10 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About Acadia National Park In Maine
By Michelle|Updated on February 18, 2022(Originally published February 13, 2022)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Acadia is the crown jewel of the Pine Tree State, and we absolutely think every Mainer needs to visit this beautiful national park! So today we’re counting down our top 10 favorite facts about Acadia. Take a look, and impress your crew when you pay a visit to this extraordinary national park in Maine!
If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!
Acadia's beauty is well-known and, while I like to think nobody takes it for granted, it is certainly easy to forget how it came to be. In addition to the history of its creation, there are some pretty interesting facts about Maine's only National Park. They are worth remembering the next time you spend a few days enjoying the outdoors on Mount Desert Island. Here are just a few of them.
1. There are 26 different mountains within the park.
Acadia is more than just Cadillac! While a good, hearty hike is fulfilling, I love heading to the area and spending a few days enjoying some of the shorter, easier trails.
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2. At least 20% of the park is actually considered "wetland."
So, while it's easy to think of Acadia as mountains and uphill hikes, an important part of the ecosystem includes the networks of streams and lakes that exist within the boundaries. And, each of these separate areas of wetlands have at least one rare plant.
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3. Cadillac Mountain isn't always the first place to see the sunrise.
Many people think that America's first sunrise is on Cadillac Mountain. While that is true some of the time, it's not a claim that can be made year-round. From early October to early March, the sun rises farther to the south. With its completely unobstructed view of the horizon, Cadillac is the place to be for a winter sunrise. The rest of the time, you'll want to head to West Quoddy Head or Mars Hill.
After months without rain, a forest fire began in October 1947. By the time it was extinguished, 10,000 acres of land had been badly burned. Eventually, locals rebuilt and birch and aspen trees replaced some of the previous fir and spruce trees. Eventually, however, nature will bounce back and these trees will make their way back.
5. Acadia National Park went by other names first.
The first of Acadia's three names, Sieur de Monts National Monument, came when it opened in 1916. Three years later, the area became a national park and was re-named Lafayette National Park. In 1929, the park finally became Acadia, named after 17th and 18th century colony that existed within the park's land.
Many of these miles can be tackled in a day, some without breaking much of a sweat. So, don't discount Acadia National Park as something only for the pros. The Acadia website has some helpful information about the trails.
7. The park's carriage roads were built with Rockefeller's teeth in mind.
Well, sort of. John D. Rockefeller was one of the most significant donors and supporters of Acadia. In addition to donating 11,000 acres of land, he was responsible for the creation of more than 45 miles of carriage roads that allowed him to travel through the park without interference from cars. The stones that now stick up at the side of the road act as guardrails and are said to look just like Rockefeller's teeth.
8. While Rockefeller is a notable Acadia figure, we also owe our gratitude to two other men.
The son of Harvard president, Charles W. Eliot was a passionate supporter of preserving the land on Mount Desert Island. After his untimely death at 38, his father made sure to honor his wishes by creating the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. The group purchased land to maintain it for the public. Eliot brought worked closely with George Bucknam Dorr, who became so passionate about the project that he is known as the true father of Acadia National Park.
9. Dorr used much of his own money for the creation and preservation of Acadia.
This was a decades long project that included Dorr not only spending his own inhertiance, but also working to convince other locals to donate their land for long-term preservation. After enlisting the help of the Federal Government and naming the area a National Monument, Dorr continued to work for its expansion. Ultimately, the park became 35,000 acres as well as 12,000 acres that are privately managed by the National Park Service.
Many birds of prey pass through the area on their trip South. In fact, from August to mid-fall, numerous hawks and other raptors are closely monitored atop Cadillac Mountain during what is called Hawk Watch. Did you know that Peregrine Falcons are native to Acadia? Clicking the link mentioned will give you more information about the birds and the watch program.
Which is your favorite fact about Acadia National Park? Are there any others you can think to add? Share them in the comments below; we love hearing from you about your experiences exploring this amazing place!
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More to Explore
National park to visit in Maine
Sarah M.|February 18, 2022
What are some beautiful state parks to visit in Maine?
While Acadia might be the only national park in Maine, the Pine Tree State is blessed with an abundance of beautiful, bucket-list-worthy state parks. If you're into hiking, you'll love Birch Point State Park, a popular destination that offers a more secluded spot in the very popular Owls Head. If you're in search a park where you're likely to be without other visitors, this is the one for you! Views over Penobscot Bay make it perfectly picturesque and there are lots of activities. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are all popular past times here. Another state park in Maine we love to visit is Peacock Beach State Park. A popular destination for families, Peacock Beach State Park is great for those who love to swim *and* explore during one fun day out. The location right on the banks of Pleasant Pond in Richmond offers boating, fishing and general splashing around! What's your favorite state park to visit in the Pine Tree State?
What is the most scenic state park to visit in Maine?
While we have so much love for all 32 of the Pine Tree State's state park, one beautiful state park in Maine that truly stands out above the rest is Mt. Blue State Park. At 8,000 acres, it’s the actually the largest state park in Maine. The park is named from the blue spruce trees that cover the slopes of Mount Blue, and has some of the best hiking trails around. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s sandy beaches, camping sites, and many scenic picnic areas. It's an immensely scenic place sure to simultaneously stoke -- and satisfy -- the flames of your wanderlust!
