We can thank the wealthy for the pristine state of Acadia National Park. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, robber barons used the park as their private playground and in the process preserved the islands of Acadia for the masses. 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. 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 park’s 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 Frenchman’s 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 Acadia’s resources first-hand. Or just admire the views and let yourself unwind, knowing you’re taking part in a long-standing tradition.
The first U. S. National Park east of the Mississippi, Acadia is laced with hiking and biking trails, studded with mountains and home to a menagerie of wildlife. Small wonder it ranks among the most popular national parks in the country. Acadia is an extraordinary corner of the country for outdoor lovers of every stripe, a place where the kids will never have time to be bored or wonder what they’re missing back home on television.
History & Culture
For a select handful of Americans, the 1880′s and the “Gay Nineties” meant affluence on a scale without precedent. Mount Desert, still remote from the cities of the East, became a retreat for prominent people of the times. The Rockefellers, Morgans, Fords, Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Astors, chose to spend their summers here. Not content with the simple lodgings then available, these families transformed the landscape of Mount Desert Island with elegant estates, euphemistically called “cottages.” Luxury, refinement and ostentatious gatherings replaced buckboard rides, picnics and day-long hikes of an earlier era. For over 40 years, the wealthy held sway at Mount Desert, but the Great Depression and World War II marked the end of such extravagance.
The final blow came in 1947 when a fire of monumental proportions consumed many of the great estates. 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, a tireless spokesman for conservation, devoted 43 years of his life, energy and family fortune to preserving the Acadian landscape. In 1901, disturbed by the growing development of the Bar Harbor area and the dangers he foresaw in the newly invented gasoline powered portable sawmill, George Dorr and others established the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. The corporation, whose sole purpose was to preserve land for the perpetual use of the public, acquired 6,000 acres by 1913.
Dorr offered the land to the federal government and in 1916, President Wilson announced the creation of Sieur de Monts National Monument. Dorr continued to acquire property and renewed his efforts to obtain full national park status for his beloved preserve. In 1919, President Wilson signed the act establishing Lafayette National Park, the first national park east of the Mississippi. Dorr, whose labors constituted “the greatest of one-man shows in the history of land conservation” became the first park superintendent.
In 1929, the park name changed to Acadia. Today the park encompasses 35,000 acres and the simple pleasures of “ocean, forests, lakes and mountains” that for over a century and a quarter have been sought and found by millions, are yours to enjoy.
Recreation
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 20 mile Park Loop Road and take the 3.5 mile spur road to Cadillac Mountain, both of which include views of some of the most dramatic scenery along the eastern seaboard. Most of the Park Loop Road is closed during the winter.
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.
Getting There
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 Interstate 95 north to Augusta, Maine; from Augusta take Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island or take Interstate 95 north to Bangor, Maine; from Bangor take Route 1A east to Ellsworth; from Ellsworth take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.
By Public Transportation
Concord Trailways and Vermont Transit offer service between Boston’s Logan Airport and Bangor. Vermont Transit operates between Bangor and Bar Harbor during the summer months.
Getting Around
From mid-April to mid-November, visitors can drive the 20-mile Park Loop Road and 7-mile spur road to Cadillac Mountain to view dazzling scenery and enjoy an occasional stop to stroll down a path or to read a wayside information sign. During the winter a 2-mile section of the Park Loop Road along Ocean Drive remains open to automobiles. Access to this motor road is via Schooner Head Road, two miles south of downtown Bar Harbor. The road to Cadillac Mountain is closed to automobiles during the winter.
The Island Explorer shuttle operates late June to Columbus Day. The shuttle stops at many lodges and campgrounds, linking visitors to destinations across Mount Desert Island and parts of Acadia National Park. Visitors are requested to purchase a park pass, which helps support the Island Explorer fare-free system.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Acadia National Park
P. O. Box 177
Eagle Lake Road
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177
Phone: 207-288-3338
Fax: 207-288-8813
Operating Hours & Seasons
Acadia National Park is open year-round. Some roads are open 24 hours a day year-round; other roads are closed in the winter.
From mid-November to mid-April, the Park Loop Road, including the road to Cadillac Mountain, is closed. The road reopens between mid- and late April, depending on the weather. A 2 mile section of the Park Loop Road along Ocean Drive remains open to automobiles during the winter. Access to this motor road is via Schooner Head Road, two miles south of downtown Bar Harbor.
Please drive carefully; be aware of black ice and drifting snow. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Call our information center for weather updates at 207-288-3338.
Winter Visitor Center/Park Headquarters Hours: November 1 to mid-April, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25 and January 1.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center Hours: May through June and October, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily; July through August, 8:00 a.m. to 6 pm, daily; September, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily.
Weather/Climate
Acadia National Park’s weather is largely a product of latitude and marine influences.
Arrive prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. Summer temperatures vary from 45 degrees F to 85 degrees F, spring and fall temperatures from 30 degrees F to 70 degrees F. You may encounter rain and fog at any time, but be assured that the sun does shine!
On a daily and annual basis, Mount Desert Island temperatures are more moderate than those of inland Maine. The Maine coastal climate has been ranked second only to the Pacific Northwest in annual precipitation. This moisture occurs in every form at Acadia. Ice storms are regular in winter and early spring and rain is frequent in every month. Fog is common during June, July and August.
Popularity: 2% [?]
|
|
