Acadia National Park
Things To Do
Although Acadia is dazzling in summer, the park's beauty flourishes throughout the year. By land and by sea there is no such thing as an off- season at Acadia.
SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL ACTIVITIES
Park Programs
Perhaps the best way to appreciate the park is in the company of a park ranger while enjoying one of the many guided group tours offered during the summer and fall months. Park rangers can help you better "read" the landscape, from its natural history, to the imprint man has left upon the land. Join a park ranger for a nature walk, a bridges tour, an evening star watch or a lecture about the park's geology. There are nature walks for children as well as ranger-led hikes up several mountains. For organized group tours, ask about the "Discover the Nature of Acadia" program. Please call (207) 288-3338 for more information. Some programs require reservations (no earlier than three days in advance). Check at Hulls Cove Visitor Center for current programs and schedules or go online for a schedule.
Amphitheater Programs
In the evening, Acadia's two campgrounds present free programs in their centrally located amphitheaters. Programs span a wide range of natural and cultural history topics (ideal for families). You do not have to be staying at the campgrounds to attend.
Bicycling
The only tough part about being a cyclist at Acadia is trying to decide which of the many roads to explore. Although Park Loop Road is open to cyclists, most opt, instead, for the carriage roads which are closed to auto traffic and offer a whole new look at Acadia. Many carriage roads are also ideal for wheelchair users. The roads, which wind through the eastern half of the island, are lined with broken stone and some sections are more suitable for mountain bikes than racing ones. Bikes are not allowed on hiking trails or off of designated roads. For more information, please pick up a copy of a park map. Bicycle guides are available for a fee at Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Bicycles can be rented in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor. Please call Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce at (207) 664-2940, Mt. Desert Chamber of Commerce at (207) 276-5040 or Southwest Harbor at (207) 244-9264 for more information.
Birdwatching
Sieur de Monts Spring, Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails are all favorite birdwatching spots, as are the summits of Cadillac and Beech mountains during the fall hawk migration. Ask at a park visitor center about ranger-led hawk-watching. Birding is at its peak from late May through September, but there is never a shortage of birds at Acadia.
Boat Cruises
Some of the best views of Acadia are to be had from the ocean. Out on the open waters of Frenchman Bay, gazing back at Acadia's granite headlands, you'll understand why French explorer Samuel Champlain named the island l'Isles des Monts-déserts, a reference to the fact that the mountains looked deserted or bare. A cruise is also an opportunity to learn about Acadia's marine life, from lobsters to harbor seals to pelagic birds. Dress warmly and bring along a pair of binoculars. Available cruises include four park ranger-led nature cruises, two of which include stops on park-owned islands. Contact the cruise lines listed or check at a visitor center for details and options. Many other cruises—whale watches, deep-sea fishing and lobster fishing—are also available through local charter boat companies. Contact Chambers of Commerce for more information.
Islesford Historical Cruise: This 21â„2-hour cruise includes some of Somes Sound and a stop at Little Cranberry Island's Islesford Historical Museum, whose collection documents Mount Desert Island's fishing and seafaring heritage. For more information, please call (207) 276-5352.
Schooner Cruise: Set sail on a four-masted schooner for a cruise along the rocky coastline of Acadia. Please call (207) 288-4585 for more information. For information on the two other ranger-led cruises, call (207) 288-3338.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed on all of Acadia's ponds and lakes. Children 12 and younger may fish with worms in upper Hadlock Pond. Land-locked salmon and brook trout can be caught in the larger lakes. A state fishing license is required for freshwater fishing, but not for ocean fishing. Please see "Park Regulations & Safety" on pages 18—19 for more information.
Hiking
Please see "Walking & Hiking" on pages 58—60.
Horseback Riding
For park visitors traveling with their own horses, Acadia's carriage roads make ideal riding trails. For additional information, please see "Carriage Roads" on page 33.
Kayaking
Whether you are a novice or a skilled paddler, you can enjoy sea-kayaking in the waters around Mount Desert Island. Guided tours of varying lengths are offered, including overnight camping trips to remote island campsites. Call island Chambers of Commerce for more information.
Museums
Abbe Museum is located just off Park Loop Road near Sieur de Monts Spring and houses a handsome collection of American Indian artifacts. This location is open daily, mid-May through mid-October and fees are $2 per adult and $1 per child. The expanded Abbe Museum on Mt. Desert Street in Bar Harbor is open every day in the summer. Times vary in the winter. Fees are $6 per adult and $2 per child ages six through 15, and include admission to the Abbe at Sieur de Monts Spring. Please call (207) 288-3519 for more information.
The Nature Center is located near Abbe Museum. It has several natural history exhibits, guidebooks and brochures. Children (as well as adults) are encouraged to record wildlife sightings in the center's logbook. Open weekends in May and daily from June through September.
