Riding Through the Mountains & Valleys of Acadia

John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his family gifted 45 miles of beautiful carriage roads to the park. Rockefeller was a horseman and wanted to travel in the park without a car. The roads offer sweeping vistas and close up views to all park users. They offer opportunities for horseback riding in Acadia National Park that weave through the mountains and valleys of the park, over intricate stone bridges, and past the many ponds. Rockefeller also financed 16 of the 17 stone-faced bridges.
Wildwood Stables is located within the park and offers 34 stalls for rent to equestrians. You can access the stables from the Park Loop Road.
Private concessionaires run the stables, for those who wish to take advantage of horseback riding in Acadia National Park. You can also camp across the driveway from the stables. Stalls fill quickly, and it’s best to call soon after the January 1st opening date to make your reservations. Wildwood Stables also offers one and two-hour carriage rides through the park for those without their own horse.
Hoof protection is recommended, as the loose gravel on the carriage roads can be tough on hooves.

Park Regulations

Overview

The use of pack animals is permitted on the following trails, routes, and roads:
  • Carriage roads, except as noted below
  • Western Mountain Connector Trail, when Western Mountain Road and Lurvey Spring Road are closed to motor vehicles
  • Motor vehicle roads when closed to motor vehicles
  • Established crosswalks
  • The following upaved roads: Hio Fire Road, Man-O’-War Brook Fire Road, Marshall Brook Fire Road, and Valley Cove Fire Road
  • Within the developed area of Wildwood Stables
The use of pack animals is prohibited on:
  • Witch Hole Pond and Paradise Hill loops of the carriage roads
  • Eagle Lake Loop of the carriage road system except between junctions #7 and #8
  • Hiking trails, off routes, and on motor roads when open to vehicular traffic

Safety

  • Brown Mountain parking lot and Wildwood Stables provide adequate room for horse trailers. Please do not block parking lot access. There is a fee to park at Wildwood Stables. Information about vehicle restrictions in other park areas is also available.
  • Please clean up after your horse in parking lots.
  • If riding during the winter, please do not let your horse walk in cross-country ski tracks. Remember that snowmobiles are permitted in certain areas of the park.
Information on Park Regulations Courtesy of Acadia National Park