Until further notice, typically mid-August, Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail are closed for Peregrine falcon nesting season. Also, as roads reopen, the Precipice Trail parking lot will remain closed. More
Historic carriage roads closed until further notice for "mud season"
Spring thaw has led to temporary closures to protect Acadia's historic carriage roads during "mud season." Walking, bicycling or riding horses in these wet and soft conditions can cause costly ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. More
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.
After 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.
About two and one half miles from the picnic area, an unmarked trail ascends to the top (440 feet) of Schoodic Head. This is a narrow gravel road, so please exercise caution when meeting traffic. Although you can drive up the one mile road, you may choose to walk. On a clear day, from the summit, vistas of the ocean, forests, and mountains claim your attention. Returning to the main road, keep right at the intersection past the entrance to the Schoodic Institute. This is a two-way section of road. Along this windswept coast, huge granite ledges turn Atlantic Ocean waves into lofty geysers and dark-colored basaltic dikes intrude between slabs of pink granite.
After leaving Schoodic point, bear right and follow the road - one-way again - until you reach Blueberry Hill Parking Area, about one mile beyond Schoodic point. If you look towards the ocean, Schoodic Island emerges. To your right is Little Moose Island, behind you and across the road is a steep slope called The Anvil. You can reach the summit of this 180 foot promontory via the trail which starts across the road from the parking lot. About two miles from Blueberry Hill parking Area, the park ends at Wonsqueak Harbor. Two miles beyond the park is the villa of Birch Harbor and the intersection of Route 186.
Check out our accessible wayside tour for audio description files of the various waysides across the Schoodic Peninsula.
Getting Around
The 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 Area
Bicycling
Enjoy 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
Riding single-file is recommended as bike paths are narrow and are often hilly with blind curves.
Yield to walkers and notify others in advance of passing.
Please be alert to emergency response and maintenance vehicles may be traveling on the bike paths.
Keep an eye on children in your group.
Keep speeds down.
Intersection numbers are posted at each junction.
Keep track of where you are and where you're going.
Park 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.
Schoodic Peninsula, the only part of Acadia National Park found on the mainland, boasts granite headlands that bear erosional scars of storm waves and flood tides.
Bring “trick-or-treaters” to the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on Saturday October 29 from 1-4 p.m. to have fall science fun with the seventh annual “Eeek” of Ecology Festival. This free event will occur rain or shine and is recommended for children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult.
Grade Levels:Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject(s):Literacy and Language Arts,Math,Science,Social Studies
This low-cost program is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and integrated across the Common Core. Opportunities for study include math, science, technology, social studies, language arts, physical education, health, and art. Students utilize actual scientific and cultural research taking place on site. Students practice small-group cooperation and communication skills while attending both ranger and teacher instruction.
The Rockefeller Welcome Center at historic Rockefeller Hall offers exhibits on the naval history of Schoodic Peninsula as well as park information and souvenirs.
The water tower on the campus of the Schoodic Institute in the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park will be repainted between September 7 and September 24, 2021. Painting the water tower is part of its regular maintenance and will return it to the original beige color. The water tower provides potable water and fire protection to the campus. While the water tower is being repainted, a back-up water tank will serve the campus. The water tower is 90-feet tall and holds 150,000 gallons.
In the early 1880's members if the Champlain Society documented bird species breeding on Mount Desert Island. Follow along the same trails they took and observe what birds we find in those places. Are they the same, or different?
This 7.5 mile network of hiking trails leads across the peninsula, from Winter Harbor in the north through spruce-fir forests, pine woodlands, and a shrubland, terminating on the southern end at Blueberry Hill. Enjoy views from the Anvil and Schoodic Head, as well as some challenging steep climbs from the East Trail.