You need to take a mail or a tour boat to Little Cranberry Island to visit Islesford Historical Museum. It has fascinating exhibits about New En-gland's maritime history. It is open daily from mid-June through September. Call (207) 288-3338 for more information.
Lifelike exhibits of animals native to Mount Desert Island (and the surrounding waters) are mounted at the College of the Atlantic's Natural History Museum, located on Route 3 in Bar Harbor. Children will enjoy the hands-on discovery room and summer field studies programs. Please call (207) 288-5395 or (207) 288-5015 for more information.
Birds of a different feather can be found at the Wendell Gilley Museum, located on Route 102 in the town of Southwest Harbor (on the west side of Mount Desert Island). This small gem of a gallery features exhibitions and demonstrations on the Down East art of bird woodcarving. Gilley, a Southwest Harbor native, gained a national reputation for his exquisite woodcarvings. It is open year-round. Please call (207) 244-7555 for more information.
The Mount Desert Oceanarium offers activities at two locations. The Bar Harbor Site on Route 3 includes a lobster hatchery and a Lobster Museum focusing on the lobster industry. The Southwest Harbor Site on Clark Point Road has a Fisherman's Museum, aquarium featuring local marine life, and a Discovery program.
The Thomas Bay Marsh Walk takes you over the salt marsh to a two-deck viewing tower with a telescope for observing a rich variety of birds and aquatic animals. Please call (207) 244-7330 for more information.
Picnicking
You'll find picnic areas at Bear Brook, Fabbri (-), Seawall and Pretty Marsh on Mount Desert Island and at Frazer Point on the Schoodic Peninsula and Thompson Island. Each has picnic tables, fire grills, water fountains and restrooms. Picnicking is permitted elsewhere in the park, provided visitors observe Acadia's carry-in, carry-out policy.
Rock Climbing
This adventurous sport is increasing in popularity at Acadia. Mount Desert offers lofty challenges for individuals or groups. You can climb Otter Cliffs, 60-foot rocky sea cliffs overlooking the ocean, or the South Wall of Champlain Mountain, a 200-foot scaling up a granite mountain face. There are no outfitters in the park, but you can hire a guide. For more information, please call the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce at (207) 288-5103.
Self-Guiding Tours
Eastern National has prepared an audio tour of Acadia National Park. The 56-mile driving tour (which can take between four and six hours to complete) covers the entire Park Loop Road, as well as Sargeant Drive along lovely Somes Sound. Scenic points of interest are highlighted and the park's natural and cultural history is explained. The CD or cassette may be purchased at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Please call (207) 288-4988 for more information.
Fall is foliage season at Acadia and a great time to tour the park. The weather, of course, has the final say when it comes to timing and intensity—warm days and cold nights make for a quicker color change and more brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Generally, the leaves are at their peak during the first two weeks of October. The Maine Department of Conservation issues weekly foliage reports between mid-September and mid-October, describing the amount of color and leaf fall in seven separate regions of the state. Acadia is part of Zone 2. Call (800) 533-9595 for more information or visit online at www.mainefoliage.com.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted at Sand Beach (saltwater) and Echo Lake (freshwater). Ocean temperatures average an invigorating 55—60ºF. Both beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Winter at Acadia is as beautiful as summer and, for the resourceful visitor, every bit as stimulating. Hulls Cove Visitor Center closes on October 31 and reopens in mid-April. During winter, Acadia Park Headquarters, located on Route 233, serves as the park's visitor center. Park rangers will be glad to help you plan your winter outing for maximum enjoyment and safety.
Winter Sports
Covered with a mantle of snow, the park's carriage roads make ideal cross-country ski trails. Because they are often covered with snow, Acadia's lakes are not ideal for ice skating. Ice fishermen fare well, however, and between January and early March, their fishing shacks are a familiar sight on the park's lakes and ponds. Snowmobilers can use the 27-mile Park Loop Road, but are not allowed on the carriage roads.
Winter Camping
The Blackwoods Campground is available for winter camping November through April. Call (207) 288-3338 for more information. From December 1 through March 31, only primitive tent camping is available, and hikers must walk in from the campground entrance. Winter visitors should be prepared for quick changes in weather. Dress in layers and bring extra clothing, a first-aid kit, water, food, a blanket and maps.
