Private Acadia Carriage Trail Photo Hike: Waterfalls & Stone Bridges

Price: $395

Join me for a 3-4 hour guided photo hike along one of Acadia’s scenic carriage trails. This easy, 3.5-mile walk takes us to two of the park’s elegant Rockefeller Bridges and two picturesque waterfall areas, offering plenty of opportunities to slow down, compose, and capture the natural beauty of the Maine woods.

We’ll visit Hemlock Bridge and the delicate cascades of Maple Spring, a tucked-away gem full of texture and motion. Then, just a stone’s throw further up the path come to Waterfall Bridge, which offers a striking vantage point of Hadlock Falls—especially lovely in spring and after a good rain.

The entire route follows Acadia’s historic gravel carriage roads and is rated easy, making it ideal for hikers of all levels.

For those who’d like to add a touch of adventure, we can include a short section of primitive trail to visit Hadlock Brook Bridge, a charming stone span crossing the brook a little farther downstream.

Whether you’re new to photography or looking to refine your skills in the field, this hike is all about exploring at a photographer’s pace—with time to observe, ask questions, and connect with the landscape.

Recommended Equipment

Acadia offers endless photographic opportunities—whether you’re using a cell phone, a mirrorless camera, or even a medium-format system. I’m happy to support you no matter your gear preference. That said, if you’re interested in exploring long exposures or want to make the most of the waterfalls and bridges, I recommend the following:

  • Interchangeable Lens Camera
    A DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the most flexibility, especially for creative exposures.

  • Wide-Angle Lens
    A lens in the 15–35mm or 24–105mm range is great for capturing these sweeping scenes.

  • Tripod
    A tripod is recommended—especially if you plan to try long exposures.

  • Neutral Density (ND) Filters
    ND filters help reduce the amount of light entering your lens, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds to beautifully blur moving water.

  • Camera Rain Cover
    Maine weather can be unpredictable. A simple rain cover (or even a plastic bag in a pinch) can help protect your gear and keep you shooting if light rain rolls in.

What to Wear & Bring

Maine’s weather can change quickly, and as a Registered Maine Guide, I’m prepared to adjust to the conditions so we can make the most of our time—unless safety or visibility becomes an issue, we’ll keep moving forward. And by that, I mean, if it’s anything up to a light drizzle we can bundle our cameras and make the most of the day.  And, truthfully, an overcast day is best for these sorts of landscapes.

With that in mind, here’s a standard gear list for staying comfortable on the trail:

  • Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots

  • Waterproof boots (optional) – Helpful if you want to wade a bit for that perfect shot

  • Layers – Think moisture-wicking base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a lightweight jacket

  • Rain jacket or shell – A must in coastal Maine

  • Hat & sunglasses – For sun, wind, or light drizzle

  • Bug spray – Especially important in spring and early summer

  • Hiking poles (optional) – Useful for uneven ground or added balance

If you have questions about gear or clothing before the hike, don’t hesitate to reach out—I'm always happy to help you feel prepared and confident in the field.

LIMIT 6 persons, please