Stone bridge arches over a road through autumn trees with colorful foliage.

Biking the Carriage Roads of Acadia: Trails and Insider Tips

Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, is loved for its scenic vistas, rocky coastlines, and dense forests. Among its many highlights are the historic carriage roads, which have been around since 1913. These roads offer an especially unique way to explore the park on two wheels. With over 45 miles of crushed-stone paths closed to motorized vehicles, biking along the carriage roads is one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park.

Wooden shed with carriages and equipment, likely for storage, in a rural setting.

A Brief History of the Carriage Roads

The carriage roads were the vision of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., who began building them in 1913. Wanting to create roads free from the growing presence of automobiles, he designed a network of scenic routes that would allow for carriages to travel seamlessly through the landscape. 



Crafted with care and precision, the roads have stood the test of time. Many of the bridges are architectural marvels in their own right, with names like Duck Brook Bridge and Cobblestone Bridge offering both beauty and photo-worthy backdrops. Today, these roads and bridges allow visitors to travel through the park on bicycles to enjoy the beauty of Acadia. 

Biking the carriage roads provides a peaceful and family-friendly alternative to Acadia’s busier hiking trails and motor routes. The absence of motorized vehicles creates a calm environment perfect for riding, especially for families with children or for casual cyclists looking for a relaxed pace. Riders can enjoy everything from a short 2-mile jaunt to a half-day loop covering 20 miles.



The gently graded paths wind through lush forests, past bodies of water like Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond, and over stone bridges that frame lovely views of the surrounding hills and valleys. With well-maintained surfaces and a system of signage that connects loops and destinations, it's easy to tailor your ride for the experience you're seeking.

Why Bike the Carriage Roads?

Stone bridge arches over a rocky stream, surrounded by trees.

Popular Routes and Highlights

Several carriage road loops are especially popular with cyclists:



  • Eagle Lake Loop (6.1 miles): This trail is a favorite for its relatively flat terrain and lakeside views. Perfect for beginners or families, this loop circles one of Acadia’s largest and most picturesque lakes.

  • Jordan Pond Loop via the Amphitheater Road (7.6 miles): A slightly more challenging ride, this route passes through dense woods and past the park’s iconic Jordan Pond House. Visitors enjoy stopping for popovers and tea with a view of the Bubbles mountains.

  • Around the Mountain Loop (11.3 miles): For more experienced cyclists looking for elevation changes and sweeping vistas, this loop showcases some of the most beautiful forest and mountain views in the park.

Each loop is clearly marked, and the park provides detailed carriage road maps at visitor centers and online, making navigation easy for newcomers.

  1. Rent or Bring the Right Bike: Most hybrid or mountain bikes will do well on the carriage roads. Bike rentals are available in nearby Bar Harbor and other local towns.

  2. Plan for the Weather: Maine’s coastal weather can change quickly. Layers and rain gear are advisable, especially in spring and fall. Summer offers the most stable conditions, but also the highest visitor numbers.

  3. Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: While there are restrooms and a few food options at key locations like Jordan Pond House, services are limited on the trails. Bring water, snacks, and a small repair kit just in case.

  4. Share the Road: The carriage roads are shared with walkers, joggers, horseback riders, and sometimes even carriage drivers. Keep right, announce when passing, and always yield to horses.

  5. Start Early: For the most peaceful experience, start your ride early in the day. You'll enjoy cooler temperatures, quieter paths, and more wildlife sightings.

Tips for a Great Ride

Black mountain bike with red backpack sits on a stone wall in front of a weathered stone tower.

In a national park that champions sustainability and environmental stewardship, biking the carriage roads aligns beautifully with the park's goals. It's a low-impact way to see the park while reducing traffic congestion and the carbon footprint, something every visitor can feel good about.

A Green Way to Explore

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or someone looking for a scenic ride through nature, the carriage roads of Acadia offer a truly special way to explore the park. Surrounded by the peacefulness of pine forests and the crunch of gravel beneath your tires, it’s easy to fall in love with this timeless corner of Maine.

Final Thoughts

Stay at Eden Village Motel & Cottages

After spending a day riding on the carriage roads of Acadia National Park, come back and stay at Eden Village Motel & Cottages. Enjoy our 24-acre property complete with fire pit, yard games, and barbeque grills, then cozy up for the night in one of our quaint motel rooms or cottages.


With our convenient location and peaceful surroundings, our accommodations are the perfect place to begin all your adventures. We’re even pet-friendly! Book your reservation with us today!