Acadia National Park is one of America's greatest national treasures along the Eastern Seaboard. It is enriched by a gift by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. around 100 years ago by his creation of the famous carriage roads of Mount Desert Island. Explore the stunning Mount Desert Island and discover around 45 miles of rustic carriage roads.
Acadia is full of rewarding hikes - some of which are very crowded while others are quieter, strenuous, and not for beginners. But while there plan to hike or cycle at least some of the carriage roads and see the many charming stone bridges of the network. See the work of a man who loved relaxing in nature away from noisy vehicles and then gifted his lands and creation to the American people.
The Project Of John D. Rockefeller Jr.
John D. Rockefeller Jr. was a skilled horseman who took exception to the growing presence of early automobiles on the tranquil Mount Desert Island. While he was unable to get the automobiles banned from the island, took to building a network of motor-free byways for horse and carriage into the heart of the island (mostly on the east side of the island).
- Where: On Mount Desert Island
- Builder: John D. Rockefeller Jr.
In a way, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was following in the footsteps of his father, John D. Rockefeller Sr., who had previously built carriage roads on his private estates in Ohio and New York. He acquired the love of building roads and personally oversaw the construction of the carriage roads so that he wouldn't need to encounter automobiles while relaxing on the island.
Acadia National Park - one of the most popular in the US - was largely created out of land donated by Rockefeller. Most of the carriage roads are within the boundaries of the National Park and have been listed on the list of National Historic Places since 1979.
What To Know About the Rustic Carriage Roads
Rockefeller took pains to ensure the roads flowed with the natural setting and even built them with consideration to Maine's wet coastal climate.
- Length: 45 Miles of Rustic Carriage Roads
- Built: Between 1913 and 1940
- Bridges: Sixteen Granite Bridges
The carriage roads are around 16 feet wide and span streams with stunning stone-faced bridges. There are also gate lodges that act as impressive welcomes to the carriageways. Follow them across streams, past waters, and by cliff sides. The granite coping stones that are used as guardrails lining the roads are affectionately called "Rockefeller's teeth."
- Surfaced: The Roads Are Mostly Surfaced by the National Park Service With Fine Gravel
The carriage roads are laid out in such a way so as to take advantage of the island's natural terrain, and to provide access to fine views of the area's lakes, mountains, and bays. There are also numerous footpaths branching off from the carriageways into the woods.
Using The Carriage Roads Today
Today people can hike and enjoy a nostalgic carriage ride down these rustic roads with their sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape. The carriage roads are an example of broken-stone roads that were common at the time of the turn of the century.
Today the Carriageways are not just limited to horse-drawn carriages - pedestrians and cyclists are also welcome to use them. Motor vehicles remain forbidden. Be prepared for crowds though, some segments of the roads are extremely popular.
- Motor Vehicles: Remain Forbidden On The Carriage Roads
Come in the winter and most of the network is open to cross-country skiing and a small part to snowmobiling.
- Winter: Open To Skiing and A Part to Snowmobiling
One can rent bicycles from Acadia Bike and explore the scenic network. One of the favorite routes for cycling is the 22-mile-long Park Loop Road. It also includes several miles along Ocean Drive (that part is heavily traveled by cars and recreational vehicles.
The roads were built for horses and today most of the roads are open to horseback travel either on a carriage ride with Wildwood Stables or with one's personal horse. Before setting off on the timeless carriage roads, download a copy of the Carriage Road User's Map to better identify the trails, routes, and roads where horses are permitted.