Skip to content
RideJoy
A brilliant sunset filled with hues of blue, red, orange, magenta, and purple highlight the sky.
NPS / Kristi Rugg

Danger

Extreme Heat Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings and advisories for Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 3, which will produce dangerous conditions. Some people will face a higher risk of heat-related illness due to underlying medical conditions or certain activities. Dress cool, stay hydrated, and limit exertion. Watch for dizziness, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, confusion, rapid pulse, and fainting. If you or someone else experiences signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Park Closure

Several Trails Close For Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season

Effective March 1, areas including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Penobscot East Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. The parking lot for the Precipice Trail is also closed. Rangers strictly enforce closures.

More info
National ParkHorse trailsHorses provided

Acadia National Park

ME · Bar Harbor

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Riding guide

Horses provided

Highlights

Acadia National Park sits along the rugged coast of Maine, where granite mountains rise above the Atlantic Ocean…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 45 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, Acadia offers a unique riding experience centered on its historic carriage road system, a network of motor-free roads designed in the early 1900s specifically for horse and carriage travel. Built between 1913 and 1940 by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., these approximately 45 Miles of wide crushed-stone roads wind through forests, along lakes, and around the park’s mountains.

Rideable terrain

45 miles

Trailer parking

Wildwood Stables This is the primary equestrian staging area in Acadia National Park and the most reliable place to park a horse trailer. Why riders use it: Large parking area designed for horse trailers Direct access to the park’s 45-mile carriage road system Horse stalls and equestrian campsites available Located right along the Park Loop Road near Seal Harbor The National Park Service specifically notes that Wildwood Stables and the nearby Brown Mountain parking lot provide adequate room for horse trailers. Wildwood Stables also offers: Horse boarding stalls Equestrian campsites with hookups Direct access to carriage roads used for horseback riding and carriage driving. Secondary Trailer Parking Option Brown Mountain Parking Lot Located along the carriage road network near Eagle Lake. Why it works: Large lot that can accommodate trailers Access to several carriage road loops However, most riders still prefer staging at Wildwood Stables because it is the park’s official equestrian facility.

Horse regulations

Horse Use Regulations Horseback riding is permitted in Acadia National Park primarily on the park’s historic carriage road system, a network of motor-free roads originally designed for horse-drawn travel. Riders must follow regulations intended to protect the historic roads, natural resources, and safety of other visitors. Horses Allowed on Carriage Roads Only Horseback riding is allowed on the park’s approximately 45 Miles of carriage roads. Horses are not permitted on most hiking trails, mountain paths, or fragile natural areas. The carriage roads are the main equestrian travel routes within the park. These roads are wide crushed-stone surfaces designed for shared use by: Horseback riders Horse-drawn carriage tours Hikers Bicyclists Riding Is Prohibited on Motor Roads Horses are not allowed on: Park Loop Road Other paved vehicle roads Most developed visitor areas Riders must stay on designated carriage roads and approved access points. Stock Definition For park regulations, stock animals include: Horses Mules Burros Other animals are not permitted for stock travel. Feed Requirements To prevent the spread of invasive plant species, riders must use: Certified weed-free hay or feed Trailers, tack, and horses should also be cleaned before entering the park. Horse Boarding and Facilities Horses are typically boarded or staged at: Wildwood Stables, the park’s primary equestrian facility Wildwood Stables provides: Horse stalls Equestrian campsites Direct access to the carriage road system Trail Courtesy Because the carriage roads are multi-use, riders must follow shared trail etiquette: Slow to a walk when approaching other users Yield when appropriate Maintain control of horses around bicycles and pedestrians Horse-drawn carriage tours operate regularly on these roads, and riders should allow them safe passage. Protecting the Historic Roads The carriage roads are historic structures and must be preserved. Riders should: Avoid riding during extremely muddy conditions Stay on the road surface rather than shoulders or vegetation Follow posted closures or maintenance notices

