Around-Mountain Carriage Road Loop

If you want the signature carriage-road experience, this is the one. The Around-Mountain loop is a 11.3-mile total circuit on firm, crushed-stone roads that roll around the flanks of Sargent and Parkman Mountains. It’s non-technical but not flat—expect steady climbs and long, easy descents, all on a wide, motor-free road shared by walkers, cyclists, and horses.

Why go

This loop strings together some of Acadia’s most photogenic Rockefeller-era stone bridges and classic interior scenery—deep woods, granite outcrops, and periodic views toward Eagle Lake, Frenchman Bay, Pemetic, and Somes Sound. It’s peaceful and immersive without the scrambling you’d find on nearby hiking summits. If you care about Acadia’s history, these roads (built 1913–1940 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.) and their bridges are the attraction.

Route and wayfinding

Navigation is simple if you use the numbered carriage-road signposts. Follow the sequence: 18 → 19 → 12 → 10 (north) → 10 (south) → 14 → 21 → 20 → 19 → 18. Popular start points are Parkman Mountain parking area or Jordan Pond House; both connect quickly to the loop. Many riders and walkers prefer counterclockwise for smoother grades and better scenic reveals.

What you’ll see

Highlights include several iconic stone bridges—look for Amphitheater Bridge (the longest on the loop) and Chasm Brook Bridge, where a small waterfall shows best in spring or after rain. You’ll travel through mature forest with occasional open glimpses to the western mountains and coastal waters, all on well-graded, sweeping turns that make the miles feel elegant rather than rugged.

Season and timing

It’s good year-round. Spring brings the waterfall and fresh greens; summer is prime for biking and walking but busiest; fall delivers standout foliage; winter use shifts to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions allow (grooming isn’t guaranteed). On foot, plan around 4–4.5 hours for the full loop, more with photo stops.

Logistics and tips

Parking is limited at both Jordan Pond House and Parkman—arrive early in summer and fall. Facilities and water are available at Jordan Pond House; otherwise, services are sparse. Bring or download the park’s carriage-road map for signpost numbers. This is multi-use: cyclists yield to all users; everyone yields to horses. Keep bike speeds moderate, especially on gravel descents, and give wide, calm passes to horses.