When most park visitors think of Acadia National Park, images of exploring Mount Desert Island come to mind. While the vast majority of the park’s lands are located on this scenic island, the Schoodic Woods section of the park, with its newly renovated campgrounds, stunning 10k carriage road loop, and 13k of bike paths, offers a peaceful, quiet, and less touristy experience then mainland Acadia. The park’s many islands, home to much of Maine’s unique and diverse wildlife, are able to be seen from Schoodic Point, one of the most scenic spots on the peninsula. Easily accessed via Area Cove Road, watching a sunset from Schoodic point is an experience you do not want to miss.
Thanks, in-part to a donation of 1,400 acres to the National Park Service in Acadia last year, this wondrous addition has allowed the park to grow in a time where visitation is at an all-time low; and not slowing down.
There are an abundance of ways to explore the Schoodic Woods section of the park. Whether on foot, bike, car, or even kayak, this area is accessible to every type of explorer. Keep in mind that the greater portion of the Loop Road is one way to vehicles and the maximum speed limit throughout Acadia National Park is 35 miles per hour, so remember to be careful and respectful of other park visitors. Bicyclists are also subject to the one-way road signs, but worry not if you find yourself out of steam and stranded, in need of a lift back. The park’s many explorer busses are equipped with bike racks and will be happy to give you a free lift to wherever you’re looking to go.
The Schoodic campground is located just over a mile south of winter harbor and is no more than an hour from Bar Harbor, so don’t worry about missing out on all your favorite shops and restaurants; they’re not going anywhere! Feel free to enjoy the Schoodic Peninsula’s impossible to overstate views of forested islands, historic lighthouses, and native seabirds. The Schoodic area also offers a selection of easy and moderate trails, perfect for the casual explorer. Sorry thrill seekers, the Schoodic trails are unlikely to push you to your limit. And as always, the park is pet friendly, so don’t forget to bring your four-legged member of the family along for the trip!
Explore the quieter sides of Acadia with the Acadia National Park app by Chimani, available for free in the Apple Appstore and Google Play!
