The beautiful carriage roads of Mount Desert Island fit so perfectly into the land it seems as though they have always been there. Actually, they are the result of decades of planning and painstaking effort on the part of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and were built by local islanders over a 27-year period. Access by cars is not permitted, so the trails remain a boon to walkers, horseback riders, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers.This second edition also includes an interview with David Rockefeller, son of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and an exploration of the history of the roads since the publication of the first edition in 1990. Additional archival photographs and new color photographs of the roads are also included
The third title in the Acadia National Park guide series, Acadia's Carriage Roads covers the history, geology, and biology of the area. It includes practical advice and maps to help visitors get the most from their tours of the roads, whether on foot, by bicycle, or on cross-country skis. With their work-of-art stone bridges, these crushed-rock carriage roads — the result of decades of effort by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. — are known throughout the world for their beauty.
Acadia National Park, on Maine's Mount Desert Island, is among the most popular national parks in the United States. From the road, visitors can experience magnificent vistas of summit and sea, but on a more intimate scale, equally compelling views abound along Acadia's hiking trails. Tom Wessels, an ecologist, naturalist, and avid hiker, attributes the park's popularity-and its unusual beauty-to the unique way in which earth, air, fire, and water-in the form of glacially scoured granite, winter winds, fire, and ocean fog-have converged to create a landscape that can be found nowhere else. In this beautifully illustrated book, Wessels invites readers to investigate the remarkable natural history of Mount Desert Island, along with the unique cultural story it gave rise to. This account of nature, terrain, and human interaction with the landscape will delight those who like to hike these bald summits, ride along the carriage roads, or explore the island's rugged shoreline. Wessels concludes with a guided tour of one of his favorite hikes, a ten-mile loop that will acquaint the reader with the diverse ecosystems described throughout his book.
Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure Breathe in fresh coastal air, hike pine-filled trails, and discover a new kind of natural serenity with Moon Acadia National Park. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries for every season, from the best of Acadia in one day to a two-week road trip, designed for day hikers, campers, families, outdoor adventurers, and more The top experiences and unique ideas for exploring Acadia: Island-hop by sea kayak, see the tide surge at Thunder Hole, or embark on a whale-watching excursion. Pedal the park's famed carriage roads, ski fresh powder, or drive the scenic byways and admire the stunning fall foliage. Wiggle your toes in the warmth of Sand Beach, hike the rugged and remote Isle au Haut, or climb to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Peruse the galleries in downtown Bar Harbor, take a dip in Echo Lake, and watch the sunset over a feast of freshly caught lobster Practical tips for hiking, cycling, kayaking, wildlife spotting, and more, plus essential packing and health and safety information Detailed hike descriptions with mileage, elevation gains, difficulty ratings, and trailhead directions Local insight from born-and-bred Mainer Hilary Nangle Honest advice on when to go and where to stay inside and outside the park, from forested campgrounds to historic inns Up-to-date information on park fees, passes, and reservations, plus strategies for getting to Acadia National Park Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps throughout Coverage of gateway towns, including Bay Harbor, Northeast and Seal Harbors, the Southwest Harbor, Tremont, and islands near Mount Desert Recommendations for families, seniors, visitors with disabilities, and traveling by RV Thorough background on Acadia's wildlife, terrain, culture, and history With Moon Acadia National Park's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience Acadia your way. Exploring the rest of Maine? Try Moon Maine or Moon Coastal Maine. Hitting the road? Check out Moon New England Road Trip. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.
Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park offer a remarkable diversity of natural and human history. This book guides you through the unparalleled scenic beauty, dramatic geology, and historic importance of the 21-mile Park Loop Road.
If parks could speak, what would they say? Historic Acadia National Park is a vibrant collection of true stories that share different aspects of Acadia National Park’s history. From its glacial origins, to its rising peaks near the tourist-town Bar Harbor, Acadia has a unique and fascinating history for Down Easters and tourists alike. Many of the tales focus on some of Maine's most famous land formations including Pulpit Rock, Sargent Mountain Pond, Mount Desert Rock, Otter Creek, and even the Trenton Bridge. Learn about the people who first walked these woods and how Acadia National Park evolved into the national treasure it is today.
Explore the pine-lined mountain trails, serene ponds, and rugged island coasts of Maine's stunning Acadia National Park with Moon. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries for every season, from the best of Acadia in one day to a two-week road trip, designed for day hikers, campers, families, outdoor adventurers, and more The best hikes in Acadia: Detailed descriptions, mileage and elevation gains, and difficulty ratings Experience the outdoors: Embark on a whale-watching excursion to spot humpbacks, minke whales, porpoises, and puffins. Climb the pink granite steps to Huguenot Head or hike along the secluded rocky shore of Isle de Haut. Sea kayak at sunset, take a leisurely bike ride through fiery fall foliage, or cross-country ski along miles of carriage trails. Take a swim in Echo Lake, summit Cadillac Mountain, and marvel at the tide roaring through Thunder Hole Explore around Acadia: Munch on a hot popover with tea, feast on freshly caught lobster, and sip a cold beer at a local microbrewery. Shop for antiques and local artisan goods or wander through the galleries in downtown Bar Harbor. Discover Maine's rich history, admire the coastline from atop a towering lighthouse, and take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road How to get there: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, fees, reservations, and tours Where to stay in and outside the park, from forested campgrounds to historic inns Planning tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout Expert insight from born-and-bred Mainer Hilary Nangle Helpful background on Acadia's wildlife, terrain, culture, and history Find your adventure in Acadia National Park with Moon. Exploring the rest of Maine? Try Moon Maine or Moon Coastal Maine. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years and enjoyed by vacationers for more than 200! Its many plants, animals, and scenic views make the island and its famous park one of the most visited places in the United States. Colorful photographs and descriptions take readers along the historic carriage roads and to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Readers learn how the park came to be and some of the unique aspects of its geography and nature that keep visitors coming back year after year.
