The town of Bar Harbor is an exciting and active hub with a life of its own. It is primarily the popularity of the town that makes the park, Acadia, such a popular destination. The town and park often blend into one another as you traverse from street to street, creating a unique experience for travelers who have never been to this part of the US. Visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia is one of the best National Parks experiences in the country due the accessibility of everything in town nearby; delicious restaurants, diverse shopping, and excellent hotels. But the jewel of the island is the historic Bar Harbor Inn, which sits right on the water. 

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Two visitor centers can be found on Hulls Cove and Thompson Island. With 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads, and an abundance of recreational activities, it is no wonder nature lovers have been flocking here for generations. 

History

Acadia National Park started with the gift of donated lands, galvanized by the Village Improvement Association and the Hancock County Trustees for Public Reservations. These groups noticed the influx of tourists to the area and wanted to create a plan to preserve the environment for years to come. The wealthiest members of these groups purchased the land that was later donated to the United States government.

In 1916 President Wilson signed the Sieur National Monument into creation, beginning with five thousand acres on MDI. In 1919 an act of Congress designated Lafayette National Park. And in 1929, as additional lands were donated on the Schoodic Peninsula, the area and its new boundaries were renamed Acadia National Park. 

Acadia was the first National Park created from private lands donated as a gift to the public. The current land conservation movement wouldn’t exist without it.

Park Layout

The Park is divided into three main regions: Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and the Isle au Haut. Each region offers its own quaint charm and reason for visiting. Mount Desert Island includes the majority of the park’s acreage and is the easiest to access. The most popular spot on the island is Bar Harbor, boasting beautiful historic lodges, superb seafood and restaurants, and effortless access to nature.

It’s a Victorian-era getaway for affluent artists and those looking to get back to nature. The majority of the park’s major draws are easily accessed from Bar Harbor such as the Scenic Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, whale watching tours, sailing tours, the park’s nature center, and Sand Beach. Bar Harbor is definitely the most popular tourist hub. If basing your trip from there, expect busy trails, packed parking lots, and to plan ahead of time during the high season.

The Schoodic Peninsula offers more seclusion across the bay from Bar Harbor. Choose the hour’s drive from Bar Harbor or take a ferry across. Visitors enjoy the slower pace of life here. The Isle au Haut is even more remote and is only accessible by ferry from Bar Harbor. There are no cars or paved roads, but over 18 miles of panoramic, rugged, and mostly coastal walking trails. 

Geology

Acadia is renowned for the natural beauty of its panoramic views and pink granite mountains. The landscape speaks to a long history of glacial, tectonic and volcanic activity. The story continues today but in a gentler way, as erosion and the elements continue to carve new surroundings. The varied landscape of Acadia morphs through the weathering of granite ridges, the relentless flow of tides, and gusting coastal wind. Nature doesn’t disappoint here, it’s what helps bring visitors back year after year.

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