Acadia National Park

Of course, one of the best reasons to visit Mount Desert Island is Acadia National Park. Acadia was the first National Park east of the Mississippi River, and is our most-visited National Park. People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery

Acadia is a hiker's paradise. Within the park, 125 miles of trails offer choices for all abilities and interests. From flat rambles across meadows to challenging climbs up iron rungs, you can find it here. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods to open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. For those who prefer more level footing, the carriage roads are excellent for walking.

Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family, weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. His construction efforts from 1913 to 1940 resulted in roads with sweeping vistas and close-up views of the landscape, aligned to follow the contours of the land and to take advantage of scenic views. He graded the roads so they were not too steep or too sharply curved for horse-drawn carriages. They are ideal for biking.

(information from official Acadia website)