Park & nature
Mount Desert Island
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Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine and the scenic heart of New England's coastline, home to most of Acadia National Park, the lively harbour town of Bar Harbor, and some of the most dramatic meeting of mountain and sea on the US East Coast. Granite peaks (including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic coast and, in winter, among the first places in the US to see the sunrise) rise straight from the ocean, fringed by rocky shores, forests, carriage roads, and the fjord-like Somes Sound.
It's an outdoors paradise, hiking, biking the historic carriage roads, scenic drives along the Park Loop Road, lobster dinners, and whale-watching from Bar Harbor. The island is the gateway to Acadia, and a place to slow down amid spectacular coastal scenery. Allow at least a couple of days to do it justice; autumn brings spectacular foliage.
Don't miss
- Cadillac Mountain and its sunrise views
- Acadia National Park's Park Loop Road
- The carriage roads for walking and biking
- The harbour town of Bar Harbor
- The fjord-like Somes Sound and rocky coast
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Mount Desert Island
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Mount Desert Island with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inHistoric Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide4.4★ · 39 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$13 per personSee dates →
Most bookedNarrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park4.7★ · 1,955 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$67 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleAcadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour4.3★ · 66 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Most of Acadia National Park is on the island, buy a park pass.
- Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain needs a vehicle reservation in season.
- Bike or walk the historic carriage roads, cars aren't allowed on them.
- Autumn brings spectacular fall foliage; book lodging well ahead.
A bit of history
Long inhabited by the Wabanaki people, the island was named 'Isle des Monts Déserts' by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it became a summer retreat for wealthy 'rusticators'; their land donations, and John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s carriage roads, helped create Acadia National Park.
Common questions
What is Mount Desert Island?
The largest island off Maine's coast, home to most of Acadia National Park, the town of Bar Harbor, and dramatic scenery where granite mountains meet the Atlantic.
Is it the same as Acadia National Park?
Most of Acadia National Park sits on the island, but the island also includes towns like Bar Harbor and private land, the island is the gateway to the park.
Why is Cadillac Mountain special?
It's the highest point on the US Atlantic coast and, in the colder months, among the first places in the country to catch the sunrise.
How long should I stay?
At least two to three days to enjoy Acadia, the carriage roads, Bar Harbor, and the coastal scenery.
More attractions in Bar Harbor