Acadia In Depth
News from the Parks
75th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps
August 29, 2008 - 1:49pm
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), designed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal to provide relief from the Great Depression. The CCC employed over two million young men to work in America’s parks and forests, creating and renovating roads, trails, campsites, social halls, amphitheaters and visitor centers. The program provided work in a time of great instability, but more importantly it offered disheartened Americans the chance to improve the nation's future, while strengthening their dignity and hope. They were making history by providing easier access to the treasures of the national park system. Nicknamed "Roosevelt's Tree Army," the CCC was operated through the cooperative efforts of four departments. The Department of Labor oversaw the selection of enrollees, the Army ran the camps, and the Interior and Agriculture departments provided work projects. Initially, unmarried men, between the ages of 18 and 25 and from families on relief, could apply. They enlisted for six months, with an option to reenlist for up to two years. The "CCC boys" worked for $30 a month, $25 of which was sent to their families. Eventually, "Local Experienced Men" (LEMs) and World War I veterans could enroll. Although a few work camps were established for women, most CCC enrollees were men. Nationwide, the CCC operated 4,500 camps! The CCC advanced natural resource conservation by decades, and provided education, training and experience for a generation of young men and women. Since then, millions of visitors to the national park system have enjoyed the work of the CCCs! Parks nationwide are commemorating the inspiring government leaders and hardworking young men that made up the Civilian Conservation Corps, and its contributions to parks across the country! Happy Birthday Civilian Conservation Corps!
August 29, 2008 - 1:49pm
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), designed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal to provide relief from the Great Depression. The CCC employed over two million young men to work in America’s parks and forests, creating and renovating roads, trails, campsites, social halls, amphitheaters and visitor centers. The program provided work in a time of great instability, but more importantly it offered disheartened Americans the chance to improve the nation's future, while strengthening their dignity and hope. They were making history by providing easier access to the treasures of the national park system. Nicknamed "Roosevelt's Tree Army," the CCC was operated through the cooperative efforts of four departments. The Department of Labor oversaw the selection of enrollees, the Army ran the camps, and the Interior and Agriculture departments provided work projects. Initially, unmarried men, between the ages of 18 and 25 and from families on relief, could apply. They enlisted for six months, with an option to reenlist for up to two years. The "CCC boys" worked for $30 a month, $25 of which was sent to their families. Eventually, "Local Experienced Men" (LEMs) and World War I veterans could enroll. Although a few work camps were established for women, most CCC enrollees were men. Nationwide, the CCC operated 4,500 camps! The CCC advanced natural resource conservation by decades, and provided education, training and experience for a generation of young men and women. Since then, millions of visitors to the national park system have enjoyed the work of the CCCs! Parks nationwide are commemorating the inspiring government leaders and hardworking young men that made up the Civilian Conservation Corps, and its contributions to parks across the country! Happy Birthday Civilian Conservation Corps!
September Featured Species: Zebra Mussels
August 29, 2008 - 12:53pm
Mussels are a key part of our aquatic ecosystems. They’re filter feeders, meaning they filter the water as they eat the debris that floats in it. They also serve as a food source for birds and small animals as well as fish … and humans. Usually there’s not much more to say about this animal, but one particular species has made a journey that highlights not only its hardiness but also the vulnerable balance of native ecosystems. Zebra mussels are small, freshwater mollusk species named for the stripes that commonly line the outside of their shells. Their sizes and shapes range can vary – oblong to almost circular, measuring anywhere from the size of a fingernail to two inches long – so it can be tricky to identify at first. The species is native to the lakes of Southern Russia but has been introduced, and has since caused quite a stir, in North America, the British Isles, Spain and Sweden. In these places the species has overgrown, and while it filters the water and provides food for bottom feeders in waterways, it’s more of an unchecked pest than anything. Zebra mussels are prolific. An adult female can produce between 30,000 and a million eggs in a year, which are fertilized during spring spawning sessions. What’s more, there are too few predators to keep the species in check. Having so many mussels around may not seem like a big problem on its face, but it has proven to be quite costly not only to the other members of its ‘host’ ecosystem but to humans as well. Many native lakes in North American have seen their native mussel populations drop due to the invasion of the zebra. It tends to latch onto the hardest substrates in the watery environment. In silty sands, these objects are the native mussels themselves, which are then often killed by the attachment of the zebra. The US coastguard estimates the cost of economic losses and control measures around the zebra to be worth about 5 billion dollars each year! These are hearty creatures that can survive out of water for several days or weeks if the temperature and humidity allow for it. Since 1988 they’ve have reproduced and weathered their way to richly populate all of the great lakes and begin a sprawl into the major rivers in the US. Scientists predict that the zebra mussel will continue to spread its population range by riding along the bottoms of small vessels and tourist ships. Zebra mussels can disrupt the food chain in freshwater ecosystems, ruin facilities like docks and rams, clog pipelines and engines and litter beaches with their smelly shells. But you can help to stop this trend of their growth in the US. Before launching your boat, you can check it thoroughly. Remove all mud, plant and animal debris from the boat, trailer and other equipment to enter the water. When you’re out of the water, drain the boat, motor and live well so that it can dry out – the boat needs to be completely dry for at least five days before entering another body of water. Doing your part will help protect freshwater ecosystems around the US and in our national parks, as well as reduce the dollars spent to reduce the damage caused by this prolific species.
