Acadia National Park

Acadia_National_Park_WV Acadia National Park is the only United States|United States National Park in New England. It is on the coast of the Down East region of Maine, near the town of Bar Harbor.

Introduction

Acadia NP encompasses more than acre 47,000, 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 Winter Harbor|Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor. Acadia is one of the smaller national parks in the nation, yet it attracts nearly 3 million visitors per year. It is important that those who do visit and explore this wonderful park follow some basic guidelines in order to keep the park as clean, natural and undisturbed as feasible. Please review the leave-no-trace camping|Leave No Trace principles if you're planning a trip and remember them while you are having a great vacation. Help keep Acadia the way it should be.

History of Acadia National Park

It was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 by presidential proclamation. 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. It was the first NP established east of the Mississippi River. In October 1947, Acadia and some adjacent lands were ravaged by fire.

How is the Landscape of Acadia National Park

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 and the American bullfrog and the North American red-bellied salamander.

Weather in Acadia National Park

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 F30 and F70}}. Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeve shirts and long pants for protection. Annual rainfall isinches 48. Summer daytime temperatures range from F45 to F90. Evenings are cooler. Dressing in layers is advisable for any boating or hiking activities. Ocean water temperatures range from F50 to F60. Lake water temperatures range from F55 to F70. 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 averagesinches 61 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.

Travel to Acadia National Park

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 roughly six hours north of Boston

Travel by vehicle to Acadia National Park

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

Distances from other city's

Bangor (Maine) | Bangor, ME 50 miles, 1 hour
Portland (Maine) | Portland, ME 161 miles, 3.5 hours
Kittery, ME 211 miles, 4.5 hours
Boston, Massachusetts|MA 264 miles, 6 hours
New York, New York (state) | NY 492 miles, 10 hours
Saint John, New Brunswick 227 miles, 5 hours
Montreal, Quebec 424 miles, 8 hours
Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax, Nova Scotia 500 miles, 10 hours ===Travel by plane to Acadia National Park=== Direct connecting Flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, miles 10 from Acadia National Park. National airlines serve the Bangor the international Airport, about one hour from the park. Car rentals are available at both airports

By ferry

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

Fees and permits for Acadia National Park

There are:* 7-day (vehicle) entrance permit $20 June 23-early Oct, $10 May 1-Jun 22 and early October - Oct 31, Free Oct 31-Apr 30 however may parts of the park are closed due to snow.* 7-day individual park pass (pedestrian, motorcycle, or bicycle) $5, Children under 16 are free* Annual Acadia pass $40* Commercial sedan (capacity 1-6) $25 + $5/visitor for 1 entrance* Commercial van (capacity 7-15) $50 for 1 entrance* Commercial mini bus (capacity 16-25) $60 for 1 entrance* Commercial tour bus (capacity 26+) $150 for 1 entrance.

Getting around in Acadia National Park

The free Island Explorer bus system, ☎ : +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.

Sightseeing Tips

Egg Rock Light 44.353941,-68.138343 Acadia Loop Road, south of Cafe Harbor. Egg Rock Light (Maine) - Egg Rock Lighthouse Maine This 1875 lighthouse is on a barren ledge in the middle of Frenchman Bay, east of Mount Desert Island. It can be viewed from the Acadia NP Loop Road. }}

What to do as a Muslim in Acadia National Park

Land activities

There is an extensive network of carriage roads throughout Acadia National Park, which are closed to automobiles and are excellent places to ride your bicycle. The carriage roads are mostly paved with crushed stone and and therefore, are best navigated on a mountain or hybrid bicycle. Another option for cyclists is the ~20 mile (32 kilometers) long Park Loop Road, which encircles much of the eastern portion of the park. The road is open to automobiles, but is a one-way, two-lane road for much of its length. The Park Loop Road appears to have been re-paved in 2008, making for a very smooth, friendly ride. Bikes can be rented in Cafe Harbor. Acadia has the best day hiking in the Eastern U.S. Walking the miles of trails is one of the best ways to experience the park. Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island on a number of different hikes of various environment, length and difficulty. These trails are stunning, with high ocean views, accessible tree lines, steep precipices, stone bridges, etc. Acadia is a great place to birdwatch, with many species calling the park home including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, cranes, ducks, geese, chickadees, woodpeckers, owls, orioles and blue jays can be seen in the park. For an extensive checklist and more info on birdwatching opportunities in Acadia. The park is one of the darkest spots on the East Coast and on a clear night stargazers can see the Milky Way in all of its glory. Drive into the park after dark, find a safe place to stop along one of the park roads or parking lots where you're not crowded in by trees or lights, get out and look up. You will not be disappointed

