Carriage Roads
Carriage Roads
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- NoraatcSudbury, Massachusetts40,707 contributionsWitch Hole Pond walk… six miles and three hours of happinessWe walked around Witch Hole Pond for the umpteenth time yesterday… it is our one of favorite carriage road loops in Acadia. The walk is six miles long including Paradise Hill, which I highly recommend to do: the views of the ocean and the islands are mesmerizing. The nature is fully awakened now after her winter slumber, the meadows are greener than ever, the pond and the mountains vistas are jaw dropping, the carriage road is not crowded, the frogs have treated us to a loud chorus, and the puzzled turtle was very friendly. This walk is LOVE ❤️.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 30, 2024
- Familien BLRungsted, Denmark99 contributionsAcadia to be experienced by bicycleThe well-maintained gravel roads built for horseback riding are designed for exploring the park by bicycle. They are not too steep, pleasantly wide and form nice well connected routes around the park, with plenty of possibility to customize the length of the trip as desired. We rented the bike at Bar Harbor Bikes which is well located in the park entrance - book it in advance. We drove the route around Eagle pond, Bobble Pond and Jordan Pond. Anyone who is used to cycling should be able to handle the route and it is in the shade most of the way. At the south end we added a ride up Day Mountain, which clearly paid off for the fine views and with the bike in low gear, most of them should be able to get up in somewhat shape. In total we spent well five hours with plenty of stops for snacks, lunch and views.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 11, 2024
- AGBWatertown, Connecticut109 contributionsPerfect family afternoon!Our family loved this! We arrived after a long drive and we were worried about rain, but we went anyway. We parked on 233 at the north end of Eagle Lake and walked our bikes onto the carriage roads. Then, we planned to go to the Jordan restaurant at the southern tip of Jordan Pond or maybe around the lake! The trails were perfect gravel roads for our family, but my youngest (7) had yet to move up to a gear bike so the long hills were a bit hard on her. She made it though! We stopped for views and counting frogs, and the trails were easy to follow when combining the signs with the a photo of the online map. It was gorgeous! A few tips: there isn't any cell reception on the trails, so download an offline map on Google maps before you go. The Jordan Restaurant is packed. We didn't stay and opted for our own snacks instead. It's more hilly than we thought it was going to be. Fine for adults, but my 7 and 10 kids were toasted after 10 mi. Watch out for all the e-bike rentals. They go way too fast and don't have healthy respect or understanding for the kiddos struggling up a hill on their bikes. A couple times I was pretty scared we'd get knocked. From the top of Eagle Lake to the tip of Jordan Pond and back took us about 2 hours with stops. We went about 9.5 miles by my watch.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 3, 2024
- ramahamaChicago, Illinois12 contributionsA ride through historyWe went on the architectural bridge tour and really learned a lot about the Carriage Roads, Acadia Nat'l Park and the Rockefellers. Our guide, Carrie, was a lot of fun, very interesting and unbelievably knowledgeable about the carriage roads. The tour was two hours long, which was the perfect amount of time. A beautiful way to see the park.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 16, 2024
- Meander404512051732 contributionsWonderful wondering on the carriage roads with e bikesThe carriage roads were so fun. We used them from 900 am to 300 pm and went to the lighthouse on the, for lunch. It was a great day riding all over the roads and seeing the beautiful lake and leaves with their beautiful fall colorsVisited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten October 12, 2024
- Beth E1 contributionAcadia National ParkBeautiful National Park!! Don’t miss Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and get the popovers and eat outside then walk the pond. Go to Cadillac Mt but need to get a timed pass before you go!! Also walk a Carriage Trail, stroll Bar Harbor and eat lobster!!!Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2024
- Kelly TKansas City, Missouri130 contributionsYou must see the carriage trails!We hiked two segments of the carriage trails. They are wide trails, to accommodate walkers and bikers. First was around Eagle Lake- It was beautiful. Highly recommend!! Relatively flat very easy walk. Second was from Eagle Lake to the visitor center- We went by a number of beautiful lakes and saw some wildlife. This segment was busier than around Eagle Lake with a lot more walkers and bikers.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Noraatc
Sudbury, MA40,707 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Walking on the Witch Hole Pond loop has become a tradition for us - we do it either on the arrival day to watch the sunset or on the last day of our trips to take a break from serious hiking. The loop has everything: tranquil ponds, ruby colors of blueberry bushes in the fall, smooth granite patches on both sides of the road, fabulous vistas of the ocean from the Paradise Hill, atmospheric stone bridge so typical for Acadia Carriage Roads, beautiful trees adorned in gold and red… Always a joy to come back for this easy 4 miles walk. Parking wasn’t a challenge last Saturday unlike completely mobbed parking lot at Jordan Pond.
