Duck Brook Bridge - Gate of Imperial Palace beside the Nijubashi (The Double Bridge)
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Duck Brook Bridge

4.6
·491k reviews·Bar Harbor, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
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Duck Brook Bridge - Gate of Imperial Palace beside the Nijubashi (The Double Bridge)

Duck Brook Bridge

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A picturesque stop on Acadia's car-free carriage roads, ideal for cycling and capturing beautiful photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 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 .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duck Brook Bridge

Duck Brook Bridge

Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

A stunning example of Rockefeller's carriage road architecture, blending seamlessly with nature.

Carriage Road Cycling

Carriage Road Cycling

Acadia National Park

Pedal through scenic routes, discovering bridges and lakes at your own pace.

Architectural Gem

Architectural Gem

Acadia National Park

Admire the craftsmanship of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s bridges, designed to look like natural formations.

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Planning Your Visit

Carriage Road Charm

Explore the historic carriage roads of Acadia National Park, where the Duck Brook Bridge is a picturesque stop. Renting a bike is a popular way to see this and other Rockefeller-era bridges.Instagram

Best Photo Ops

The Duck Brook Bridge is a favorite for photographers, especially during the golden hours. Consider visiting early or late to avoid crowds and capture its serene beauty.Instagram

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A little off season moment in Acadia because I finally had time to make a trip video 📸 📍Sand Beach 📍Cadillac Mountain Peak 📍Jordan Pond 📍Echo Lake Bridge 📍Cobblestone Bridge 📍Duck Brook Bridge 📍Thunder Hole
caitlinarcand
0 likes • 292 views

🚲 Bike the Carriage Roads

Rent a bike to explore the Duck Brook Bridge and other scenic spots on the car-free carriage roads.Instagram

📸 Capture the Light

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting on the bridge.Instagram

Duck Brook Bridge, Acadia National Park. #acadianationalpark #mainestagrammers #acadia #mdi #mainephotography #maine #mynewengland #scenesofmaine #lovemaine #mainecoast #goexplore #coastalmaine #coastalliving #photography #nature #instagram #like #travel #naturephotography #canon #igers #landscape #newenglandigers
michaeltnewman
19 likes • 199 views
Duck Brook Bridge Rockefeller's Bridges in Acadia National Park. Whether at the edges of the park, motor roads or deep in the woods, John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s carriage road bridges appear as if nature put them there. Working closely with architects Welles Bosworth and Charles Stoughton, as well as local engineers Charles and Paul Simpson, Rockefeller designed and built bridges that both compleme...
thewaywardtravelers
0 likes • 1.3K views

🚶‍♀️ 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 is the perfect/best way to explore Acadia? Bicycles!! Great time exploring the 30 mile circuit, all by ourselves. Started off at Bar Harbor, Duck Brook Bridge, Eagle Lake, Deer Brook bridge, Jordan pond and dam, lunch at Jordan pond house, Bubble pond, and back home. #AcadiaAdventures #AcadiaNationalPark #AnniversaryTrip #Bicycle #Lakes #Forest #Park #UsTime
arvindsrivathsan
65 likes • 1K views

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.Instagram

📸 Capture the Light

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting on the bridge.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ 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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Beautiful stone bridge
Historic carriage roads
Great for cycling

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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

Cycling the carriage roads to Duck Brook Bridge is a fantastic family activity. The car-free environment offers peace of mind for parents, and the relatively flat terrain is manageable for children.Instagram Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider a tandem bike or trailer for younger children. The bridges themselves are exciting to discover, and the natural surroundings provide ample opportunity for exploration and play.

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

Duck Brook Bridge is a dream for photographers, offering classic New England scenery. The stone arch bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and often with water reflections, provides endless composition opportunities.Instagram Visit during the golden hours for the most dramatic light, but even midday shots can be beautiful. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the bridge in its entirety and its integration with the landscape.

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

For those who love to be active, cycling the Acadia carriage roads is a must-do. The network of roads provides miles of exploration, with Duck Brook Bridge serving as a picturesque waypoint.Instagram Rent a bike in Bar Harbor and plan a route that includes several of the historic bridges and scenic lakes. The elevation changes are moderate, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous for most fitness levels.

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 Duck Brook Bridge is one of many architectural marvels found along the 45 miles of historic carriage roads in Acadia National Park. These roads were a gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr. to the park, designed to provide a car-free experience for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Desert Island.Instagram Working with architects Welles Bosworth and Charles Stoughton, Rockefeller envisioned bridges that would appear as if they had always been part of the landscape, blending granite and stone seamlessly with the surrounding forests and waterways.

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.Instagram

Cycling Acadia's Carriage Roads

Exploring Duck Brook Bridge by bicycle is a quintessential Acadia National Park experience. The 30-mile circuit is a popular route that encompasses many of the park's highlights, including Duck Brook Bridge, Eagle Lake, and Jordan Pond.Instagram The carriage roads are unpaved but generally well-maintained, offering a smooth ride for most bicycles.

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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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