A few quick facts: Established in 1919, Acadia was the first national park east of the Mississippi River. It was also the first national park on a coast, and the first to be donated to the federal government by private individuals who gave land that they had previously owned as well as land specifically purchased, in order to preserve it for the use of the public. At 47,657 acres, Acadia is one of the smallest of the US national parks, yet with more than 2.6 million visitors a year, it ranks as one of its most popular.
How to Get to Acadia National Park:
Acadia National Park is located primarily on Mount Desert Island, two-thirds of the way up the Maine coastline. It also encompasses all or part of several nearby islands (Isle au Haut, Baker Island, Bar Island, Sheep Porcupine Island, Bald Porcupine Island, Thompson Island) and the Schoodic Peninsula.The park is located approximately six hours north of Boston (265 miles). From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine; from Augusta take Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island or take I-95 north to Bangor, Maine; from Bangor take Route 1A east to Ellsworth; from Ellsworth take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.
By plane - Direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, located 10 miles from Acadia National Park. National airlines serve the Bangor International Airport, about 1 hour (45 miles) from the park. Car rentals are available at both airports.
From June 23-September 4, Island Explorer shuttle buses link the county airport with Mount Desert Island, its villages, and the park. For routes, schedules and more visit the Island Explorer website.
Recommended Scenic Routes Near Acadia National Park:
The 40-mile Acadia Byway, a scenic loop road through Acadia National Park has been designated an "All-American Road," which means that the road is considered a "destination unto itself" and provides an exceptional travel experience. As anyone who has driven this road will attest, it offers great views of the rugged Maine coastline. It also provides access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. The route begins in Trenton, Maine at the Thompson Island Bridge. The Park Loop Road is closed from late November to mid-April.Park Size:
47,390 acres.Description:
Acadia was the first national park established east of the Mississippi River. The sea here joins the rugged coastline of Mount Desert Island (highest elevation on the eastern seaboard), picturesque Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland, and the spectacular cliffs of Isle au Haut.Things to Do at Acadia National Park:
Park offers a variety of activities for people of all interests. By automobile, visitors can drive the Park Loop Road which includes views of some of the most dramatic scenery along the eastern seaboard. The route begins at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and offers access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.During the summer, spring, and fall, the 45 miles of carriage roads that wind through the heart of the park are ideal for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In addition, more than 115 miles of hiking trails offer spectacular ocean and woodland views. Acadia's ranger-led programs include bird walks, boat cruises, evening slide programs, mountain hikes, stargazing, short talks, and nature walks. Most programs run from late May to mid-October.
Other summer activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park maintains two life-guarded beaches that are staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. These include Sand Beach, located off Park Loop Road, offering ocean swimming; and Echo Lake Beach, on the west side of the island, offering freshwater swimming. Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and motorboats can be rented in surrounding communities. A variety of commercial vessels offer ferry service, fishing, nature cruises, sailing, and whale watching excursions.
For visitors interested in sightseeing tours, Acadia National Park Tours offers 2 1/2 hour tours (May-October) and 1-hour tours (July-September), and Oli's Trolley offers 2 1/2 hour tours (May-October) and 1-hour tours (July-August). Other points of interest include the Abbe Museum, located just off Park Loop Road near Sieur de Monts Spring, which features a collection of Native American artifacts; the Nature Center (located near the Abbe Museum), and the Islesford Historical Museum, located on Little Cranberry Island (accessible by ferry).
During the winter months, the carriage roads and the closed portions of the Park Loop Road are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other winter sports include camping and ice fishing.
History:
Proclaimed Sieur de Monts National Monument on July 8, 1916; established as Lafayette National Park on February 26, 1919, and renamed Acadia National Park on January 19, 1929.Contact the Park:
Acadia National ParkP.O. Box 177
Eagle Lake Road
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: 207-288-3338
Fax: 207-288-5507
