| =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
THE WONDERS OF CADILLAC =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= For many, a Bar Harbor vacation means rugged coastline and quaint harbors, yet there is another side to the area equally as beautiful, intriguing and alluring. The centerpiece of Acadia's 26 mountains is magnificent Cadillac Mountain. At 1,532 feet, Cadillac is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The mountain can be explored in a number of ways, from various hiking routes to an auto road that rises 1000 feet in 3 miles. It is the first spot in the United States to see the sunrise, which brings many travelers to its peak before the earliest strands of dawn begin to lighten the sky. Cadillac Mountain had an important role in Bar Harbor becoming the destination it is today. In the mid-1800s there was a cog railway which took vacationers to a mountaintop hotel. However, visitors never warmed to the idea of a hotel on top of the mountain, and after seven years both hotel and railway closed. When the original land trust that became Acadia National Park was formed in 1901, Cadillac Mountain's summit was one of the first major land acquisitions leading to the formation of the land as a National Monument in 1916. Since that time, Cadillac has been the anchor of Acadia National Park, its 360-degree view of the islands and sea captivating visitors for over a century. Today, visitors enjoy some amazing highlights of the 1532 foot peak. A 3-mile drive leads to the summit, passing overlook vistas with incredible views of Mt. Desert Island, the off-shore islands, Atlantic Ocean, Frenchman Bay and nearby communities. Other ways to the peak include the Gorge Trail, West Face Trail, Northridge or Southridge Trail, all offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Sunrise and sunset from the mountain are spectacular, drawing as many as 100 people at a time. Nature lovers enjoy many opporunties to witness bald eagles and hawks soaring in the sky, and the unique, botanical habitats for species of wildlife. Amateur and professional astronomers are astounded by the clarity of the night sky, and the College sponsors a monthly "Sky Watch" from Cadillac Mountain, in conjunction with the National Park Serive. Visitors should allow at least a week to enjoy all Bar Harbor and Acadia have to offer. The area provides a tremendous amount of recreational activity on land, fresh and salt water. In order to make sure an experience on the island is the best possible, numerous outfitters, tours, instructors and guides are available to customize excursions. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TRANSPORTATION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= By Car: Mt. Desert Island lies two-thirds of the way up the Maine coastline, approximately 164 miles from Portland, 270 miles from Boston and 475 miles from New York City. Though there are no interstate highways, reaching Bar Harbor by car is fairly simple. From Bangor (47 miles), take US 1A South from Bangor to Ellsworth, then Route 3 East. From Portland (164 miles), take Route 1 North along the coast to Ellsworth, then Route 3 East. Accesibility depends on the time of year, with Winter traveling obviously the most treacherous. The roads are well-maintained, though occasional blizzards and storms can make some of the bridges impassable. By Air: Hancock County/Bar Harbor International Airport (BHB) is located in Trenton, halfway between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor on Route 3 in Trenton. Overlooking Mt. Desert Narrows and Frenchman Bay, with Cadillac Mountain in the background, the airport offers a spectacular view of the island. Serviced by most major airlines, there are direct flights to and from most major cities, and is the closest commercial airport to Washington County and Maine’s downeast coastal country. Modern, state of the art instrument landing systems and a full range of services combine to make the airport a safe, efficient year-round facility with a very high rate of reliability. Other airports servicing North Central Maine include Bangor International (45 miles) and Portland International Jetport (164 miles). Both are served by US Airways, Delta, Northwest, American Airlines and TWA. By Train: There is no passenger rail service to Mt. Desert IslaND. By Bus: Greyhound/Vermont Transit Lines offer bus service between Boston and Bar Harbor year round. Downeast Transportation runs year-round on Mt. Desert Island, and between Bar Harbor and Ellsworth. By Ferry: A ferry sails between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, from 28 May through 30 October. a 2.5-hour ride on "The Cat" connecting Bar Harbor to her nearest Canadaian port. Isle du Haut may be reached by mail boat from Stonington on Deer Isle, though reservations are not taken and the number of day visitors is limited. The state-owned Swans Island Ferry provides year-round service from Bass Harbor to Swans Island. There are a number of privately owned ferry services operating out of Bar Harbor, each offering varied tours of Frenchman Bay and the offshore island. Whale watches and nature excursions are available year-round, though weather is a factor. Continued in Bar Harbor6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= |