Acadia National Park Worth The Visit

This senior read recently that Acadia National Park covering 60 sq. miles is one of the most revered among the 58 national parks in the US. It also is the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River. Actually the park exists out of different islands and is located in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Back in 1919 it was called Lafayette National Park and in 1929, the name was changed to Acadia. The park encompasses approximately 47,748 acres in three main areas.

Samuel de Champlain was sailing down the coast of Maine in 1604 and noted this large off-shore island. He named it Mount Desert Island. It is the largest island off the coast of Maine and the second largest (behind Long Island, New York) on the eastern seaboard.

 Seniors Visit Bar Harbor

Widely known as the home of Acadia National Park, the town of Bar Harbor, a small seaside resort on the northeastern side of Mount Desert Island, draws about two million visitors each year yet only has an approximate year-round population of about 10,000. Bar Harbor, has a unique relationship with Acadia National Park and is well worth a visit as well. Still, all the beauty of Maine comes together in Acadia National Park.

The scenic Summit Road as it is called officially opened in 1931. It meanders along the north and eastern side of the mountain for approximately 3.5 miles until reaching the top.

The park is home to some 40 different species of mammalian wildlife. It is also known as home to over 50 percent of all the vascular plants in the state of Maine. Senior hikers will discover a host of popular hiking trails from very easy to strenuous.

Bar Harbor, has a unique relationship with Acadia National Park and is well worth a visit as well. “Together, they are like conjoined twins, both born of the same mother – and she is the land and ocean combined.”

Mountains, conifers, and wildlife meet the ocean in a spectacle that, once seen, is never forgotten. You will certainly note Cadillac Mountain in the park, at 1,530 feet, the highest point along the entire North Atlantic seaboard.

Rockefeller Got Involved

Many well-to-do folks like John D. Rockefeller, Jr., played a critical role in developing the park. He was instrumental in the building the famous carriage roads (1915 – 1933) and donated over 11,000 acres of land.

There have since been countless others who have donated their time and resources towards the continued realization of this dream so that we may all experience its raw natural beauty.

Eagle Lake, at 436 acres, is highly popular and is the largest fresh water lake in the park on Mount Desert Island. It has a maximum depth of 110 feet.

For a cool summer getaway, seniors traveling in the northeast will want to head towards Maine to visit Acadia National Park.  jeb