August 29, 2008 - 12:53pm
Mussels are a key part of our aquatic ecosystems. They’re filter feeders, meaning they filter the water as they eat the debris that floats in it. They also serve as a food source for birds and small animals as well as fish … and humans. Usually there’s not much more to say about this animal, but one particular species has made a journey that highlights not only its hardiness but also the vulnerable balance of native ecosystems. Zebra mussels are small, freshwater mollusk species named for the stripes that commonly line the outside of their shells. Their sizes and shapes range can vary – oblong to almost circular, measuring anywhere from the size of a fingernail to two inches long – so it can be tricky to identify at first. The species is native to the lakes of Southern Russia but has been introduced, and has since caused quite a stir, in North America, the British Isles, Spain and Sweden. In these places the species has overgrown, and while it filters the water and provides food for bottom feeders in waterways, it’s more of an unchecked pest than anything. Zebra mussels are prolific. An adult female can produce between 30,000 and a million eggs in a year, which are fertilized during spring spawning sessions. What’s more, there are too few predators to keep the species in check. Having so many mussels around may not seem like a big problem on its face, but it has proven to be quite costly not only to the other members of its ‘host’ ecosystem but to humans as well. Many native lakes in North American have seen their native mussel populations drop due to the invasion of the zebra. It tends to latch onto the hardest substrates in the watery environment. In silty sands, these objects are the native mussels themselves, which are then often killed by the attachment of the zebra. The US coastguard estimates the cost of economic losses and control measures around the zebra to be worth about 5 billion dollars each year! These are hearty creatures that can survive out of water for several days or weeks if the temperature and humidity allow for it. Since 1988 they’ve have reproduced and weathered their way to richly populate all of the great lakes and begin a sprawl into the major rivers in the US. Scientists predict that the zebra mussel will continue to spread its population range by riding along the bottoms of small vessels and tourist ships. Zebra mussels can disrupt the food chain in freshwater ecosystems, ruin facilities like docks and rams, clog pipelines and engines and litter beaches with their smelly shells. But you can help to stop this trend of their growth in the US. Before launching your boat, you can check it thoroughly. Remove all mud, plant and animal debris from the boat, trailer and other equipment to enter the water. When you’re out of the water, drain the boat, motor and live well so that it can dry out – the boat needs to be completely dry for at least five days before entering another body of water. Doing your part will help protect freshwater ecosystems around the US and in our national parks, as well as reduce the dollars spent to reduce the damage caused by this prolific species.
15th Annual National Public Lands Day
August 29, 2008 - 12:18pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity to join more than 100,000 volunteers in the country’s single largest hands-on volunteer effort for America’s public lands. In addition to celebrating the natural beauty of our parks, trails, lakes and seashores, you’ll have a chance to get involved in your community by helping with a variety of volunteer projects, including building trails and bridges, planting trees and plants, and removing trash and invasive plants. American Park Network is proud to announce that our long-standing partner, and supporter of parks, AVEENO®, is now the national sponsor of National Public Lands Day. If you decide to volunteer, be sure to add a camera to the list of gear you’ll need on NPLD! Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Ninth Annual National Public Lands Day Photo Contest, which is open to all NPLD volunteers! The contest will showcase the natural beauty of our country's public lands and give volunteers the chance to win great prizes from AVEENO®. The contest has two categories. The first is “Volunteers in Action,” highlighting the great work taking place on NPLD and all of the people who make the day a success. The second category, “Transformative Change,” will enable volunteers who care so much about our public places to show the nation the impact they’ve made during NPLD. In addition to great AVEENO® gifts for the contest winners, there will be a $500 donation made to the sites affiliated with the top five photos in the “Transformative Change” category in support of their commitment to transformation!
August 29, 2008 - 12:18pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity to join more than 100,000 volunteers in the country’s single largest hands-on volunteer effort for America’s public lands. In addition to celebrating the natural beauty of our parks, trails, lakes and seashores, you’ll have a chance to get involved in your community by helping with a variety of volunteer projects, including building trails and bridges, planting trees and plants, and removing trash and invasive plants. American Park Network is proud to announce that our long-standing partner, and supporter of parks, AVEENO®, is now the national sponsor of National Public Lands Day. If you decide to volunteer, be sure to add a camera to the list of gear you’ll need on NPLD! Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Ninth Annual National Public Lands Day Photo Contest, which is open to all NPLD volunteers! The contest will showcase the natural beauty of our country's public lands and give volunteers the chance to win great prizes from AVEENO®. The contest has two categories. The first is “Volunteers in Action,” highlighting the great work taking place on NPLD and all of the people who make the day a success. The second category, “Transformative Change,” will enable volunteers who care so much about our public places to show the nation the impact they’ve made during NPLD. In addition to great AVEENO® gifts for the contest winners, there will be a $500 donation made to the sites affiliated with the top five photos in the “Transformative Change” category in support of their commitment to transformation!
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
