Park & nature
Acadia National Park carriage paths, bridges and gatehouses
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Acadia National Park carriage paths, bridges, and gatehouses form a 45-mile network of broken-stone roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940. Designed for horse-drawn carriages, these paths wind through forests, around lakes, and over 16 hand-built stone bridges, each with unique designs. Today, they are popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering a peaceful way to explore the park's interior. The gatehouses, built as entrances, add historical context. No motor vehicles are allowed, ensuring a quiet, scenic experience.
Don't miss
- Bike the loop around Eagle Lake for stunning water views
- Cross the ornate stone bridges, especially the triple-arch bridge at Jordan Pond
- Visit the gatehouse at the Park Loop Road entrance for a glimpse of Rockefeller's vision
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Acadia National Park carriage paths, bridges and gatehouses
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inUltimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour4.2★ · 536 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →
Most bookedNarrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park4.7★ · 1,956 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$67 per personSee dates →
Private & flexible“Classic Acadia” Private Tour: Cadillac Mountain & Thunder Hole5★ · 30 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$895 per personSee dates →More attractions in Bar Harbor
