Acadia
National
Park,
Maine
June 8, 2002		 The majority of Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and is one of the smaller national parks, but like all, are a joy to visit.  This was our first visit this year to one of the national parks and based on prior experience, we purchased an annual pass for $50 which gives us one full year of unlimited visits to all national parks.  
We could have gone the individual fee rates as we have done in the past, but the annual pass is probably a better deal for us and even if we spend a few more dollars than we might have otherwise, the money is going to a good cause.  Our national parks are a national treasure!
We got on Loop Road which as the name suggests, winds around the park.  
We entered the park just northwest of the town of Bar Harbor, although there are several entrances around the island.  The road quickly rose in elevation, and we came upon a parking area that overlooked several of the small coastal islands.  Portions of some of these islands, such as Bar Island, the long island pictured on the lower left photo - are part of Acadia National Park. Interestingly, at low tide, you can drive your car on the exposed ocean floor, from the town of Bar Harbor to Bar Island.
The loop road winds its way among elevated vistas, interior lakes and woodlands, granite peaks - such as Cadillac Mountain, pictured left, and the rocky shoreline.  Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak along the east coast, and from the top, at certain times of the year, you can be the first person to see the sunrise on the horizon in the continental United States.
Previous Next