Wheelchair travelers visiting Acadia National Park can enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn carriage this season.

A wheelchair-accessible carriage is available by reservation at Wildwood Stables, which features a ramp on the back accessible to many types of wheelchairs.

The program is being carried out in partnership with Acadia by Carriage, which is dedicated to making the national park accessible to people of all abilities.

Designed for Acadia’s historic carriage roads, the horse-drawn carriage is comfortable for all park visitors. In addition to wheelchair travelers, several additional passengers (an additional 2-3 passengers, depending on the size of the wheelchair and the riders’ comfort levels) may join on the carriage’s bench seats.

Wildwood Accessible Carriage–Park Video from Friends of Acadia on Vimeo.

All are welcome to examine the carriage before a visit to decide whether the experience matches their capabilities and interests. Those hoping to reserve a tour must contact Acadia by Carriage by phone or email to reserve in advance, as spaces are limited.

The program has been made possible by a generous donation from the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation. Diana Davis Spencer, a seasonal resident of Mount Desert Island, started the program in honor of her late husband, John Spencer, who was a wheelchair user and had fewer travel options due to his disability. Horse-drawn carriage rides are underwritten by the foundation for wheelchair travelers, and up to three companions can enjoy rides for 25 percent off.

“Acadia is one of my favorite national parks, because there is so much to enjoy as a wheelchair user. I love rolling on the accessible trails and taking in the views from Cadillac Mountain, and having wheelchair-accessible carriage rides in Acadia now will be a fantastic addition to the park. I have never seen a wheelchair-accessible horse-drawn carriage throughout my travels, so this is very exciting!” said wheelchair travel expert and international influencer Cory Lee of Curb Free With Cory Lee. “It’s a unique addition and will continue making Acadia one of the best national parks for wheelchair users.”

Wheelchair accessible carriage, funded by the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, at Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park. (Photo by Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

The horse-drawn wheelchair Accessible carriage crosses over the Stanley Brook carriage road bridge in Seal Harbor. (Photo by Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

The wheelchair accessible carriage being pulled by two black percheron horses. (Photo by Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Kari Goraj of Acadia by Carriage, LLC, operator of Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park, secures Ed Wood’s wheelchair in the back of the wheelchair accessible carriage before departing from Wildwood Stables. (Photo by Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Riders on the wheelchair accessible carriage (L-R) Margy Vose, Jamie VanderMolen, Ed Wood, and Janet Wood enjoy the ride in the back of the carriage. (Photo by Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Online Reservations

Acadia By Carriage is now accepting online reservations for daily horse-drawn carriage tours, including the Rockefeller’s Bridges Tour, Day Mountain Summit Tour, and Around Day Mountain Tour. The online option makes booking simple and efficient for most tours, although the wheelchair-accessible carriage still must be reserved by phone or email.

To make a reservation for the wheelchair-accessible carriage, please email info@acadiabycarriage.com or call 207-600-7204.

To reserve online for other tours, go to acadiabycarriage.com

Additional Coverage:

An Acadia tour for wheelchair users – Boston Globe (via MSN)

Friends of Acadia Makes Inclusive Carriage Ride Adventures Possible – Public Lands Alliance

Acadia by Carriage welcomes new, accessible carriage following donation – WABI5