Getting here

Use 25 Visitor Center Road, Bar Harbor, Maine as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Wildwood Stables This is the primary equestrian staging area in Acadia National Park and the most reliable place to park a horse trailer. Why riders use it: Large parking area designed for horse trailers Direct access to the park’s 45-mile carriage road system Horse stalls and equestrian campsites available Located right along the Park Loop Road near Seal Harbor The National Park Service specifically notes that Wildwood Stables and the nearby Brown Mountain parking lot provide adequate room for horse trailers. Wildwood Stables also offers: Horse boarding stalls Equestrian campsites with hookups Direct access to carriage roads used for horseback riding and carriage driving. Secondary Trailer Parking Option Brown Mountain Parking Lot Located along the carriage road network near Eagle Lake. Why it works: Large lot that can accommodate trailers Access to several carriage road loops However, most riders still prefer staging at Wildwood Stables because it is the park’s official equestrian facility.

Planning your visit

Granite Mountains Define the Landscape Acadia contains 26 prominent granite mountains, primarily located on Mount Desert Island. These peaks range from about 284 to 1,530 feet in elevation and form the scenic backbone of the park. Two major mountain regions shape the park experience: East side peaks: Cadillac Mountain, Dorr Mountain, and Champlain Mountain are among the most visited areas. Quieter west side peaks: Beech Mountain and Mansell Mountain offer a more remote feel. The highest summit in the park is Cadillac Mountain, followed by Sargent Mountain and Pemetic Mountain. Although these mountains define the skyline of Acadia, horseback riding usually takes place on the lower forested terrain surrounding the mountains rather than on the steep hiking routes that climb to the summits. Trail Surfaces Vary Across the Park Many hiking trails in Acadia cross exposed granite and glaciated rock, which can be extremely steep and rugged. These mountain routes are generally not suitable for horses. Across the park you will encounter several types of trail surfaces: Exposed and uneven granite slabs on mountain hiking trails Rocky or gravel coastal paths Boardwalk sections and stone steps on popular routes such as Jordan Pond Equestrian riders primarily use the carriage roads, which are wide crushed-stone surfaces designed for horses and carriages and offer much gentler grades than the mountain trails. Lakes and Ocean Access Are Major Park Attractions Water plays an important role in the park’s landscape. Visitors will encounter both coastal Atlantic shoreline and freshwater lakes. Two of the most popular swimming locations include: Sand Beach, a scenic ocean beach along the Atlantic coastline Echo Lake Beach, a freshwater lake beach Both locations typically provide lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. While horses are not allowed on these beaches, these areas are some of the most visited destinations in the park and contribute to the overall visitor experience. The Carriage Roads Are the Main Riding Routes The park’s 45-mile carriage road network forms the heart of equestrian travel in Acadia. These historic roads wind through forests, around lakes, and across beautiful stone bridges built in the early twentieth century. Because these roads were originally designed for horse-drawn travel, they provide: Gentle grades Wide travel corridors Scenic views of lakes and mountains Most horseback riding trips will focus on exploring these quiet forest roads. Expect Busy Summer Seasons Acadia is one of the most visited national parks in the northeastern United States. Summer and early fall can bring heavy visitation. Riders should plan for: Busy parking areas during peak months Shared trail use with hikers and cyclists Early arrival for staging areas such as Wildwood Stables Fall foliage season is especially popular and can significantly increase visitation.

Where to stay

Hulls Cove Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Guided or concession-based riding support is noted here, so riders who are not hauling their own horses may still find an access path into the experience. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Bar Harbor before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Entrance fees & passes

Park map

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Webcams

Hours of operation

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is open year-round. Check our website for park facilities operating hours, such as Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingGroup CampingClimbingRock ClimbingCompass and GPSGeocachingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingSaltwater FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursBus/Shuttle Guided TourBoat TourHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingIce SkatingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnow PlaySnowmobilingSnowshoeingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingSaltwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 45-90F (7-30C). Fall temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C). Typically the first frost is in mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 73 inches (185 cm). Winter temperatures range from 14-35F (-10 - 2C). Spring temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C).

Contact

Voice2072883338
Fax2072888813
TTY2072888800
Emailacadia_information@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Acadia National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

List your property

Directions

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov