Acadia National Park is the postcard-perfect showpiece of Maine’s rocky coastline with stunning ocean vistas, dense forests and a high peak that rewards those who make the trek with dramatic views of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman’s Bay.
Most of Acadia is located on the island created by glacial thaw more than 20,000 years ago, according to the U.S. National Park Service. The park is actually made up of a patchwork of large parcels on Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Point and barrier islands donated by summer residents who built elaborate vacation estates “cottage” in the 1800s. The park is nestled in the midst of seaside villages, private homes and commercial areas because of the patchwork of donated land over the years.
Acadia draws more than 2.5 million visitors a year, according to the National Park Service, who come to experience its sand beach, geological formations, wooded trails and the peak of Cadillac Mountain, as well as the miles of rocky coastline. The park and surrounding natural areas attract campers, hikers, kayakers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts. The village of Bar Harbor provides a convenient and hospitable base for all visitors with dozens of shops, restaurants, hotels, inns and other attractions.
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