A breathtaking 27 mile winding loop around the eastern half of Mount Desert Island, encompassing the shore and inland natural features of Acadia. This is an ideal way to get a feel for the natural wonders of Acadia National Park.
Carriage Roads
The carriage roads are great for joggers, bikers and easy hiking and a great place to take the kids. Acadia National Park is well known for being dog friendly. A Carriage Road Guide is available in our gift shop and more information can be found at the Park’s Visitor Center.
Sand Beach
The only sand beach in the park is located 10 miles from the Visitor Center. Enjoy the sun and build a sand castle! Swimming can be best described as “refreshing” and “invigorating”, as the ocean temperature seldom climbs above 55°F, even on the hottest days. While at Sand Beach take a short hike around the Great Head or up the 520 foot Beehive Mountain overlooking the Beach. Please be aware of the signs asking people to stay off the dunes. They are a very fragile ecosystem that Acadia strives to preserve.
Thunder Hole
If you carefully time your visit to this narrow chasm located between Sand Beach and Otter cliffs you will hear the surging tide trapping air inside the small rock cave which causes a thunder like roar. Concrete steps allow visitors to observe at water level. A favorite spot with wind-driven tides and gales, especially at mid-tide. The best chance of hearing the roar is on the incoming tide.
Jordan Pond/Bubble Mountain
Surrounded by Pemetic Mountain to the east and Sargent and Penobscot Mountains to the west, glacially carved Jordan Pond’s clear cool water are perfectly framed by the beautiful rounded Bubble Mountains to the north. While taking in the view, enjoy one of the nearby hiking trails or visit Jordan Pond House to sample their famous tea and Popovers.
Cadillac Mountain
The highlight of the Park Loop Road experience for many is the view from atop 1,530 foot Cadillac Mountain. The highest peak on the Atlantic Coast north of Brazil, Cadillac’s panoramic views are unmatched. The surrounding Frenchman and Blue Hill Bays and their many islands are best viewed from atop or from one of the many overlooks. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets are among the favorite views of visitors. Cadillac Mountain also has some of the best stargazing and eclipse watching on the east coast.
Occasionally, though it’s very rare, we can catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Remember when ever heading up the mountain, dress warm and bring your camera!!
Acadia at Schoodic
Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula in Maine is the only part of the park that is located on the mainland. It has very similar geological features as Mount Desert Island but is more secluded and has less commercial development in the surrounding villages. Because of this “less traveled” aspect, there are many who are passionate about the region.
The Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park covers approximately 2,366 acres. There was a recent increase of 100 acres when a Naval facility on Big Moose Island was decommissioned and converted back to national park land. The existing buildings now serve as part of the Schoodic Education and Research Center known by the acronym of SERC. Schoodic Peninsula is considered the quiet side of Acadia worth exploring for a quieter experience.
