Why You Should Visit Acadia National Park on Coastal Maine’s Mount Desert Island for More Than Just a Hike
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED MAY 2023 • 4 min read
The “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” famous for its sunrises, sweeping coastal vistas, pink granite mountains, and diverse forests—Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats and a rich cultural heritage.
Source: Visit Maine
The park, established by Woodrow Wilson in 1916 with 6,000 acres, now encompasses nearly 50,000 acres along the Atlantic Coastline of Maine—including Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, amongst other islands. 60 miles of coastline, 33 miles of scenic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails provide numerous ways to explore the park.
1. THE BEACH
Thousands of years of pounding surf created a beach known as Sand Beach that is largely comprised of unique sand from shell fragments. Acadia’s only sandy ocean beach is nestled between mountains and rocky shores on the east side of Mount Desert Island.
Source: Visit Maine
Though the ocean water is chilly even during the summer, the soft inviting stretch of sand is popular for picnics and very close to coastal trails, such as the Ocean Path.
2. THE LIGHTHOUSE
Built in 1858, Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most frequently photographed Maine lighthouses. It sits atop a rugged, pink rock cliff surrounded by dark evergreens.
Source: Visit Maine
Located on the southern end of Mt. Desert Island, it's a cylindrical tower attached to the keeper's house by a short, enclosed passageway.
3. THE HIKING
For half the year, this mammoth mountain, known as Cadillac Mountain, is home to the first rays of daylight to touch the United States, and the perfect place to catch the sunrise year-round.
Source: National Park Service
Considering the sheer scale and beauty of the mountain (it’s the tallest on Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic Coast), it’s no wonder why it attracts so many visitors.
4. THE WILDLIFE
The parks impressively diverse ecosystems are home to equally diverse wildlife. Birders will find themselves in a state of bliss with roughly 300 species to keep an eye out for, including the meteoric peregrine falcon.
Source: National Park Service
Within its borders is shoreline and beach, leafy forests and lakes, and barren mountain ledges. If you’re hiking the forest, you may get lucky and spot a fox.
5. THE OCEAN CLIFFS
No trip to Acadia National Park is complete without visiting Thunder Hole—a quintessential Maine landmark that offers more than just the trademark thunder.
Source: National Park Service
