Hiking, Walking or Biking Acadia Carriage Roads

The views of the Atlantic Ocean. Watching all the different birds of prey soar over the forest. Hearing the sounds of the forest come alive and enjoying the fresh air. Seeing the beautiful greens of all the different trees. Watching the sun rise for the first time on United States soil from Cadillac Mountain.

Quick Tips:

Come prepared with trail map, watch, flashlight, water, food, insect repellent, rain gear and a first aid kit. When getting off the main carriage roads and hiking some of the more strenuous hikes be sure to have a partner and make sure someone else has your itinerary or leave it on the dash of your car. Whatever you do be sure to have the proper foot gear to cushion and protect your feet.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best transportation plan is to catch the LL Bean Shuttle Bus into the Bar Harbor Green. From there get a shuttle schedule decide which one you want to drop you off in the park. Then look for a ending point and catch another shuttle back to town when your done. There's never a worry of how your going to get back to your startling point this way. If after hiking some you tire and decide to change your final destination there are other shuttle area stop offs all throughout the park.

Whether your a walker, biker or carriage rider you'll have an opportunity to explore some or all forty plus miles of carriage roads in Acadia. Over a 27 year period, John D. Rockefeller, Jr built a system of carriage roads across his property. Graded and lined with broken stone these roads offered a haven from the "horseless carriage." To link all these roads Rockefeller built some awesome bridges of granite and cobblestones. Thanks to his foresight and the generous donation of land and these roads we can still enjoy the serenity of the Acadia National Park. From within this forest, enjoy the cool afternoon breeze as you look into the canopy of trees.

As you reach the crest of the hills look around, you might catch a view of the sea or a beautiful lake sparkling below you. Sit on one of the rock ledges and enjoy the scenery while taking a rest. Listen to the birds and small animals scurrying around. While on these roads remember to share it with the rest of us. Be polite and travel with caution. There are Park Rangers you can stop if you need anything. Or maybe you have a question. Feel free to ask them when you meet up with them. The rangers are responsible to keep parks safe and help visitors have a great experience.