Acadia National Park

Understand

Acadia NP encompasses more than 47,000 acres, 30,300 of which are on Mount Desert Island. 2,728 acres of the park lie on Isle au Haut and 2,266 more on the Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor.

Acadia is one of the smaller national parks in the country, yet it attracts around 4 million visitors per year. It was the first NP established east of the Mississippi River.

History

It was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 by a presidential proclamation by Woodrow Wilson. Congress renamed the park Lafayette National Park in 1919. Congress again enacted a name change in 1929 to the name we now use, Acadia National Park. The name comes from the former French colony Acadia.

In October 1947, the park and some adjacent lands were ravaged by fire.

Landscape

A quick look at any topographical map of Mount Desert Island will indicate the powerful and lasting effects of the last ice age on the island and the current landscape of Acadia. As the last glacier receded over 18,000 years ago it left behind the elongated mountains and lakes we see today. The moving ice was also the culprit behind the "bald" summits of most of the park's hilltops, scraping off vegetation and leaving the beautiful pink granite underneath.

Flora and fauna

More than 273 bird species have been identified in the park, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, blue jays, finches, and chickadees (the Maine state bird). Mammal species include deer, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, porcupines and bats. Other species include garter snakes, the American bullfrog, and the North American red-bellied salamander.

Climate

Acadia's weather is largely a product of latitude and marine influences. 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.

Spring can be foggy with temperatures ranging between 30°F and 70°F. Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, and long pants for protection. Annual rainfall is 48 in.

Summer daytime temperatures range from 45°F to 90°F. Evenings are cooler. Dressing in layers is advisable for any boating or hiking activities. Ocean water temperatures range from 50°F to 60°F. Lake water temperatures range from 55°F to 70°F.

Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Come prepared for all types of weather, from sun to fog, from downpours to flurries. Fall foliage often peaks during the first couple of weeks in October. Weather conditions over the summer, such as drought, may alter the time that the leaves peak.

In the winter, due to Acadia's coastal location, snow and weather conditions change rapidly. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero. The park averages 61 in of snow annually. For the latest in weather information, call the local weather phone line at +1 207-667-8910 or call the park at +1 207-288-3338.

Visitor information

• Park website

Get in

Acadia National Park is along the rugged, rocky coast of "Downeast" Maine. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island, which is accessible by vehicle. The park is approximately six hours north of Boston.

By car

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. By car to the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor: Follow Rt. 1 North/East from Ellsworth to Rt. 186.

Distances from other cities

• Bangor, ME 50 miles, 1 hour
• Portland, ME 161 miles, 3.5 hours
• Kittery, ME 211 miles, 4.5 hours
• Boston, MA 264 miles, 6 hours
• New York, NY 492 miles, 10 hours
• Saint John, New Brunswick 227 miles, 5 hours
• Montreal, Quebec 424 miles, 8 hours
• Halifax, Nova Scotia 500 miles, 10 hours

By plane

• is the closest airport to Acadia National Park, about 10 mi from the park, but the airport is served by only one small airline. It operates year-long flights from Boston Logan International Airport.

• is the closest airport with significant commercial service. The airport is served by American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Breeze.

• is the farthest of the three airports, but it has more air service than Bangor International Airport.

By ferry

There is no longer ferry service from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth Nova Scotia. "The Cat" is no longer in service.

Fees and permits

Entrance fees as of 2020 are:

• $15 Acadia Entrance Fee - Per Person
• $25 Acadia Entrance Fee - Motorcycle
• $30 Acadia Entrance Fee - Private Vehicle
• $55 Acadia Annual Pass

Get around

The free Island Explorer bus system, Phone: +1 207-667-5796, can take you through the park, stopping at points of interest. There are bicycle racks on the front and back of each bus if you'd like to combine transport methods as you explore. Island Explorer buses are propane-powered.

Stay safe

• It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating. The water is cold and hypothermia can set in in a short amount of time. Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm.

If you are determined to go out on your own, it would be foolish and could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer to do so without every single passenger:

• wearing a PFD and/or
• having a compass and knowing how to use it and/or
• understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards

There are numerous companies on Mount Desert Island and elsewhere that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.