We also walked on the Around the Mountain carriage road up to the intersection with Asticou/Penobscot trails and then veered off to the Penobscot Mountain hike, which I highly recommend doing. The road, the bridge, and the views were spectacular along the way. If you are looking for the fall colors in Acadia, walk or bike Around the Mountain.
We also walked on the Around the Mountain carriage road up to the intersection with Asticou/Penobscot trails and then veered off to the Penobscot Mountain hike, which I highly recommend doing. The road, the bridge, and the views were spectacular along the way. If you are looking for the fall colors in Acadia, walk or bike Around the Mountain.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey4two
180 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed bicycling through the carriage roads. The fall colors weren’t quite settled in yet, but it was still scenic and a fun way to explore the park. We did the main loop with our car as well, but biking it was nice, because you’re on isolated interior roads, where you don’t have to deal with the traffic or finding a parking spot. You can hike it as well, but that’ll take a long time to get to the points of interests. Now, here the most important thing: be sure to rent an electric bike, which will make the experience so much easier and enjoyable. Of course it can be done with a regular bike for a reasonably fit person, but there are many hills. They aren’t too steep, but some are fairly lengthy and there are many, and anyone who’s ridden a bike knows you feel every degree of incline. This was our first time riding e-bikes, and trust me when I say it was well worth it. We rode a total of 25 miles, so we were glad we were on e-bikes. As for the carriage roads, be sure to study the map and follow the signs properly, otherwise you can either get lost or loop around unnecessarily. There were many friendly locals, who were walking the trails, and they gave us helpful directions, so don’t be afraid to ask. Bottom line, we’d definitely recommend going on the carriage roads (bike or hike) and experiencing a different way to explore Acadia!
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott W
Chapel Hill, NC30 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Relaxing, peaceful, good views. Worth it. We were not expecting the elevation changes. All four of us (52, 52, 20, 16) are pretty active, but the multiple uphills kind of wore us out. Next time we go, at least half of our group will get e-bikes and we'll trade them around.
Written July 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry H
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Most of the gravel roads (aka carriage roads) are surrounded by trees, from time to time there is a nice view, but the nice views can be accomplished via a hike or car ride.
In any case, it’s a boring bikeride, complete with long uphills and long downhills.
I was going to give it a 3, but I lowered it to a 2 because my wife almost got stampeded by a horse. The reckless equestrian was a guide on horseback who was in front of a horse drawn wagon. Later, I yielded to the horse wagon, as we were on a tight bridge. Do you think I would get a “thanks” or “excuse me”? No.
In sum, I would say the equestrian crowd here at Acadia seems rather entitled.
So…avoid the bike ride unless you want a vacation exercise workout where you occasionally see an inland lake and never a glimpse of ocean.
In any case, it’s a boring bikeride, complete with long uphills and long downhills.
I was going to give it a 3, but I lowered it to a 2 because my wife almost got stampeded by a horse. The reckless equestrian was a guide on horseback who was in front of a horse drawn wagon. Later, I yielded to the horse wagon, as we were on a tight bridge. Do you think I would get a “thanks” or “excuse me”? No.
