Summer resident and experienced horseman John D. Rockefeller Jr. loved the wilderness of Mount Desert Island, and he was none too pleased with the arrival of automobiles to his peaceful retreat in the early 20th-century. Rockefeller decided to develop a network of car-free broken stone roads for horse-drawn carriages. The result is 45 miles of treasured trails that blend into the landscape and provide spectacular views, whether on foot, horseback or bicycle.
This Compass & Key itinerary for wandering Acadia helps you discover the carriage roads by bike, with resources and tips to make the most of your time, whether you have a 1/2 day or full day. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, Carriages of Acadia offers guided horse-drawn carriage rides lasting 1 to 3 hours.
The Carriage Roads Tour
Itinerary Time: 1/2-day to Full Day, depending on the trails you choose
Two Carriage Road Trails to Consider
AROUND THE MOUNTAIN LOOP
Distance: 15.4 miles roundtrip
Time: 2-3 hours, including stops
Difficulty: Hard
Starting Point: Brown Mountain Parking Area
HADLOCK BROOK LOOP
Distance: 4.8 miles roundtrip
Time: 30-45 minutes, including stops
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Brown Mountain Parking Area
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CURRENT WEATHER
To save this hike and our other recommended hikes in Acadia National Park, visit our curated list on AllTrails, where you can learn about other trails in the park and create your own lists to reference through their mobile app.