Offering a sterotypical introduction to Acadia National Park, it is suggested that Mount Desert Island is locked in a battle with relentless surf. And almost half of this rock island makes up the largest section of Acadia National Park.
   Aside from its mountains of granite, rugged shoreline and pounding surf, Acadia is also a land of small wonders. Its intricate coastline yields cozy little bays, boulder strewn beaches and windswept outcroppings. Quiet villages elude the park boundaries, offering pleasant side trips to traditional Maine fishing towns.
   Ancient glacial activity moved over the entire area, scouring out bare rock and leaving a wide assortment of granite boulders, smooth mountains and island lakes. One of the largest freshwater lakes on the island, Eagle Lake lies in a two mile-long hollow scooped out by these ancient glaciers. Here, anglers test their skills, canoeists glide over the crystal clear waters, and sightseers may hear the call of the loon echoing on the hillsides.
   Just off the main road, Eagle Lake is a popular stop. A six mile carriage road extends around the lake, enticing bikers and hikers to take in the splendid Acadia scenery.
   Thanks to a small group of early 20th century Mount Desert fans, led by George Bucknam Dorr, today's five million yearly visitors enjoy all Acadia National Park has to offer. Seeing the island heavily logged, vacation homes sprouting up and resorts taking over, island landowners united and donated a sizable portion of today's 35,000 acres of parkland. Not only was this the first national park east of the Mississippi River, but it was also the first park created by citizens who willingly gave up their land.

     Acadia National Park Map