In sum, I would say the equestrian crowd here at Acadia seems rather entitled.
So…avoid the bike ride unless you want a vacation exercise workout where you occasionally see an inland lake and never a glimpse of ocean.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NF2013_13
Orlando, FL1,066 contributions
Aug 2021
Living in FL my entire life, anywhere else pretty much has elevation. I'd been wanting to bike the carriage roads but after listening to a park ranger, decided to go with the least elevated road which led to Witch Hole Pond. My husband's bike wasn't working properly so I went by myself with my trusty map of the loop around Witch Hole Pond.
I started at the Hull Cove Visitor Center and immediately had to walk the bike up to get to the flat portion of the carriage road. That's ok. The roads were in immaculate condition and beautiful. I was so excited about seeing at least one of them and being on it. I stopped several times to take photos and lowered my gear when I needed to. I only stopped one other time to walk the bike but I could feel the elevation (I also am 67 yrs old but in pretty good shape.) Witch Hole Pond was very pretty and peaceful. I stopped there a while, sat by myself sipping my water and took in the view.
The exciting part was when I got to one of the carriage bridges. It was beautiful! You appreciate Rockefeller for the job he did and the money he spent in this area of the park. He built 16 bridges and many miles of interconnecting carriage roads. He spared no expense.
You can hike them or bike them. No cars which is awesome. So glad I did it!!
I started at the Hull Cove Visitor Center and immediately had to walk the bike up to get to the flat portion of the carriage road. That's ok. The roads were in immaculate condition and beautiful. I was so excited about seeing at least one of them and being on it. I stopped several times to take photos and lowered my gear when I needed to. I only stopped one other time to walk the bike but I could feel the elevation (I also am 67 yrs old but in pretty good shape.) Witch Hole Pond was very pretty and peaceful. I stopped there a while, sat by myself sipping my water and took in the view.
The exciting part was when I got to one of the carriage bridges. It was beautiful! You appreciate Rockefeller for the job he did and the money he spent in this area of the park. He built 16 bridges and many miles of interconnecting carriage roads. He spared no expense.
You can hike them or bike them. No cars which is awesome. So glad I did it!!
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elsa C. L.
New York City, NY5,271 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
It is a nice hike on wide gravel road with lush surroundings! However, our experience was a lesson learned to us. We anticipated a loop trail around a lake like the 3.3 mile trail around Jordan Pond.
We should have looked up the carriage road by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center before hiking. Few people were hiking. Most were biking. There were many portions that were steep inclines which were still manageable; nevertheless, the detour due to road work confused us. We thought we were making a loop in order to return to the visitors center. We hiked farther and farther without realizing until we had hiked 5.5-6 miles. When we turned around and got back to the spot where we were detoured, the lone Park Ranger who we saw informed us that the only way back was another 2.5 miles. We had already hiked 8.5 miles at that point. There was no nearby Explorer bus stop.
We consumed our bottles of water and the parking lot by the carriage road bridge did not have a water fountain.
Our total hiking distance was 11 miles (almost 25,000 steps from 11ish to 3ish) a distance that we did not intend to cover. Good thing that we packed a delicious piece of fresh home made crumb cake by Elsa’s Inn’s breakfast chef that morning!
We should have looked up the carriage road by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center before hiking. Few people were hiking. Most were biking. There were many portions that were steep inclines which were still manageable; nevertheless, the detour due to road work confused us. We thought we were making a loop in order to return to the visitors center. We hiked farther and farther without realizing until we had hiked 5.5-6 miles. When we turned around and got back to the spot where we were detoured, the lone Park Ranger who we saw informed us that the only way back was another 2.5 miles. We had already hiked 8.5 miles at that point. There was no nearby Explorer bus stop.
We consumed our bottles of water and the parking lot by the carriage road bridge did not have a water fountain.
