Exploring Acadia’s Carriage Roads—Now as a 500-Piece Puzzle
The Carriage Road – A Piece of Acadia in Your Home
Acadia National Park in Maine is one of America’s most treasured landscapes, and in early fall, it becomes a canvas of warm reds, oranges, and yellows. On a trip through the New England states with my wife, Cindy, we spent several weeks exploring and photographing the beauty of this region. One of those moments led to this image: an old brick bridge framed by early autumn leaves along Acadia’s historic carriage roads.
We’ve transformed this photo into a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle for our MI Puzzles collection by Phil Stagg Photography. It’s called “The Carriage Road”, and it’s perfect for a cozy evening at home. Grab a friend, brew some coffee or tea, and settle in for a relaxing challenge. Bragging rights go to anyone who can complete it in under an hour!
Order yours today at store.mifalls.com.
The Story Behind Acadia’s Carriage Roads
The carriage roads of Acadia are more than just scenic pathways—they’re a piece of American history. Between 1913 and 1940, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed and oversaw the construction of over 45 miles of motor-free roads on Mount Desert Island. His vision was simple: create a peaceful way to experience nature without the intrusion of automobiles.
These roads were engineered with incredible care:
16 feet wide, built with three layers of crushed rock for durability.
Stone culverts and wide ditches for drainage in Maine’s wet climate.
Granite coping stones lining the edges as rustic guardrails.
16 hand-crafted stone bridges, each unique and harmoniously blending with the landscape.
Rockefeller even walked the staked routes himself, ensuring the roads followed natural contours and offered sweeping views of mountains, lakes, and valleys. Today, these roads remain the best example of early 20th-century “broken stone” roads in America and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why Visit Acadia National Park?
Acadia is stunning year-round, but each season offers something unique:
Spring (April–May)
Benefits: Fewer crowds, lower lodging costs, and awakening landscapes.
What to Expect: Foggy mornings, cool temps (30–70°F), and wildflowers starting to bloom.
Tip: Pack waterproof gear for occasional rain.
Summer (June–August)
Benefits: Warmest weather (up to 90°F), long daylight hours, and all seasonal businesses open.
What to Expect: Peak crowds and higher prices. Book early for accommodations.
Tip: Start hikes early to avoid congestion on popular trails.
Fall (September–October)
Benefits: Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds after Labor Day.
What to Expect: Mid-September through mid-October is prime leaf-peeping season.
Tip: Check Maine’s foliage reports for timing the colors perfectly.
Winter (November–March)
Benefits: Solitude and unique activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
What to Expect: Limited access to roads and facilities; temps often below freezing.
Tip: Ideal for those seeking quiet beauty and winter sports.
Bring Acadia Home
If you can’t make it to Maine right now, you can still experience its charm. Our 500-piece puzzle, “The Carriage Road,” captures the essence of Acadia’s historic bridges and autumn beauty. It’s a perfect way to relax, reflect, and enjoy a piece of America’s natural heritage.
👉 Order now at store.mifalls.com and start your journey piece by piece.
