Acadia National Park
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline. Such diverse habitats create striking scenery and make the park a haven for wildlife and plants. Entwined with the natural diversity of Acadia is the story of people. Evidence suggests native people first lived here at least 5,000 years ago. Subsequent centuries brought explorers from far lands, settlers of European descent, and, arising directly from the beauty of the landscape, tourism and preservation. Attracted by the paintings and written works of the rusticators, artists who portrayed the beauty of Mount Desert Island in their works, the affluent of the turn of the century flocked to the area.
Acadia National Park Geology
While the term "geologic formation" often conjures images of the spectacular arches and pinnacles of the western parks, many of Acadia's geologic features are subtle, but equally as impressive. Just as the sedimentary rock of the Grand Canyon was carved by the effects of millions of years of water and wind, ridges of granite were sculpted by glaciers measuring up to 9,000 feet thick, creating the landscape of Acadia that we see today. Evidence of the glaciers can be seen just about everywhere: broad U-shaped valleys hold lakes, glacial erratics dot the landscape, as do glacial erosional scars like chatter marks, striations, glacial polish, potholes, and kettle ponds.
Fees
Good for one vehicle for 7 days, including the date of purchase. $20 June 23-early October; $10 May 1-June 22 and early October-October 31
Quick Highlights
Carraige Roads, Rocky Shoreline, Mountains, Coasts and Shorelines,Streams, Ponds, Wetlands, Cadillac Mountain, Lakes and Forests
Hours of Operation
Acadia National Park is open year-round. Facilities include Hulls Cove Visitor Center, the Nature Center, Islesford Historical Center, Park Loop Road, two campgrounds, and several picnic areas. More
Activities
Hiking, Trails, Fishing, Ranger Tours, Junior Ranger Programs, Concession Tours, Climbing, Special Tours, Climbing Details, Group Climbing
Lodging
Bar Harbor ME Lodging
Ellsworth ME Lodging
Camping
There are two campgrounds in the park: Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds. Both campgrounds offer individual and group campsites. All park campsites are situated in woods within a 10-minute walk of the ocean. Camping Information
Preserving Acadia National Park
Though they came in search of social and recreational activities, these early conservationists had much to do with preserving the landscape we know today. George B. Dorr, the parks first superintendent, came from this social strata. He devoted 43 years of his life, energy, and family fortune to preserving the Acadia landscape. Thanks to the foresight of Dorr and others like him, Acadia became the first national park established east of the Mississippi. Today the park offers scientific, educational, and recreational activities unparalleled along the east coast. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Frenchmans Bay or explore some of the quieter, more secluded mountain paths. Bike over 40 miles of the tree-lined carriage roads that wind over hillsides and near glassy lakes. Join a ranger to experience Acadias resources first-hand. Or just admire the views and let yourself unwind, knowing you are taking part in a long-standing tradition.
The First National Park East of the Mississippi River - Acadia NP
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
Acadia National Park Rocky Shoreline
The ocean thundering against the rocky shore, the tang of salt on the sea breeze, the clang of bell buoys off shore, and gulls circling above the waves... For many who visit here, this shoreline scene is the quintessential image of Acadia National Park. The shoreline is a work in progress, constantly being shaped and reshaped by waves and wind and storms. Slowly the ocean works away at the hard edges of the island, carving sea stacks and leaving pockets of beaches filled with surf-rounded cobblestones. Amid all the cracks and crags and bold cliffs of the Acadian shoreline, nestles one sandy beach. More
Peregrines at Acadia
Peregrines nested on Mount Desert Island at least as long ago as 1936. The last known nesting pair was reported in 1956. From 1984 until 1986, 22 peregrine chicks were successfully hatched in Acadia National Park from a high cliff face overlooking Jordan Pond. Adult peregrines often return to areas near their original hack sites, which was the case at Acadia. When an adult peregrine returned to the site in 1987, the park discontinued the hacking program for fear that this adult would prey upon any released chicks. More
Winter in Acadia Park
The park is open all year! Although some facilities are closed, winter can be a beautiful, peaceful time to visit.
Acadia National Park Climate
Arrive prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. Summer temperatures vary from 45 F to 85 F, spring and fall temperatures from 30 F to 70 F. You may encounter rain and fog at any time, and snow and ice are common in the winter. More
Lakes and Forests
A silver morning mist rises from Jordan Pond. A canoe slips silently by. A loon cries out, and farther down the lake, hidden in the mist, its mate replies. Acadia National Park bounds several lakes and ponds. Most lakes located within Acadia's boundaries serve as public water supplies for surrounding communities and permit no swimming. In the shadow of Beech Mountain, however, lies Echo Lake, with a sandy swimming beach which is life guarded in the summer. More
MSR
Columbia
Mammut
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