Carriage Roads Loop — Eagle Lake – Acadia

Distance: 6.0 miles Elevation Gain: 350 ft Difficulty: Moderate Type: Loop Surface: crushed stone Activity: Biking Best Season: Spring–Fall Typical Time: 1–2 hours Fee: Included with park pass Dogs: Yes, on leash Permit: No

John D. Rockefeller Jr. funded and built 45 miles of broken-stone carriage roads through Acadia in the early 20th century, insisting that they remain free of automobiles. Today they form the finest car-free multi-use trail network in the eastern United States. The Eagle Lake Loop is the most popular carriage road circuit, circling the largest lake on Mount Desert Island on a gently rolling crushed-stone surface ideal for cyclists of all abilities.

The route passes beneath Pemetic Mountain and Sargent Mountain, crosses several of the iconic cobblestone-and-granite arch bridges that Rockefeller commissioned from local craftsmen, and offers continuous views across Eagle Lake toward the green ridgelines of the park interior. In fall, the surrounding hardwood forest turns vivid crimson and gold, making this arguably the best foliage ride in New England. Rental bikes are available in Bar Harbor and at the Acadia Bike shop. Horses also use the carriage roads, so cyclists should slow and pass carefully. The surface is well-drained and remains rideable through much of the shoulder season when paved roads are congested.