Copyright: National Park Service Acadia National Park

Description - Acadia National Park is comprised of over 40,000 acres. On this national land rests two air quality monitoring sites, approximately 20 ponds and lakes and 26 mountains. Over 3 million people visit annually to view the spectacular scenery, enjoy the protected lands and study the 273 species of birds, 11 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptile and over 40 species of mammals. Created some 350 millions years ago, this coastal boreal community has attracted people for thousands of years.

Attractions - Acadia National Park on the central Maine seaboard preserves the coastal area of Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula and the cliffs of Isle au Haut. The park contain 40,000 acres of island-studded seacoast, pristine hardwood and spruce / fir forest along with magnificent mountains and lakes. This is truly one place in American where mountain, lakes and ocean all come together in one location. The views are long and glorious. Mountains are tall yet roll at a gentle grade making them low enough to hike. Cadillac Mountain stands as the tallest mountain along the Northern Atlantic Coast, elevation 1,530 feet. Lakes and ponds burst with fishing opportunities; viewing sea animals and big game are unsurpassed. Many visitors rarely stray from the more traveled routes, keeping the less traveled inland paths quiet and remote. Created some 350 millions years ago, this coastal boreal community has attracted people for thousands of years.

Recreation - Acadia National Park provides facilities for a plethora of recreation opportunities. The park visitor center is a good place to begin acquiring information about the terrain and its trails, roads, picnic grounds and campgrounds. The park offers 120 miles of hiking trails through varied landscapes and seascapes. There are also 45 miles of carriage roads for walking, hiking and biking. Two campgrounds are available within the park, Blackwoods and Seawall. Both are open through the summer months with varying facilities and prices. There are 45 gravel RV sites allowing the visitor to stay 14 days. A dump station and public phone are located at the park. Fishing opportunities abound in a number of the lakes and ponds. Wonderful gardens are open for leisurely strolls. This northern outdoor wonder has something for every taste whether it's staying in or near your car or backpacking into the remote forests, Acadia is a natural attraction that entertains over 3 million people annually.

During the summer months, there are daily excursions offering the opportunity to travel out into the Gulf of Maine for the sole purpose of viewing wildlife. You are likely to see harbor seals, puffins (over two decades ago the National Audubon Society launched a major effort to reestablish and have successfully done so) and whales.

Hungry travelers heading south on SR 3, south of Ellsworth, will not want to miss Betsy's Kitchen. This small rustic restaurant features fabulous melt-in-your-mouth homemade breads, homemade jellies, blueberry pancakes, friendly hospitality, camper necessities, postcards and more. The restaurant is located on the left, a short distance from the Ellsworth Wal*Mart, which incidentally, sells fishing licenses.

Climate - Summers on the Atlantic coast in Maine are generally warm, cooling off when the sun sets. Precipitation varies during summer with many showers coming from clouds that build on the mountains. Winters are very cold and snowy. Always be prepared for cool weather and dress in layers.

Location - Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, immediately southwest of Bar Harbor. From the junction of SR 3 & SR 233 in Bar Harbor, travel south for 5 miles on SR 3.

LAT: 44.3500795
LONG: -68.2827935