Listen for Mount Desert Island being called “DownEast.” New Englanders lovingly refer to the state, and specifically its Atlantic coast, by this nickname, which you’ll see on stores and menu items. Mount Desert Island offers outdoor enthusiasts dreamy locations including Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, a network of carriage roads and delightful Bar Harbor.
Hike Acadia’s 150 miles (240 kilometers) of trails, from the challenging Precipice Trail to the easier Jordan Pond Path. Climb Mount Cadillac, the first place to view the sunrise in the United States during autumn and winter. Drive the 27-mile (43-kilometer) Park Loop Road, passing many of the park’s highlights, including Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs. You can also drive the Summit Road to Cadillac’s peak for astounding views of Frenchman Bay.
Bike or walk along the 45 car-free miles (72 kilometers) of Carriage Roads, crisscrossing the park and passing over motorways on picturesque stone bridges. John D. Rockefeller financed the project, leaving a legacy of accessible landscape.
Shop, dine and sightsee in Bar Harbor, a coastal resort town with ample DownEast charm. Stroll along the Shore Path, starting from Agamont Park and following the island’s eastern shore. Arrive early in the morning as the horizon begins to burst with color.
Use Bar Harbor as a starting point for kayaking, deep-sea fishing and scenic flightseeing tours. Venture into the bay on the four-masted Margaret Todd schooner to view Mount Desert Island from the sea. Embrace bustling downtown Bar Harbor and its ice-cream shops, cafés, souvenir stores and early-bird lobster and blueberry pie dinners.
Mount Desert Island is a 5-hour drive north of Boston. Driving is best for exploring the island, providing flexibility to visit coastal villages and lesser-known spots in the park. Once you’re surrounded by pine-covered mountains, with views of the choppy Atlantic and scents of blueberries on the breeze, you’ll quickly see why this island is worth visiting. Pay the fee for Acadia National Park entrance.
