Park & nature
Acadia National Park carriage paths, bridges and gatehouses
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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 explore Acadia National Park carriage paths, bridges and gatehouses at your own pace. A tour is worth it mainly for transport, or for pairing it with nearby sights in one day.
Cheapest way inUltimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour4.2★ · 539 travelers2-3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$17 per personSee dates →
Most bookedNarrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park4.7★ · 1,963 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$61 per personSee dates →
Private & flexible“Classic Acadia” Private Tour: Cadillac Mountain & Thunder Hole5★ · 30 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$895 per personSee dates →Getting there
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