Family Multisport

"Why go West," asked legendary writer Henry David Thoreau, "when Maine has everything?" The Pine Tree State is indeed blessed with an abundance of natural splendors, creating the perfect landscape for families to explore. Discover the region's history, along with its rocky coastline, granite cliffs and pristine beaches. Breathe crisp clean air and delight in weathered fishing villages, where life still rings with old New England charm. Bike to hidden coves and along quiet country lanes. Kayak on an idyllic lake, surrounded by verdant forests and lined with stretches of sand. And top off your day with succulent lobster. Journey with Backroads and experience the same enchanting world that charmed Thoreau so long ago.

Days 1-3 northeast harbor

Meet in Portland Shuttle to Northeast Harbor Hike to the top of Cedar Swamp Peak to get a bird's-eye view of Somes Sound, the only fjord on the Atlantic Coast Explore Acadia National Park by bike, pedaling along quiet car-free carriage lanes and over arched bridges On foot, wind your way through birch and evergreen forests to the summit of Gorham Mountain for panoramic vistas of sea and shore Pay an afternoon visit to Bar Harbor or Northeast Harbor Get ready for a classic Maine culinary experience: fresh lobster! Kids learn to rock climb on oceanside rock formations with expert guides.

Days 4-6 Camden

After shuttling to historic Castine, bike through Revolutionary War battlefields, then walk to the lighthouse and sample fresh scallops, clams and oysters Head to the harbor town of Camden aboard our private boat Explore the unique galleries and shops on Camden's Main Street Pedal to picturesque Rockport, enjoying more postcard-perfect views of quintessential New England life Kayak through the waters of Lake Megunticook, looking out for ospreys or diving loons Visit the impressive Farnsworth Museum in Rockland Hike to Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook and take in the same stunning view of Camden Harbor that inspired poet Edna St. Vincent Millay.

MARITIME RETREATS: Premiere Inns

Asticou Inn (3 nights): A landmark along the coast of Maine since 1883, this scenic gray-shingled retreat sits on a hill with commanding views of Great Harbor.

Blackberry Inn (2 nights): A nicely restored Victorian just blocks from the heart of the charming village of Camden.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

Level 1 1 Route Option Available
Hiking 3.5 miles
500 - 1500 feet elevation gain

Day 2

Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
Biking 20, 25, 43 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 3

Level 1 3 Route Options Available
Walking 3.4 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Hiking 3.5, 3.5 miles (adults)
500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Rock climbing 3 hours (kids)

Day 4

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
Biking 6, 14 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
Biking 6, 26 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Sea Kayaking

Day 6

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
Hiking 1.5, 4.5 miles
500 - 1500 feet elevation gain

On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.

Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level	Average Time	Average Distance
		Biking	Walking & Hiking
Level 1	2-3 hours	10-20 mile	2-5 miles
Level 2	2-4 hours	21-30 miles	5-7 miles
Level 3	3-5 hours	31-40 miles	7-9 miles
Level 4	4-6 hours	41-55 miles	9-11 miles
Level 5	5-7+ hours	56-75+ miles	11-13+ miles

2009 DATES

FAMILY TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Due to restrictions at some of our accommodations, the minimum required age for this trip is 6 years old.

Minimum age restrictions:

Ride own bike: 6 years
Kayaking: 5 years

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities and route
9+ difficulty of activities and route
6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Guest Trip Reviews

Backroads continues to be my tour company of choice. The attitude of your leaders is what sets you apart.

Dick Oberg - Everett, WA