Our total hiking distance was 11 miles (almost 25,000 steps from 11ish to 3ish) a distance that we did not intend to cover. Good thing that we packed a delicious piece of fresh home made crumb cake by Elsa’s Inn’s breakfast chef that morning!
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vir4546
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Friends
We did not go on our carraige ride when we arrived in Bar Harbor. I had booked the ride back in April and at that time I asked about transportation on gettiing to their location. THey said there ws a shuttle from town to the park.
Our cruise ship arrived on October 15th and the shuttle stopped running on the 14th.
UBER, LYFT, Taxi, and anyther means of transportation were unavailable. The town was closing for the end of tourist season. They would not refund our money (didn't expect them to) however they should have had something about end of season on their website. if you book this besure you have transportation to the venue. Im sure this ride would have been wonderful with the fall colors.
Our cruise ship arrived on October 15th and the shuttle stopped running on the 14th.
UBER, LYFT, Taxi, and anyther means of transportation were unavailable. The town was closing for the end of tourist season. They would not refund our money (didn't expect them to) however they should have had something about end of season on their website. if you book this besure you have transportation to the venue. Im sure this ride would have been wonderful with the fall colors.
Written November 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EaglesFan27
Reading, PA695 contributions
Jun 2021
We were wanting to do the Carriage Trail along Eagle Lake, but it is closed due to maintenance. The view of Eagle Lake is spectacular and there is a really neat bridge to see, but other than that the other way was not scenic. I would like to rent a bike next time to see more of the trails. They are a classic way to see Acadia.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AcadiaDreamscape
Mount Desert Island, ME20 contributions
Aug 2019
I love not having to be worried about looking behind us for cars. These carriage roads are well maintained. Some are steeper than others, but all have amazing views of ponds, lakes, waterfalls, stone bridges, or beautiful, scenery. Thank you to Mr. John D Rockefeller for building them and donating them to the park for us all to enjoy.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drew H
Pennington, NJ10 contributions
Jul 2021
many of the sections are closed due to a recent storm that came through in June. If you might consider biking, parking is tricky, and the carriage roads are crowded, and in many places loose gravel, making it a challenge to bike with hybrid tires. best for mountain bikes.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know if you are able to ride a bike up to the summit of Cadillac mountain and if so how long it might take from Bar Harbor (Harborside hotel). Also, do the bike rental places allow you to keep bikes overnight (we would like to go up Cadillac mountain for sunrise). Thank you!!
Written September 28, 2019
I saw one or two bicyclists huffing it up the road. However the roads are narrow and winding and I don’t think I’d do it.
Written October 24, 2019
Is Lyft available to get ride to Bangor airport?
Written August 21, 2019
We hope to rent bikes for a few days, should we reserve them, would we drive into the park or can we stay somewhere where we can bike to carriage trails? Not sure about distances. We are most interested in bike rides and hiking. We hope to hike and bike everyday. How many days should we plan for this area? Where should we stay, we would like to stay in a more quiet luxurious hotel but not too stuffy. What is the best airport to fly in and out of for Bar Harbor, we are coming from California.
Written July 13, 2019
Reservations for almost everything will be in order if your plan is to fly in soon. This is the peak season. Lots of tourists, so reserve-reserve-reserve. For us, a day in Bar Harbor proper was sufficient. It is a cute, tourist-oriented town that can on occasion be elbow to elbow, especially if a cruise ship is in town. Our visits to and from Bar Harbor were mainly driven by going to restaurants in town.
Hiking and Biking? You’re talking Acadia National Park. Get good maps and plot your bikes and hikes out in advance. Bike shop owners will be good sources of information. Unlike, say, the Rockies, Acadia isn’t that high. Cadillac Mountain is about 1,700 feet in elevation, so the hiking isn’t as demanding as some places. It’s very beautiful and worth the trip, so don’t miss it, but it’s not a daunting topography.
