On a beautiful late spring day in Acadia National Park, the air is filled with the sounds of nature. The crunch of crushed stone underfoot echoes through the tranquil environment, harmonizing with the soft whir of bike tires gliding along the path and the gentle clip-clop of horse hooves. As the last remnants of winter's snow melt away, the iconic carriage roadsan 8.6-mile loop encircling the stunning Jordan Pondare now open for visitors to explore. Tourists, filled with enthusiasm, breathe in the fresh, spruce-scented air while wandering along the trails that have captivated generations of nature lovers.

MacKenzie Bowker, a guide for Summer Feet Cycling & Walking, shares her fond memories of these carriage roads. My first experience on the carriage roads was when I was growing up in Maine. I loved cycling with my dad on these roads because it was a quiet place to be, and wildlife sightings were plentiful. Bowker's nostalgic reflections encapsulate not just the natural beauty of Acadia but also the familial bonds that these scenic paths have fostered over time.

Having traversed numerous trails across various national parks throughout the United States, I can confidently say that few parks provide the unique cycling experience found in Acadia. Many cyclists often have to contend with busy roads shared with vehicles, but within Acadias boundaries, the experience is distinctly different. Here, cyclists can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, far removed from the distractions of modern transportation.

The carriage road system spans an impressive fifty-seven miles, with a remarkable 45 miles located within Acadia National Park and an additional 12 miles in the adjacent Land & Garden Preserve. These roads were initially constructed between 1913 and 1940, an extraordinary undertaking funded by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his family. Their vision was to create an accessible pathway to the pristine and breathtaking landscapes of Maine. Today, these carriage roads are recognized as the best-preserved example of broken-stone roads in the United States, attracting approximately 3.96 million visitors annually, who hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, and ride in horse-drawn carriages along their winding paths.

Rockefellers vision encompassed not only functionality but also artistry. He designed the 16-foot-wide carriage roads to elegantly weave through lush forests, beside serene ponds, and ascend into the striking mountains. The construction entailed a meticulous process, incorporating three layers of rock, stone culverts for drainage, and wide ditches to prevent erosion. Each road features a distinctive 6- to 8-inch crown to facilitate optimal drainage. Enhancing their charm, coping stoneslarge granite blockswere strategically placed along the roads to act as graceful guardrails.

Beatrix Ferrand, a renowned landscape architect who resided nearby in Bar Harbor, collaborated with Rockefeller to design the scenic vistas and select native plantings along the carriage roads. Her commitment to environmental stewardship is apparent in her choice of native species, such as blueberry and sweet fern, which she carefully positioned to beautify the landscape and restore the natural environment following the park's construction.

Moreover, Rockefeller financed the construction of 16 out of the 17 bridges that span the carriage roads, ensuring seamless transitions over cliffs, roads, streams, and waterfalls. Crafted from steel-reinforced concrete and adorned with native stone, these bridges each exhibit unique designs, contributing to the park's charm. Historical gate lodges, including the Jordan Pond Gatehouse (currently closed) and the Brown Mountain Gatehouse, were erected to signify the entrances to this remarkable network of carriage roads.

Among the various loops available for exploration, the shortest is the 4.2-mile Hadlock Loop, which features three charming bridges. For those in search of a more adventurous experience, the expansive 11.3-mile Around the Mountain Loop spans seven bridges and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Detailed park maps are readily available, showing the mileage for each carriage road and clearly marked intersection signposts to assist visitors in navigating the extensive network.

Maintaining the carriage road system is a significant endeavor, especially in light of the challenges posed by Maine's notoriously wet weather, which can wash away critical surface materials. Additionally, vegetation growth contributes to the erosion of the roads, ditches, and drainage systems. A major rehabilitation project occurred 30 years ago, from 1992 to 1995, combining federal construction funds with matching contributions from Friends of Acadia (FOA). Perrin Doniger, FOAs vice president of communications and marketing, explains, This initiative resulted in the establishment of the first endowed trail system in the United States, creating an endowment that allocates over $200,000 annually for carriage road maintenance.

The funds from this endowment, along with a portion of park user fees and additional federal support, have proven instrumental in various upkeep projects, including the management of 182 historic vistas throughout the carriage road network. Such efforts ensure that these stunning views maintain their original splendor.

The Friends of Acadia organization plays a vital role in preserving these trails, with volunteers dedicating thousands of hours each year to restore and maintain the carriage roads. Their tasks include clearing leaves from culverts and ditches to ensure proper drainage and weeding the encroaching vegetation between the coping stones. Since the stones are affectionately nicknamed Rockefellers teeth, we like to call it flossing instead of weeding, jokes Nikki Burtis, FOAs stewardship coordinator.

Visitors to Acadia can also lend a hand through the half-day Drop-in Stewardship Volunteer Program, which invites participation in maintenance projects every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from June through October. On the first Saturday of November, the annual Take Pride in Acadia Day attracts as many as 400 volunteers who come together to prepare the carriage roads for winteran activity lovingly referred to as putting the carriage roads to bed.

The charm of Acadias carriage roads lies in their peaceful atmosphere, free from automobile traffic. This serene environment is a significant draw for various user groups, including hikers, individuals using motorized wheelchairs, cyclists (including those on class-one e-bikes), horseback riders, and those partaking in winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Pets are also welcome, provided they are leashed and no longer than six feet.

It is crucial for visitors to plan before embarking on their journey to enjoy the carriage roads, emphasizes Amanda Pollock from the public affairs office for Acadia National Park. Many of our parking lots and access roads fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer months. Additionally, the roads are closed during mud seasonperiods when the soft conditions can lead to erosion.

Visitors have the option to bring their own bikes or rent them from local outfitters. The fare-free Island Explorer provides seasonal transport with a van equipped with a bike trailer, connecting Bar Harbor to the Eagle Lake Carriage Road Entrance. For those needing assistance, MDI Wheelers offer rides on special electric-assist trikes. Guided cycling trips are also available from outfitters like Summer Feet, which provides itineraries tailored for both weekend excursions and extended weeklong adventures.

Norman Patry, affectionately known as the Big Toe of Summer Feet, has incorporated Acadias carriage roads into his tours for the past 25 years, ever since he founded the company. They represent a wonderful harmony between design and the natural landscape, he remarks. Every ride dazzles me with the richness of the rocks, trees, lichen, and moss.

As visitors continue to explore the scenic carriage roads of Acadia National Park, they discover not only a pathway into the serene wilderness of Maine but also a profound connection to the rich history and environmental stewardship that define this cherished area.