Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Some folks like to say that Acadia now includes more scenic variety per
square mile than any other unit of the national park system. It includes a
dozen major mountain summits, the longest stretch of publicly owned
rocky coast in Maine, many lake shores, and extensive forest and wet-
land areas.
The park maintains two campgrounds, one at Seawall in Manset and the
other at Blackwoods in Otter Creek. Both are just a short stroll from the
rocky shore. There are numerous private campgrounds on the island.
800-365-2267.
Isle Au Haut
The only real backcountry camping allowed at Acadia is on remote Isle
Au Haut. Reservations for five six-person lean-to sites on beautiful Duck
Harbor must be made by mail after April 1 (see address below). Each
lean-to is $25, which allows a maximum stay in the shoulder seasons of
five nights. In season (June 15-September 15) the maximum stay is three
nights. No camping is allowed after October 15 or before May 15.
From mid-June until Labor Day the mail boat from Stonington docks at
Duck Harbor dock, meaning an easy carry for the gear. At other times it
is a five-mile backpack trip from the village to the campground.
367-
5193 for ferry information.
Only 48 day visitors are allowed in addition to campers each day. The is-
land, which has a small village and a ranger station on the north end, has
12 miles of dirt roads open to bicycles and 20 miles of hiking trails that
traverse low hills, swamps, and along the rocky headlands.
Hiking
Along with the carriage roads, which have been undergoing major reno-
vation, there are more than 120 miles of hiking trails, including those up
majestic Mount Cadillac.
INTERESTING FACT:
Mount Cadillac was named
for the French adventurer, Antoine de la Mothe Cadil-
lac, who once held title to the island and went on to
found Detroit and govern Louisiana.
Most summits on Cadillac are ledges with scrub growth and blueberry
bushes, making for great views. Trails rise quickly in Acadia and there
are spectacular vistas at nearly every turn. This is in marked contrast to
