Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
A Brief History of the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park ... The story of Acadia and its remarkable carriage roads began early in this century.

One of the most unique and interesting features of Acadia National Park is the network of 57 miles of gravel and crushed rock carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. beginning in 1913. Originally conceived as a way of preventing the intrusion of the automobile into the interior of the island, these roads are designed and carefully engineered to provide easy access to many parts of the park to pedestrians and passengers in horse drawn carriages. They're built to provide especially outstanding views of park features, from wide angle panoramas to intimate views of forests and lakes, while having a minimal impact on the visual integrity of the park. They provide an excellent opportunity for hiking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Today, the Carriage Roads are thoughtfully managed by the National Park Service to provide the intended slow-paced experience where park visitors can totally escape the automobile. And nowhere in America is there a better example of how each generation has assumed stewardship responsibility for a very special place.

Editors Choice:
Carriage Roads
Acadia National Park's official website with detailed history of the carriage roads.

Carriage Road Photos:
Click Here to View Photos
Several Acadia National Park carriage road photos found with a a9.com search.

Good Reading:
Mr. Rockefeller's Roads: The Untold Story of Acadia's Carriage Roads and Their Creator.
A Pocket Guide to the Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park: For Hikers, Bikers, Joggers, & Cross-Country Skiers.

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