While not as quiet as it once was, the stunning rocky shores and peaceful wilderness of Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula is still remarkably uncrowded. With just over 297,000 visitors to Schoodic in 2016, that’s only 10% of all visitors to Acadia National Park last year. The National Park Service has responded with more facilities, better trails, and greater staffing to make this area more accessible. Here are our top 5 day trip destinations on Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula:
Top 5 Day Trip Destinations on Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula
Schoodic Loop Road
Much like the main island’s Park Loop Road, the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park can be explored via a loop road that rides along the ocean’s edge. Beginning in Winter Harbor, at the intersection of the Schoodic Loop Rd. and Route 186, and continuing for 22 miles back to Route 186 in Birch Harbor, the road provides breathtaking coastal views all the way to Schoodic Point and back.
Schoodic Point
At the southern tip of the Schoodic Peninsula lies Schoodic Point, a grand granite landscape where the ocean waves crash high into the air. Rain, snow, sun, and fog all make Schoodic Point beautiful in different ways. On a sunny day, visitors will lounge on the large rocky area like a rugged Maine beach. Schoodic Point is the best-known feature in this part of the park, making it a popular (and sometimes busy) spot. Even if the crowds are a fraction of what you’d battle on the main island, you’ll still want to give yourself plenty of time to find parking on a sunny day.
Rockefeller Hall
Just around the corner from Schoodic Point is the historic Rockefeller Hall at the Schoodic Institute. Back in the 1930’s when John D. Rockefeller Jr. determined that a noble loop road be constructed around the main portion of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, a Navy radio listening post had to be relocated to Rockefeller Hall. You can learn more about the history and renovations to the facility here.
The Anvil
On the east side of Schoodic lies The Anvil, a small peak that provides exquisite, albeit tough to find, overlooks that are ideal for taking in a sunrise, sunset, lighthouses, wildlife, and the lights and ships of Bar Harbor. You won’t have to worry about running into anyone, or having anyone block your sunrise or sunset selfies. Park at the Blueberry Hill parking area, there are two trailheads across the street. One to the left near the “One Way” road sign. This is not the Anvil Trail. Instead, turn right and walk about 75 yards up the road, you’ll find the trailhead on the left.
Raven’s Nest
Once a highly visited tourist destination on the Schoodic Peninsula, the signs marking the Raven’s Nest have since been removed as it proved to be a dangerous place when overcrowded. That doesn’t mean, however, that cautious adventurers cannot enjoy the dramatic views here. We must stress, the park service has stopped telling people where this is due to possible dangers to those not in a condition to carefully hike the area. However, if you are an experienced hiker, you’ll find the Raven’s Nest at 44.352005, -68.074934. See our video tour of Raven’s Nest in Acadia National Park here.
All of this incredible Acadia National Park beauty is just minutes away from the Acadia East Campground. Book your stay today at Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Peninsula!
