Acadia at Schoodic

Acadia National Park on Schoodic Peninsula in Maine is the only part of the park that is located on the mainland. It has very similar geological features as Mount Desert Island but is more secluded and has less commercial development in the surrounding villages. Because of this “less traveled” aspect, there are many who are passionate about the region.

The Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park covers approximately 2,366 acres. There was an increase of 100 acres when the United States Naval facility on Big Moose Island was decommissioned and converted back to national park land. The existing buildings now serve as part of the Schoodic Institute. The name was changed from the acronym "SERC" in 2013.

Schoodic Institute Entrance GPS: 44.336616, -68.056898

Down East Towns & Villages Entrance

Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park

View of out-islands and from Schoodic Head in Maine

Fishing Village of Corea, Maine just before sunrise

Entrance to Schoodic

The road that leads south to the park from Route 186 in Winter Harbor is called Big Moose Road. A little over a mile from Route 186 is the Park Entrance. Although there may not be anyone there to check for an entrance pass, the driver of a vehicle is required to have one. Refer to Entrance Passes to learn the details.

Immediately on your right after entering the Park is a turnoff to Frazer Point picnic area where there are (seasonal) restrooms if needed and a nice view of Winter Harbor. From this point on, the 5.5-mile Schoodic Loop Road is one-way except for the short section that turns off onto Schoodic Point. There are several turnoffs along the way to pause and take in the views of the islands including the majestic Mount Desert Island.

Schoodic Head & Shore

On the left side of the park road near West Pond Cove, there is a narrow dirt and gravel road that leads to Schoodic Head, the highest point on the peninsula. Its 440-foot peak provides commanding views of Frenchman Bay and Cadillac Mountain to the west.

The Schoodic shoreline consists of exposed and weathered red granite that varies from 10 to 100 feet in width from ocean to the beginning of plants, and a forest that is largely pine-birch but also consists of white, red and black spruce, northern white cedar, cherry, alder, mountain ash, and a variety of maples. Several islands of various sizes, also part of Acadia National Park, are nearby including Little Moose Island, Schoodic Island, Pond Island, and Rolling Island.

Nearby Villages

There are several unique and unspoiled villages in the Downeast Schoodic Region such as Winter Harbor, Corea (both classic Maine fishing villages), Prospect Harbor, West Gouldsboro, Sorrento (a fishing and resort community), Sullivan, and others along with special spots such as Grindstone Neck and Point.

The Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Bar Harbor is over 40 miles away from Schoodic Point via the land route yet only about 4 miles across Frenchman Bay. Ferry service between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor is provided in-season by two different companies (Bar Harbor Ferry & Schoodic Ferry). The Island Explorer Bus Service also provides seasonal transportation to Prospect Harbor, Winter Harbor and to the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park.

Winter Harbor Area History Acadia

Starlight and the Milky Way at Schoodic Peninsula

There is so much here.

This is a stunning and pristine area of Acadia National Park, poised to enter a new era with an increased awareness of its offerings. The inclusion of a key section of the region as part of the Schoodic National Scenic Byway has contributed to this development (refer to the Schoodic map for details). Some areas of Acadia National Park, particularly in August, tend to get very crowded. If you encounter such congestion, consider visiting this section of Acadia National Park on the mainland. From Ellsworth, head east on Coastal U.S. Route One. In West Gouldsboro, take a right onto Route 186 towards Winter Harbor. However, don’t wait for the crowds to spur your decision. I personally love capturing photographs within the park and in the various surrounding villages. There is so much to explore here.

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