Water activities

The last glacier of 18,000 years ago carved out the incredible and beautiful terrain of the park, leaving behind some of the cleanest lakes and ponds in the nation. Sea kayaking tours and boat rental services are offered from numerous establishments in Bar Harbor and allow access to Mount Desert Island and other destinations. Fishing is allowed in the park in accordance with the park regulations. While ocean fishing is open to all, fishing in freshwater lakes and ponds requires a Maine state fishing license. Licenses are required for residents aged 16 and up and non-residents 12 and up and can be purchased at town offices and a few local shops. Some ponds and lakes are used for drinking water and do not allow swimming; check park office for list of approved swimming locations.* Sand Beach | Watch out for a strong undertow at this ocean beach accessible from Park Loop Road

Echo Lake beach

Tours

Those who prefer a guided experience can choose between free park tours or commercial options.* Ranger-led Walks ☎ +1 207 288-3338 +1 207-288-8813 Various park locations. Ranger-guided walks and cruises. }}

Carriages in the Park, Inc. The authorized carriage concession at Wildwood Stables in the National Park. With a number of regularly scheduled tours and the option of private tours, Carriages in the Park offers guests a chance to see John D. Rockefeller's carriage roads and some of the park's most stunning views. For the guests of the park with horses Carriages in the Park also offers overnight stabling on site.

Shopping in Acadia National Park

Halal Restaurants in Acadia National Park

Jordan Pond House 44.32059,-68.25578 Operated by the company which holds the franchise for food and retail outlets within Acadia National Park and the Jordan Pond House, offers acceptable but overpriced food for lunch and dinner, but is crucial for afternoon "tea and popovers". The setting, with a view of The Bubbles up the pond, is delicious and the popovers hot and eggy. Reservations are a must for tea (and even then you'll probably wait 10 or 15 minutes). (2023)

Where to stay

Lodging

There are no hotels within the park borders, but the nearby town of Bar Harbor has numerous options

Go camping in Acadia National Park

The park has three campgrounds:* Blackwoods Campground | 44.31313,-68.21303 +1-800-365-2267 May - October $20, April & Nov: $10, Dec - Mar: free (primitive camping only) Open year-round. Reservations are suggested from may through October. 306 sites. No hook-ups or utilities. Restrooms with running water. Showers available nearby (fee).

Seawall Campground | 44.23861,-68.30497 on Route 102A, four miles south of Southwest Harbor +1-800-365-2267 $20 drive in, $14 walk-in tent Open mid May - Sept. Approximately half of the campsites are non-reservable and will be sold on a first come, first served basis at the campground. No hook-ups or utilities. Showers available nearby (fee).
Duck Harbor Campground | =44.05952,-68.61005 ☎ +1 207-288-3338 (reservations) A $25 special use permit fee must accompany each reservation request form regardless of how many nights you wish to camp. There is no additional camping fee Duck Harbor Campground is on Isle au Haut, a rugged island off the coast of Stonington, Maine. Remote and inaccessible to automobiles, Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by mailboat. Five primitive sites are available at Duck Harbor from May 15 to October 15 by advance reservation and stays are limited to 3-5 days depending on the season. You must have a reservation to camp. Camping is permitted in designated sites only and party size is limited to six persons per site. Facilities include five lean-to shelters, three-sided with roof and floor. Dimensions are 8' tall, 8' deep and 12.5' wide. Use of tents is limited to what can fit inside the shelters. There is also a composting toilet and hand pump for water that is 1,600 feet from shelters. Reservations are recommended well in advance, but are not accepted before April 1st. Access to Isle au Haut is via limited passenger ferry service; Confirm boat schedule with Isle au Haut Ferry Company (207) 367-6516, before reserving a campsite. Campers should be prepared to hike five miles to reach camp from Town Landing, if the ferry is not scheduled to continue on to Duck Harbor on date of arrival.

Backcountry

Backcountry camping is not permitted (and strongly discouraged due to the fragile ecosystem) in Acadia National Park.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Acadia National Park

It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. Thit 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.