Acadia National Park

Though the affluent of the turn of the century came here to frolic, they had much to do with preserving the landscape that we know today. It was from this social strata that George B. Dorr came. He devoted 43 years of his life, energy, and family fortune to preserving the Acadian landscape.

Thanks to the foresight of Dorr and others like him, Acadia became the first national park established east of the Mississippi. Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia encompasses 47,633 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline. Such diverse types of habitat make Acadia 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.

P.O. Box 177
Eagle Lake Road
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177
(207) 288-3338 - Visitor Information
(207) 288-3338 - Visitor Information
(207) 288-3338 - Headquarters
(207) 288-3338 - Headquarters

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 from the park. Car rentals are available at both airports.

By Car
Acadia National Park is located approximately six hours north of Boston. 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
Concord Trailways and Vermont Transit offer service between Boston's Logan Airport and Bangor. Concord Trailways connects with the Airport Express shuttle with service to Bar Harbor. Vermont Transit operates between Bangor and Bar Harbor during the summer months.

Getting Around
Visitors can drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road to view dazzling scenery and enjoy an occasional stop to stroll down a path or to read a wayside information sign.

The Island Explorer shuttle bus picks visitors up at their lodging or campground and links them to destinations across Mount Desert Island and into Acadia National Park. The service is supported in part by park fees so the ride is fare-free. The shuttle operates late June to Labor Day.

Arrive prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. Summer temperatures vary from 45(c2)(ba) F to 85(c2)(ba) F, spring and fall temperatures from 30(c2)(ba) F to 70(c2)(ba) F. You may encounter rain and fog at any time, but be assured that the sun does shine!

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Acadia offers a variety of activities throughout the year.

During the summer, spring, and fall, 45 miles of carriage roads are ideal for walking, hiking and biking. In addition, over 115 miles of hiking trails offer spectacular ocean and woodland views. Trails range from easy to strenuous.

By automobile visitors can drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road which includes views of some of the most dramatic scenery along the eastern seaboard.

A variety of Ranger-led programs including bird walks, boat cruises, evening slide programs, mountain hikes, stargazing, short talks, and nature walks are available from late May to mid-October.

Other summer activities include fishing, boating, carriage rides, and wildlife viewing.

During the winter, the carriage roads and the closed portions of the Park Loop Road are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Click on image to enlarge.