Acadia National Park, ME

Though they came to the island in search of social and recreational activities, the affluent of the turn of the century had much to do with preserving the landscape we know today. George B. Dorr, a tireless spokesman for conservation, came from this social strata. He devoted 43 years of his life, energy, and family fortune to preserving the Acadian landscape.

In 1901, disturbed by the growing development of the Bar Harbor area and the dangers he foresaw in the newly invented gasoline-powered portable sawmill, Dorr and others established the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. The corporation, whose sole purpose was to preserve land for the perpetual use of the public, acquired 6,000 acres by 1913. Dorr offered the land to the federal government, and in 1916 President Wilson announced the creation of Sieur de Monts National Monument. Dorr continued to acquire property and renewed his efforts to obtain full national park status for his beloved preserve. In 1919, President Wilson signed the act establishing Lafayette National Park. Dorr, whose labors constituted "the greatest of one-man shows in the history of land conservation," became the first park superintendent. In 1929, the name changed to Acadia National Park.

Today the park protects more than 47,000 acres, and the simple pleasures of "ocean, forests, lakes, and mountains" that have been sought and found by millions for over a century and a quarter.

We only had a couple days to enjoy the park; we'll have to go back for a couple weeks to really see and enjoy all that the park has to offer.

We only had a couple days to enjoy the park; we'll have to go back for a couple weeks to really see and enjoy all that the park has to offer.

We stayed at Narrows II RV Park which was less than a minute from the entrance to the park. 

This is the bridge over to Mount Desert Island.

Some Views while Driving the Park Loop Road

Cadillac Mountain

At 1530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and, from early October thru early March, is the first place to view sunrise in the US.  (Note that there are only about 100 parking spaces at the summit and we were told that people start arriving at the summit parking area as early as 3:00 AM.)

There are over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island that were formed millions of years ago by tectonic and volcanic forces.  Glaciers then sheared off the tops - if you look around while at the summit you can see the glacial scars on the flats.  

Thunder Hole

When the right size wave rolls into the naturally formed inlet, a deep thunderous sound emanates. The cause is a small cavern formed low, just beneath the surface of the water. When the wave pulls back just before lunging forward, it dips the water just below the ceiling of the cavern allowing air to enter. When the wave arrives full force, it collides with the air, forcing it out, resulting in a sound like distant thunder. Water may splash into the air as high as 40 feet with a roar! 

Steep and slippery walk down; hold tight to the railing.

Thunder Hole

There is so much more to see....