Duck Brook Bridge
A stunning stone arch bridge on Acadia's historic carriage roads, perfect for cycling and photography.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Duck Brook Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning stone arch bridge on Acadia's historic carriage roads, perfect for cycling and photography.
"A picturesque stop on Acadia's car-free carriage roads, ideal for cycling and capturing beautiful photos."
🚲 Bike the Carriage Roads
Rent a bike to explore the Duck Brook Bridge and other scenic spots on the car-free carriage roads .
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting on the bridge .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duck Brook Bridge
Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
A stunning example of Rockefeller's carriage road architecture, blending seamlessly with nature.

Carriage Road Cycling
Acadia National Park
Pedal through scenic routes, discovering bridges and lakes at your own pace.

Architectural Gem
Acadia National Park
Admire the craftsmanship of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s bridges, designed to look like natural formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Carriage Road Charm
Best Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike the Carriage Roads
Rent a bike to explore the Duck Brook Bridge and other scenic spots on the car-free carriage roads.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting on the bridge.
🚶♀️ Walk or Hike
If biking isn't your style, walking or hiking the carriage roads offers a peaceful experience.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The Duck Brook Bridge is part of a larger network of carriage roads; map your exploration beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike the Carriage Roads
Rent a bike to explore the Duck Brook Bridge and other scenic spots on the car-free carriage roads.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting on the bridge.
🚶♀️ Walk or Hike
If biking isn't your style, walking or hiking the carriage roads offers a peaceful experience.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The Duck Brook Bridge is part of a larger network of carriage roads; map your exploration beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the picturesque beauty of Duck Brook Bridge and the charm of Acadia's historic carriage roads. Many highlight the joy of exploring by bicycle, finding the bridges to be architectural gems that blend seamlessly with nature. Some note that it can get crowded, especially during peak season, and recommend visiting early or late for a more serene experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Duck Brook Bridge is located within Acadia National Park on the historic carriage roads. The best way to access it is by bicycle, as the carriage roads are car-free.
You can also walk or hike to the bridge. Parking is available at various points along the park loop road, from which you can access the carriage roads.No, Duck Brook Bridge is situated on Acadia National Park's car-free carriage roads. Vehicles are not permitted on these historic paths, making cycling or walking the primary modes of access.
Popular starting points for accessing the carriage roads near Duck Brook Bridge include the Eagle Lake parking area or areas closer to Bar Harbor. Many visitors begin their cycling tours from Bar Harbor itself.
While GPS can help you navigate to the general vicinity of Acadia National Park, it's best to use a park map or a cycling route planner for the carriage roads. The bridge is well-marked on most park maps.
Acadia National Park offers a shuttle service during peak season, which can drop you off at various points along the Park Loop Road. From these stops, you can access the carriage roads and make your way to Duck Brook Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, to enter Acadia National Park and access areas like Duck Brook Bridge, you will need a park entrance pass. Passes can be purchased online in advance or at various entrance stations within the park.
Duck Brook Bridge and the surrounding carriage roads are accessible year-round during park hours. However, access may be limited during severe weather conditions, especially in winter.
The carriage roads themselves are free to access once you have paid the Acadia National Park entrance fee. There are no separate tolls or fees for using the carriage roads.
While there aren't specific guided tours solely for Duck Brook Bridge, many bike tour operators in Bar Harbor include it as part of their Acadia National Park carriage road tours.
It is highly recommended to purchase your Acadia National Park pass online in advance through Recreation.gov to save time upon arrival. You can also buy them at park entrance stations.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography at Duck Brook Bridge are during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light beautifully illuminates the bridge and its surroundings.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scope of the bridge and its natural setting. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures, especially during sunrise/sunset.
Drone usage is restricted in Acadia National Park to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Always check the latest NPS regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
Experiment with angles from the carriage road, looking up at the arch, or from the brook below. The bridge's reflection in the water can also create stunning shots.
Yes, the carriage roads offer excellent vantage points for photographing Duck Brook Bridge. Be mindful of cyclists and other visitors when stopping to take pictures.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can see Duck Brook Bridge in about 15-30 minutes if you're just stopping for photos. However, if you plan to cycle or walk the surrounding carriage roads, you could easily spend several hours exploring the area.
Restroom facilities are available at various points within Acadia National Park, such as near Eagle Lake or Jordan Pond. It's advisable to check a park map for the closest facilities to Duck Brook Bridge.
The carriage roads are generally well-maintained and relatively flat, making them suitable for strollers and some wheelchairs. However, they are unpaved, so mobility can vary.
Duck Brook Bridge is part of a network of carriage roads that connect to other notable spots like Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, and several other picturesque bridges built by Rockefeller.
Cell service can be spotty within Acadia National Park, especially in more remote areas. It's a good idea to download offline maps or carry a physical park map.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who prefer not to cycle, walking or hiking the carriage roads is also a great option. Shorter loops can be made to focus on Duck Brook Bridge and nearby points of interest. The park's shuttle service can also help families access different sections of the carriage roads, making it easier to tailor the experience to your family's energy levels and interests.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the bridge itself, the surrounding carriage roads offer further photographic potential. Look for interesting textures in the stone, the play of light and shadow through the trees, and the reflections in the various waterways. Early morning visits can also yield misty, atmospheric shots, especially in the spring and fall.
🚴♀️ Active Travelers
Beyond cycling, hiking the carriage roads is another excellent way to experience the area. You can combine sections of the carriage roads with hiking trails for a more varied adventure. The fresh air, stunning views, and sense of accomplishment make for a rewarding active day in Acadia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rockefeller Carriage Roads
The construction of these roads and bridges was a massive undertaking, completed between 1913 and 1940. Each bridge, including the Duck Brook Bridge, has a unique design and character, often reflecting the specific topography and natural features of its location. They are a testament to early 20th-century engineering and landscape architecture, offering a glimpse into a different era of park visitation.
Today, these carriage roads are a primary attraction for cyclists, hikers, and horse-drawn carriage tours. They offer a peaceful and immersive way to explore Acadia, away from the hustle and bustle of motor vehicle traffic. The Duck Brook Bridge, with its elegant arch and picturesque setting, is a prime example of the charm and historical significance of this unique road system.
Cycling Acadia's Carriage Roads
Bicycle rentals are readily available in Bar Harbor, making it easy for visitors to embark on their cycling adventure. Many rental shops offer maps and advice on popular routes. Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking, giving you access to numerous bridges and scenic overlooks at your own pace. Remember to bring water, snacks, and a repair kit, as services are limited along the carriage roads.
When cycling, it's important to be aware of other users of the carriage roads, including hikers, runners, and horse-drawn carriages. Yielding to uphill traffic and keeping to the right are standard etiquette. The car-free nature of these roads provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors to appreciate Acadia's stunning landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit