The carriage road network at Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine covers 45 miles of crushed-granite surface and represents one of the most significant acts of private conservation philanthropy in American history. John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed and directed the construction of the entire system between 1913 and 1940, spending summers in the region and determined to create motor-free routes through the park's interior. His opposition to automobiles on the island was the founding impulse, and that purpose remains park policy today: all motorized vehicles are permanently prohibited on the carriage roads. Seventeen hand-crafted stone arch bridges punctuate the network, each unique in design and executed in locally quarried Acadia granite — Hadlock Brook Bridge, Cobblestone Bridge, Duck Brook Bridge, and the Amphitheater Bridge are among the most photographed. The roads wind through Acadia's spruce-fir and mixed hardwood forest, trace the shorelines of Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, Long Pond, and the Hadlock Ponds, and open onto ridgeline views of the interior peaks and the Atlantic coast. The most popular cycling circuits are the Eagle Lake Loop (5.9 miles, largely flat and accessible for families) and the Jordan Pond Loop (3.5 miles, ending at the Jordan Pond House popover lawn). The Around-the-Mountain Circuit covers roughly 12 miles and links the southern and western carriage road segments, passing the majority of the historic stone bridges. Bike rentals are available in Bar Harbor from Acadia Bike and other outfitters on Cottage Street. Horse-drawn carriage tours depart Wildwood Stables inside the park from June through Columbus Day, operated by Carriages of Acadia (reservations required). Autumn is the most visually rewarding season: late September and October bring peak foliage color over the reflecting pond surfaces, transforming the carriage road corridors into one of the premier fall-color cycling experiences in New England. In winter the roads remain open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though no grooming is provided.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open daily year-round (snow-covered in winter); Horse carriages operate June–Columbus Day
- Best time
- June–October for cycling; autumn for foliage
Location
Eagle Lake Carriage Road Entrance, Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
44.3654, -68.2599 View on map
Highlights
- 45 miles of motor-vehicle-free crushed-granite roads — the largest non-motorized recreation network in Acadia National Park
- 17 hand-crafted stone arch bridges built of local Acadia granite, each unique in design and placement
- Eagle Lake Loop (5.9 miles) and Jordan Pond Loop (3.5 miles) — the most accessible carriage road circuits
- Horse-drawn carriage tours from Wildwood Stables inside the park, June through Columbus Day
- Peak autumn foliage over Acadia's ponds in late September–October — one of New England's finest fall-color rides
Tips for visiting
- Rent a bike in Bar Harbor from Acadia Bike on Cottage Street — the most efficient way to cover multiple loops in a day
- Pick up a carriage road map at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center; junctions are numerous and easy to miss without one
- The Eagle Lake Loop is the flattest route and the best option for families or riders of mixed fitness levels
- Book horse-drawn carriage tours with Carriages of Acadia at Wildwood Stables in advance for July and August dates
- Visit late September or October for peak foliage over the pond reflections along the carriage road corridors
- The Jordan Pond House serves popovers and tea on its lakeside lawn — plan a lunch stop on the Jordan Pond Loop
When to visit
June through October for cycling, walking, and horse-drawn carriage tours with peak summer activity and the full range of access options. Late September and October provide the most visually rewarding experience as autumn foliage peaks over Acadia's ponds and through the forest corridors.
Accessibility
The crushed-granite carriage road surface is more accessible than natural hiking trails and supports hand cycles and some powered mobility devices on the flatter sections. The Jordan Pond area has a paved accessible path near the Jordan Pond House restaurant. Road grades vary — pond-level circuits are generally gentle, while some connector climbs are steeper. Staff at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center can advise on the flattest routes for visitors with mobility limitations.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Are the Acadia carriage roads free to use?
Walking and cycling the roads is included with the Acadia National Park vehicle pass ($35 for seven days). Horse-drawn carriage tours through Carriages of Acadia charge separately, starting around $30 per person for a one-hour ride.
How long does a carriage road bike ride take?
The Jordan Pond Loop (3.5 miles) takes about 1 to 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace. The Eagle Lake Loop (5.9 miles) takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. Combining multiple loops for a full-day ride of 15 to 20 miles is common among experienced cyclists.
Can visitors use the carriage roads in winter?
The roads are open year-round. In winter they are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow-covered. Bike rentals and horse-drawn carriage tours operate seasonally from June through October only.