Acadia National Park is considered one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the state of Maine. With hiking trails that wind through forest as well as some that hug the rocky coast, a visit to the state’s only national park property offers the best of what Maine’s landscape offers. One of our favorite ways to see it is traveling the 45 miles of carriage roads, originally given to the park by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family. Today you can see them the way they were intended by signing up for one of the fun carriage rides found right inside the park!
Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park offers visitors the only opportunity for daily guided tours along the famed Carriage Roads.
Cherie1971695 / TripAdvisor
The stables are operated by Carriage of Acadia, owned by Mike Carpenter who has been a resident of northern Maine and an avid equestrian his entire life. Today his daughter Emily, also a lover of horses, handles daily operations.
Brent West / Google
Tours take visitors along a portion of the carriage roads which have been an important part of the park since the very beginning.
Marie G / TripAdvisor
In fact, these roads are some of the most scenic in all of Mount Desert.
Autumn G / TripAdvisor
Built between 1913 and 1940, the purpose of the carriage roads was to allow for travel through the island without motorized vehicles.
Steve Anderson / Google
Because the roads were never intended to allow for larger cars and trucks, they’re a bit more rustic with packed dirt.
Jason Georgacakis / Google
They’re also able to wind through the more scenic areas of the park.
Greathill89 / TripAdvisor
Wildwood Stables operates carriage tours daily, leaving multiple times throughout the day.
Hao Dong / Google
The horses here are well-cared for and loved. It’s fun to arrive a bit early in order to get to know them a bit better.
Regina Lapointe / Google
You’ll also want to allow some time to hear the fascinating history of the park.
Jason Georgacakis / Google
Whether you’re local or visiting for just a few days, making time to explore the carriage roads the way they were intended is one of the most unique methods of exploring Acadia National Park.
JM CountyGirl / Google
Wildwood Stables is run by Carriage of Acadia. They offer tours throughout the day, but it’s best to check out their website and get in touch directly to learn more about booking your experience. They can be reached on 207-276-5721.
Cherie1971695 / TripAdvisor
Brent West / Google
Marie G / TripAdvisor
Autumn G / TripAdvisor
Steve Anderson / Google
Jason Georgacakis / Google
Greathill89 / TripAdvisor
Hao Dong / Google
Regina Lapointe / Google
JM CountyGirl / Google
Planning your trip to Acadia National Park? We’ve got you covered! Click here to discover the crown jewel of the Atlantic coast! If you love these animals so much that location doesn’t really matter consider riding off into the sunset on this guided horseback adventure in Maine.
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