The Park Loop Road

The 27 mile Park Loop Road is the primary avenue for navigating through Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island by vehicle. It begins near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on the northeastern side of the island in Bar Harbor and connects the park's lakes, mountains, forests and rocky shores for easy exploration. You may also access it off Route 3 just south of Bar Harbor on the right just past Jackson Laboratory. Much of the road is one-way but there is a two-way section that begins near Wildwood Stables so keep this in mind. (GPS Coordinates for entry points are provided below.) A fee is required and may be paid at the Entrance Station located about one-half mile north of Sand Beach. Entrance Passes may also be purchased at the Visitor Center, Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds, the Bar Harbor Village Green, and the Thompson Island Information Center.

Sand Beach Thunder Hole Otter Cliff

Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, Maine

Observation Points

There are designated vehicle pull-off observation points along the Park Loop Road, as well as specific parking areas, such as those at Overlook, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Fabbri near Otter Cove. Be sure to take advantage of these facilities. While traveling on the one-way section on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, you might find spots on the right side where you can pull over or stop in the right lane unless otherwise indicated. However, always exercise extreme caution when exiting your vehicle, as another vehicle may approach unexpectedly. Feel free to explore the surrounding areas, but always remain vigilant near the shore, high cliffs, or especially when entering the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road.

History of Its Creation

Construction of the roadway began in 1922 and continued through the 1950's. It was partially financed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the father of the park's Carriage Roads. A large part of the beautiful design, often taken for granted, is attributed to landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., who artfully combined functional aspects of a road system with the indigenous landscape. Much of the physical labor was provided by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933. This was a social program setup during the Great Depression by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The CCC planted many trees, and helped construct the Carriage Roads as well. One of the program's earliest camps is currently used as the Park Headquarters.

Last but Not Least

There are countless things to discover and appreciate here. Drive slowly, as the area is teeming with wildlife. Deer are often right next to the road or leisurely crossing it, especially during the early hours of the day, and you might not notice them until you are very close. Enjoy the magnificent forests and plant life as well. A great starting point for your exploration is the Nature Center and Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts Spring, which boasts some excellent hiking trails. Sieur de Monts Spring holds special significance in the history and formation of this national treasure. Take your time, and feel free to contact the National Park Service with any questions you may have. A Park Ranger is always happy to assist you.

Beaches Sieur de Monts Towns & Villages

Exceptional Landscapes

In my opinion, the Park Loop Road on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island has more extraordinary sights per mile than any other place on MDI. The Cadillac Mountain Summit Road has many exceptional views as well. But when one considers the places that follow one after the other, the Park Loop Road seems to jettison ahead. As soon as the ocean is in view, these special spots begin with the Egg Island Lighthouse and Schoodic Peninsula to the East. Coming up on the right will be the Precipice. Beyond this, on the left just before the Park Entrance Station is a short road leading to Schoodic Head Overlook. Past the Entrance Station will be Sand Beach, The Beehive, the Ocean Path, Thunder Hole. Gorham Mountain, and Otter Cliff, all within sight of each other. Note: Even though the Park Loop Road is one-way here, there are a couple of other access roads to it. One is the Schoodic Head Road running from Bar Harbor south to the Overlook. The other is further down just before Otter Cliff on the right. The Otter Cliff Road comes off Route 3 just South of Bar Harbor and continues in a southerly direction to Otter Cliff. Both of these are real handy to know about.

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