Maine’s rugged coastline and New England culture come together in this easternmost U.S. national park on a mountainous island.
Travel to Maine’s rocky Mount Desert Island to visit Acadia National Park. Here you’ll find a forested wilderness overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and meet hardy northern New Englanders who welcome you to join in their community activities.
Many activities centre on the park’s year-round natural beauty. Spring offers opportunities for hiking along trails to spot wildflowers and newborn wildlife. In summer, stroll on shaded carriage roads. Rent a sea kayak or scuba dive in the lukewarm Atlantic Ocean. Swim in saltwater or a freshwater lake. See spectacular displays of fall colours against sparkling granite in autumn. Winter brings a blanket of snow, ideal for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet (466 metres), is the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Hike or climb its granite slopes or drive along a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometre) road to the top for a quiet evening. Perfectly dark nights provide great opportunities for watching satellites, shooting stars and the space station hurtling across the skies.
Just outside the park’s borders, the charming town of Bar Harbour has numerous restaurants, shops and galleries. Buy salt water taffy, ice cream and fudge or enjoy a Maine lobster boil.
Choose your mode of transportation for the park. Drive the 27-mile (43-kilometre) Park Loop Road listening to a purchased audio tape with facts and stories about the park’s history, geology and wildlife. Walk or bike on some of the 45 miles (72 kilometres) of carriage roads installed by John D. Rockefeller. From June through October, ride the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus from points outside the park to areas within. Although the park’s Hull Cove Visitor Centre closes from November to mid-April, one scenic section of the Park Loop Road remains open year-round.
U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travellers. Purchase a park entry pass for daily or weekly access or an annual interagency pass for enjoyment of parks across the country.
When you visit Acadia National Park, be prepared for the weather extremes of coastal New England, with the possibility of strong winds, fog and unseasonal snow, or many bright, sunny days.
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