Wild About Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park may appear small on a map, but its footprint is anything but modest. Nearly 50,000 acres of Maine's Atlantic coast fall within its boundaries, taking in Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and a scattering of outer islands. Sixty miles of coastline, 33 miles of scenic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails offer nearly endless ways to explore one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the eastern United States.
Mount Desert Island
Most visitors to Acadia begin on Mount Desert Island, the largest island in Maine and home to the park's most popular destinations. Somes Sound divides the island into two distinct sides, each with its own character.
The east side draws the most visitors. The 27-mile Park Loop Road winds past some of the park's most beloved spots, including Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. Eagle Lake, Bar Island, and Compass Harbor round out a list of highlights that could easily fill several days.
The west side offers a quieter, more secluded experience. Seawall, Bass Harbor Head Light Station, Acadia Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Echo Lake Beach draw visitors looking for coastal views away from the crowds.
Schoodic Peninsula
On the mainland, the Schoodic Peninsula provides a rugged, less-traveled look at Maine's coastline. Schoodic Point, Blueberry Hill, and Frazer Point are the highlights, accessible by car or seasonal passenger ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor.
Isle au Haut
For those willing to venture a little further, Isle au Haut — French for "High Island" — rewards the effort. Located off the coast of Stonington and reachable only by ferry, it is Acadia's most isolated corner and one of its most rewarding. Duck Harbor, Western Head, and Eastern Head offer wild, unspoiled scenery that feels worlds away from the busier parts of the park.
Ferry service to Isle au Haut is provided by Isle au Haut Boat Services. For fare and schedule information, visit www.isleauhaut.com or call 207-367-5193.
The Outer Islands
The Cranberry Isles and Baker Island, located south of Mount Desert Island, round out Acadia's remarkable geography. The Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island offers a fascinating window into island life, with collections of tools, navigational instruments, and records that illuminate the lives of the people who settled these islands. The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from mid-June through September, with short ranger-led programs on island history offered twice daily. Access is by passenger ferry, personal watercraft, or boat tour.
Getting There
Acadia National Park is located in Maine and accessible by car, bicycle, and bus. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center serves as the main gateway on Mount Desert Island, with additional visitor services available throughout the park.
