Acadia National Park, one of the best cycling destinations you can find with its network of “carriage trails” that run through the park. Rode for a couple of days and never tired as there are a number of routes to take, all with incredibly well kept roads that weave in and around a series of lakes and streams with magnificent climbs and scenery. Gravel roads were beautifully maintained. We had no problem riding with our 25c Road tires. A must destination if you like a unique cycling experience. Above: Sally riding on the trail around Jordon Lake.

The Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family, weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Rockefeller, a skilled horseman, wanted to travel on motor-free byways via horse and carriage into the heart of Mount Desert Island. His construction efforts from 1913 to 1940 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape.

The roads were built to preserve the line of hillsides and save trees, align with the contours of the lands, and take advantage of scenic views. Approximately 16 feet wide, the carriage roads are an example of broken-stone roads commonly used at the turn of the 20th century. Gate lodges act as impressive welcomes to the carriage road system, stone-faced bridges span streams, waterfalls, motor roads, and cliff sides. Granite coping stones used as guardrails line the roads, affectionately called “Rockefeller’s teeth.”

Below: Sally and Rocky hang with appetizers and margaritas on the banks of ???? Lake after leaving Hopkinton early this morning and on the road all day. All are content and enjoying happy hour on a calm, and cool, New Hampshire night. Next stop, Acadia National Park.