The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park found on the mainland. It boasts granite headlands that bear erosional scars of storm waves and flood tides. Although similar in scenic splendor to portions of Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula is a more secluded area. It is intentionally managed by Acadia National Park as a minimally-developed, low-visitation area. It is about an hour drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on Mount Desert Island. Exploring the Schoodic PeninsulaAfter passing through the town of Winter Harbor and entering the park, you will pass the Schoodic Woods Campground and Ranger Station. Next you will pass the Frazer Point Picnic Area, with tables, fire rings, comfort stations, and drinking water along with seacoast views of islands, coves and rocky beaches. Leaving the picnic area, the park road is one-way and parallels the western shore of the peninsula leading to Schoodic Point. There are automobile turnouts for viewing along the way. From these turnouts you can see Mount Desert Island and enjoy views of lobster boats, wheeling gulls, and forest-draped islands. Getting AroundThe 6 mile (10 km), one-way loop road around Schoodic Peninsula offers views of lighthouses, seabirds, and forested islands. Use vehicle turnouts to stop and enjoy the scenery. Stopping on the road and parking outside of designated pull-offs are prohibited. Arey Cove Road leads to Schoodic Point, a windswept, rocky point providing spectacular views of Mount Desert Island. RVs are permitted only on the section of Schoodic Loop Road that accesses Schoodic Woods Campground. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph. During the summer season, the fare-free Island Explorer buses provide free transportation in and around the peninsula. The bus drivers stop when waved down by visitors and buses are equipped with bicycle racks. Explore This AreaBicyclingEnjoy riding the Schoodic Loop Road and the 8.3 miles (13.4 km) of bike paths. Bicyclists must obey the one-way traffic flow on the road and are encouraged to use fare-free Island Explorer buses and bike paths. Steep and winding bike paths provide spectacular views. Bicycle Safety Tips
CampingTent, hike-in, group, and RV sites (with hookups) are available at the Schoodic Woods Campground.. HikingSchoodic Peninsula has many hiking opportunities. Ranger ProgramsPark ranger programs at Schoodic are offered seasonally. Check the calendar below for scheduled programs. For programs offered by our partner, the Schoodic Institute, check their events calendar. |
Last updated: April 27, 2022