The carriage road will make the biking and hiking even easier. These are very smooth surface roads originally laid out and built by John D. Rockefeller through some real crafts people. The wide fine gravel road surfaces are ideal for biking. Again, find a reputable bike shop and I’ll be they can give you good pointers on where to go and how far based on your condition and experience.
We flew in to Bangor, Maine and rented a car. Bangor is a very accessible small airport with connecting service to eastern hubs like LaGuardia and Philly. It’s about a 45 minute drive to Bar Harbor. Use your nav app to get from Bangor to your hotel. It’s a nice drive, and one that will interest you to see how Mainers live. Enjoy your trip!
Written July 14, 2019
Thinking about doing a ranger led tour (which is not cheap and only 6 miles) or just renting bikes ourselves and exploring. If we do this are there maps/guides they give you when renting bikes? Thoughts on which to do?
Written July 6, 2019
We are suckers for ranger-led tours. They do a terrific job of explaining what to see, including great historical background. This was particularly true of the Carriage Road system. Our experience was much richer because we participated in the Carriage Road hike with a ranger. To see (or ride on) a Carriage Road, they just look like roads. There is so much more to know about them. Ranger tours (especially with Anne Warner) maximize the experience!
Written July 7, 2019
Can you rent bikes to ride on the Carriage Roads and if so do we rent them in the park?
Written June 19, 2019
I can answer part of your question. You can certainly ride the Carriage Roads. Renting the bikes shouldn’t be a problem, but I doubt that you can rent them in the park. Check out bike rentals in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, or Ellsworth. I’m sure you’ll find something in one of those towns. Hope you are in shape! Those Carriage Roads have a lot of uphill climbs!
Written June 19, 2019
My husband and I bought new bikes and by the time we travel to the park in early July we will quite honestly not be in the greatest of physical condition! We want to leisurely ride on the easiest trail possible...think 7 year old with training wheels lol
Can you suggest where NOT to go so we don't end up having a bad experience? We plan on spending a morning riding our bikes and possibly going back the next day to spend part of a day if we can move by then.
Thanks
Roberta
Written May 18, 2019

JustPeachy17
Atlanta, Georgia
We did not have bikes, so my advice is based on foot-travel and a carriage ride.
The path around Eagle Lake is about 5 - 6 miles. The part we walked on was near the shoreline, and was fairly level. We only did about 1.5 miles of it, so I cannot vouch for what the rest is like. However, that loop might be relatively easy on bikes.
The paths at the south end of the island, where the carriage ride was, are quite hilly. I don't think those would make for a moderate bike ride.
You might check with the rangers at the Visitors' Center after you arrive, as they'd certainly have better topographical knowledge than me, but that's what I can suggest based on my limited experience. Enjoy the park!
Written May 19, 2019
Where do you book a carriage ride?
Written April 7, 2019

JustPeachy17
Atlanta, Georgia
Check with 'Carriages of Arcadia', which has reviews here on TripAdvisor. They are at the south end of the loop road in the park.
Written April 9, 2019
Do you need to have a wide-tire bike to ride these carriage roads or does a standard street bike do ok? Thanks.
Written August 10, 2018
I have seen both types of bikes in these roads
It is a gravel road so would depend on your comfort level
Written September 25, 2018
Hi- We have a distressingly short amount of time in Acadia (1 day) and want to bike a carriage trail during that time. Can anyone recommend not-to-be missed carriage trails for poor travelers who only get a day in Acadia? Thanks for your help!
Written June 19, 2018
Wife and I are coming out next week. First time, so very excited. We are staying in Bar Harbor and want to rent bikes and ride at Carriage Roads. Since we are unfamiliar with the area, and will be unable to transport bikes with our rental we are looking for suggestions for convenient rental outfits. I appreciate any/all suggestions.
Written June 5, 2018
You can ride from the rental location, or put your bike on the island explorer (thank you LLBean), and get out at eagle lake or jordon pond.
Written June 16, 2018
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