Acadia

Castine, located on Route 166 at the tip of a peninsula about half-way between Camden and Mount Desert Island/Acadia, is a quaint little village with many historical sites that come from its role in the American Revolution and the war of 1812. If you plan to visit you need to know that it is “out there”. Its location makes it a long ride - and if you want to stay in the area you had best locate your lodging before you head out. There are not many places to stay in this area. Castine is the home of the Maine Maritime Academy and is home port for the Academy’s 500 foot training vessel - free tours are available on weekends during the academic year (except during school holidays and when not in port).

Visiting Acadia National Park requires payment of an entrance fee between May 1 and October 31, no matter how you enter or where you go in the park. There is an additional fee for special activities, including camping and some ranger-led programs (most are free).

Camping (per site per night)
Blackwoods Campground: $20 (May 1-October 31), $10 (April and November),
free (December 1-March 31)
Seawall Campground: $14 walk-in, $20 drive-in

Ranger-Led Programs - All other programs are free.
Beyond the Beach: $10 adults, $5 children 5-12, free under 5
Knowing the Night: $10 adults, $5 children 8-12
Riding the Roads: $15 adults, $10 youth 14-16
Boat Cruises: Prices vary; check with boat operators.

Park Entrance Fees (May 1-October 31):
Private vehicle: $10 for 7 days
Foot, bicycle, or motorbike: $5 for 7 days

Other passes available:
Acadia Annual Pass: $20
Good for entrance into Acadia for a year from date of purchase.
Golden Eagle Pass: $50 annually
Good for entrance at all national parks, monuments, federal recreation areas for a year from date of purchase.
Golden Age Lifetime Pass: $10 one time fee
Must be a U.S. citizen, 62 years or older. Provides entrance and half price camping at all national parks, monuments, federal recreation areas.
Golden Access Lifetime Pass: Free to US citizens with disabilities.
Provides entrance and half price camping at all national parks, monuments, federal recreation areas.

That said, I have to be honest and tell you there are hundreds of points of access to park lands where there are no gates or toll booths. So, it is possible to spend several days at the park and never encounter a place to make your payment. The fee surely is very reasonable so I do suggest you stop by the Park Visitor Center, Park Headquarters, or the entrance to the Park Loop Road and make your contribution to the maintenance of this beautiful natural wonderland. It is well worth the investment! Enjoy……..

Here are a couple other fun places to visit along the way to/from Acadia National Park. If you take the Route 3 through Augusta and then Belfast north along the coast then I suggest you take time to visit the following two points of interest in the Bucksport area:

1. Fort Knox - This old fort sits high above the entrance to the Penobscot River. Built out of rocks it is fascinating structure. Look carefully at the craftsmanship, especially around the doors and spiral stairs - I personally cannot believe that humans could build something like this fort and build it out of rocks!! Take a tour with one of the tour guides - tons of amazing facts you will miss otherwise.

Admission Fees
Fort Knox
$3 Adults
$1 Children 5 - 11
Children under 5 are free!

2. Penobscot Narrows Observation Tower: The new Penobscot Narrows Bridge right next to Fort Knox is a new attraction. I have not been up it yet but from everything I have seen and heard the view is spectacular (except when the fog rolls in). Take the elevator to the top.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory
$5 Adults
$3 Children 5 - 11
Free Children 4 & under
Observatory fees include admission to Fort Knox

http://fortknox.maineguide.com/

Many people who visit Acadia National Park do so as a destination so they do not consider spending time sightseeing along the way. However, there are some great places to visit along the way if you can fit them into your planning. May I suggest the following options:
1. The Maine State Museum in Augusta - it is free and it is a great museum - that from a person who is not a “museum person”! Plan several hours, it is well worth the time.

2. Fort Weston in Augusta - it is a well preserved fort that is educational and fascinating - it is only about 10 minutes from the Maine State Museum.

More to follow ………

Been a great two days of snow - most everyone in Maine got about a foot of nice fluffy snow. It is still snowing over most of Maine and it is supposed to snow through most of the night. It is simply beautiful with snow piled up in the hemlocks and the branches hanging low.

This is what the winter sports folks have been waiting for - and this is earlier than the last few years. Our lake is not iced over yet but it is starting in the coves and along the shoreline. If you want to enjoy the beauty of winter in Maine then come on up and indulge yourself. This is a great time of year to enjoy a B&B, relax by the fireside, and enjoy the slow pace of Maine in the winter. Take a look at www.acadiavacations.com to find a great Down East B&B.

No matter what time of year you visit Acadia you want to plan your wardrobe the same way. Think Layers. Obviously during the winter months your clothing is heavier than during the summer months. You can pretty much count on the temperature being 10 degrees lower on the water front than it is just a mile inland. And, when you climb a mountain the temperature will drop as you climb. However, as you climb your body temperature will rise bur when you stop at the top and rest for awhile you will cool down rapidly. So, as you can see, you want to be in a position of adding/removing layers of clothing as your comfort needs change.

As for your feet - if you plan to do any hiking at all then I recommend you prepare with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes - and, get them well before your trip so you can break them in before you get to Acadia.

Always use a good quality sun screen, especially if you will be climbing mountains - the sun is more dangerous the closer you get to it and the longer you are exposed to it.

Hats are a good idea. And, be sure to bring plenty of water with you.

If you plan to do some snowshoeing or X-country skiing it is recommended that you leave a plan with the park headquarters so they will know where you were planning to go - if something happens to you while in the park it will be easier to find you.