Maine Map

Schoodic Scenic Byway

Basics
Length:
29 miles (46 km)
Time:
1.5 hours to drive or 8 hours to visit the Byway.
Season:
Year round

Description

Schoodic Scenic Byway runs a tranquil course past hills and dales draped with blueberries and wildflowers. Lighthouses and lush green forests are splattered throughout, and clusters of sea birds chatter in the wind. The Byway loops into Acadia National Park where 47,000 acres of playground await. And small shops market the wares of local artisans in townships along the way.

From the Hancock-Sullivan Bridge, the Schoodic Scenic Byway follows Route 1 to West Gouldsboro, where it takes Route 186 to Acadia National Park and on to Prospect Harbor.

Hiking the trails of Acadia National Park. Observing wildlife at Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge. Rummaging for bargains at quaint country stores in little townships en route. Or, photographing Frenchman Bay and the myriad of islands around it. These are snapshots of life along the Schoodic Scenic Byway; and peaceful as it may be, this route offers an explosion of pleasure and enjoyment that just can't be beat!

Points of Interest

Points of Interest Along The Way

Acadia National Park (ME)

Striking views or Cadillac Mountain and diverse terrain make Acadia National Park one of the best ways to view the real Maine outback. Extending from mountains to sea, the park is host to many species of plants and animals just waiting to be discovered by hikers!

Hike or bike on some of the 45 miles of carriage roads, or hikesome of the 115 miles of designated hiking trails which offer dazzling views of the Atlantic and the outback.

Directions

A small section of the Acadia National Park is on the southern-most end of the Byway.

Blueberry Hill (ME)

Pack a lunch and enjoy this wonderful picnic spot. Visitors can see Petit Manan Light to the east and Schoodic Island. The views are breathtaking, especially on a sunny day with heavy surf. A number of trails begin from Blueberry Hill. The Anvil Trails can be found just beyond the parking lot. The trail leads up a steep slope, from which the trail earns its name, to an 180-foot promontory with striking views out over Little Moose Island. Anvil Trail ultimately leads up to Shoodic Head.

Directions

After leaving Schoodic Point, bear right and follow the one-way road again-until you reach mile 21.4, about one mile beyond Schoodic Point.

Egg Rock Light (ME)

Built in 1875, Egg Rock Light consists of a brick tower in thecenter of a one and a half story wood keeper's house. Egg RockLight is not open to the public, but it can be best viewed andphotographed from the top of Schoodic Head. Egg Rock Light is builton a mass of ledges roughly half way between Schoodic Point andMount Desert Island. Keepers used to row to Bar Harbor, four milesaway, for supplies. The trip could be treacherous in bad weatherand in the winter.

In 1976, the Coast Guard removed the lighthouse's lantern andinstalled rotating aerobeacons. This gave Egg Rock Light a homelylook and it has been called Maine's ugliest lighthouse. Afternumerous public complaints, the Coast Guard installed a newlantern, and today the light remains an active aid tonavigation.

Directions

Egg Rock Light is built on a mass of ledges roughly halfway between Schoodic Point and Mount Desert Island.

Frazer Point Picnic Area (ME)

Frazer Point is the first turnout on Schoodic Peninsula. The point offers a fine picnic area, with breathtaking views into Winter Harbor and its associated islands, coves, and rocky beaches. With its fishing float and scenic views, Frazer Point is also a great recreational area. The picnic area has tables, fire rings, comfort stations, and drinking water.

Directions

The park boundary is marked by a sign just before you reach Mosquito Harbor Bridge. Beyond the bridge is Frazer Point Picnic Area. It's 2 miles off the byway.

Petit Manan Light (ME)

Petit Manan is a low rocky island about 14 miles from Bar Harbor. It was named by the explorer Samuel de Champlain because it reminded him of Grand Manan to the northeast. Manan comes from the Micmac Indian word for island out to sea, and the locals pronounce Petit Manan "Titm'nan." The lighthouse was built in 1817 and a new tower was built in 1854. The present slender 119-foot granite tower (Maine's second tallest) has had some close calls in storms.

If the day is clear, Petit Manan Light can best be seen looking east from Blueberry Hill. There is the chance visitors will be unable to see it as Petit Manan is considered one of the foggiest places along Maine's coast with an average of 70 foggy days each year. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of a Puffin, since a Puffin colony has established summer nesting sites on this island.

Directions

It's 5 miles southeast of the midpoint of SR 195.

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge (ME)

Two islands in Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge feature lighthouses, Egg Rock and Petit Manan Island, both of which are scenic highlights along this Byway. Boat tours to see the sea bird nesting colonies on Petit Manan are available.

Prospect Harbor Light (ME)

This attractive lighthouse can best be seen across the harbor from Prospect Harbor village or from the entrance of the Navy installation. The present 38-foot wood lighthouse replaced the original granite lighthouse in 1891, along with a new one-and-a-half story farmhouse-style keeper's house. The lighthouse was automated in 1951, and this dramatic peninsula now serves as a recreation area for the US Naval Reserve on Schoodic Peninsula, but is not open to the public. The keeper's house, known as Gull Cottage, is available for overnight stays for active and retired military families.

Directions

It's a half a mile east of the lower quarter of SR 195.

Schoodic Head (ME)

The summit of Schoodic Head, which can be reached by a one-mile hike from the parking area, offers incredible views across Frenchman Bay with its many islands and stony ledges. On a clear day, visitors can see Winter Harbor and Egg Rock Lights to the west and Petit Manan Light to the east. The sound of crashing waves against the pink granite rocks of the point resound in the still air. Schoodic's displays of pounding surf are usually more fantastic than those of Mt. Desert Island.

Directions

Schoodic Head (a small mountain at the tip of Schoodic Peninsula)is accessed by a narrow gravel road (approximately mile 21) on the Acadia National Park (ANP) Schoodic Peninsula Road.

Sullivan Village (ME)

Vernacular architecture set around a central common with outstanding views of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay.

Directions

It's just a couple miles southeast (on SR 1) from the start of the byway.

Winter Harbor Light (ME)

Schoodic's lighthouse, called "Mark Island Light" by the local people, is most worthy of a photograph. The best place to photograph this site with Cadillac Mountain in the background is from the park road, about a quarter mile after entering the park. Built in 1856 on little Mark Island, the lighthouse was discontinued in 1934 and converted to a vacation home. Today the lighthouse is owned by a writer and retired banker. He has renovated the lighthouse so that it is in the best shape it has been for years. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public, but is still a delightful sight.

Details

Length:
29 miles (46 km)
Time:
1.5 hours to drive or 8 hours to visit the Byway.
Main Roads:
US-1 N/Us Highway 1 N
Season:
Year round

Map + Directions

Customizable Directions


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guide below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail