2022 Official Maine Camping Guide - 66

DownEast
& Acadia
The DownEast & Acadia Region is extremely diverse with a beautiful and dramatic coastline as
well as inland areas with rich forests, meandering rivers and sparkling lakes carved out by the
receding glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. The region boasts everything from the 1,530foot
Cadillac Mountain-the highest point on the eastern seaboard north of Rio de Janeiro-
to the beauty of Passamaquoddy Bay, the first place the sun rises in the U.S. to the natural
splendor of Grand Lake. We also have more lighthouses (24!) than any other region in Maine.
COPYRIGHT KYLE FERENCE - BASS HARBOR HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
S
eafaring traditions and culture are still thriving in many
of the coastal towns and villages. Whale watching,
hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are all
part of what make the DownEast & Acadia Region special
and our history is preserved through our historic homes,
museums and historical societies.
As you enter the region from the west, you will cross over
the tallest bridge observatory in the world, Penobscot Narrows
Bridge & Observatory. This engineering marvel also
boasts an observatory, over 400 feet high, from which you
can see the entire region. Accessible from Fort Knox, you
will not want to miss the view from the top. After you cross
the bridge, you will enter the town of Bucksport. Folklore
buffs might want to stop at the historic cemetery in town
to see the grave of Jonathan Buck, with the footprint of a
witch on his stone.
The Blue Hill Peninsula is an area rich in beauty and renowned
for its artist community and its rich maritime history.
The town of Castine, home to the Maine Maritime
Academy, is one of Maine's historic jewels. Nearby is a
half-mile-long suspension bridge spanning Eggemoggin
Reach to Deer Isle and Stonington, one of Maine's liveliest
lobster towns. You will also want to visit Blue Hill itself
with its small town charm and lovely shops and galleries.
Further to the west is Ellsworth. The shops and restaurants
in Ellsworth's quaint downtown are delightful for an afternoon
stroll or to have a delicious dining experience. If you
enjoy theater, you may want to check out the performances
at the restored Grand Theater right on Main Street.
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No Maine destination is as well known or visited as Acadia
National Park on Mt. Desert Island. The second most visited
national park in the United States, Acadia is an impressive
35,000 acres in area and includes 41 miles of spectacular
coastline. Visitors to the park will want to experience the
carriage trails, maybe including a stop for popovers and tea
in the afternoon. The Park Loop Road is the link to many
of the interesting sites located within the park, including
Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, a tidal cavern that allows
trapped water to create booming water spouts that shoot
up to 40 feet in the air. Explore the entire island. Discover
Bar Harbor, with its shops, museums, and restaurants, as
well as quaint towns such as Northeast Harbor, Southwest
Harbor and Tremont. You might also like to visit the Schoodic
Point and Isle au Haut, two areas of the park not
located on Mount Desert Island.
Heading further downeast from Mount Desert Island, you
will find the Schoodic Peninsula with its towns of Gouldsboro
and Winter Harbor. To the east, explore Milbridge,
Harrington and Columbia Falls, quaint villages with rich
histories. Or visit Cherryfield's National Register Historic
District with its 52 architecturally significant buildings from
the 1800s.
Nature is also allowed to take center stage here as the land
bears native wild blueberries (80 percent of the nation's
wild blueberry crops are raised here) and virgin timber, and
the earth sustains an amazing range of wildlife, from moose
and deer to eagles and puffins. Numerous quiet trails and
treelined lanes often lead to unmatched ocean views, and
coastal communities such as Jonesport and Jonesboro offer
continued on page 68
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2022 Official Maine Camping Guide

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