Historic Carriage Roads
This network of scenic roads was originally designed for horse-drawn carriages, but is also enjoyed by bikers and hikers today.
Guide Sections
Use Historic Carriage Roads's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Historic Carriage Roads Details
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Learn About the Park
Acadia's 45-mile network of carriage roads is not only an important part of the Park's history but also a major part of its unique character. Built between 1913 and 1940 at the direction of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the roads were designed to allow exclusive access to Mount Desert Island by carriage and horse. Today, the roads are mainly used by hikers and bikers; they remain free of motorized traffic, as Rockefeller intended. The carriage roads were and are as beautiful as they are durable. Sixteen feet wide, the roads are paved with broken stone and follow the natural contour of the land. Gentle grading and turns designed for horse-drawn carriages make the roads extremely pleasant for hiking and biking as well. Rustic cedar roadsigns, large coping stones used as guardrails, arched bridges faced with local granite, and ornamental gate lodges are part of the carriage roads' charm -- not to mention the million-dollar views. The carriage roads stretch as far north as the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, circle Sargent Mountain, skirt Jordan Pond, and offer sweeping views of the Somes Sound fjord. Wildwood Stables offers horse-drawn carriage rides and some of the roads are also open for cross-country skiing during winter.
