Maine--Acadia Byway

Date: 2004-11-17

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Maine's Acadia National Park may be familiar to you from the countless postcards that document its rugged, rocky coastline. This dramatic feature, along with the quiet sheltered ponds and lush forests, make it one of the most popular parks in the nation. This drive will show you some of the best Maine has to offer. The national park on Mount Desert Island is a mixture of public and private land. The byway starts in Trenton at the Thompson Island Bridge on Rte. 3.

Past Salisbury and Hulls Cove, it continues to the visitor center at the Hulls Cove entrance to the park, where you'll switch to the Park Loop Road. This road follows the coastline, revealing some wonderful ocean views including the many pine tree-covered islands in the bay. The Abbe Museum has exhibits about the island's geography and its French, English, and Native American history.

Farther on, you'll find Thunder Hole, a chasm carved by the surf that resounds like thunder as the waves crash against it. Before the Jordan Pond House, where you'll find a restaurant and gift shop overlooking the pristine eponymous pond, detour to Seal Harbor, where a short hike leads to a stretch of coastline popular for seals who sun on the rocks jutting out from the ocean. It's best to visit the Jordan Pond House in the afternoon for tea and popovers on the lawn. It is a great way to end a day of hiking and sightseeing.

For supreme vistas, drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the island. You can also follow the Park Loop Road back to Rte. 3 and head to Bar Harbor, the town overlooking Frenchman's Bay. Bar Harbor is a popular tourist spot with plenty of restaurants and shops. Several commercial vessels offer ferry service, fishing, nature cruises, sailing, and whale-watching excursions.

Starting Point:
Trenton, ME

Distance of Drive:
32 miles

Must Eat:
Island Chowder House
38 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, ME 04602
Phone:  207-288-4905
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:  Chowder and Lobster

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to Fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Acadia National Park
Cadillac Mountain
Seal Harbor
Bar Harbor

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