see also: about SERC - the Schoodic Education and Research Center

The portion of Acadia National Park on Schoodic Peninsula consists of 2,366 acres bounded on the west by Frenchman Bay, on the east by Prospect Harbor and the Gulf of Maine, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean. (See the map.) It is the only part of Acadia National Park that is on the mainland

The Schoodic District of Acadia National Park is zoned as a “natural area” in the park's 1992 General Management Plan and is intended to retain its low density recreational use. Windswept, with granite ledges, crashing surf, and hiking trails that lead to broad, scenic vistas, the Schoodic coast is similar to some of the landscape on Mount Desert Island, but is more compact and secluded.  It is about a 1 hour drive from the Park visitor center on Mount Desert Island to the Schoodic Peninsula.

The Park Road

The park begins at a causeway at Frazer Cove.  Immediately to the right is a road leading to a parking lot with a grassy picnic area, picnic tables, charcoal pits for cooking and restrooms. This is the only area available for picnicking on Schoodic. The drive along the western side of the peninsula provides sweeping views of MDI, Mark Island Light, Ned, Turtle and Spectacle Islands, and Egg Rock Light. Interesting rock formations are visible along the shore. 

An unpaved auto road to Schoodic Head leaves the main road to the left 2.5 miles from Frazer.  The entrance to the road faces West Pond where a pebble stone jetty stretches toward Pond Island. There are also a number of hiking trails that lead to Schoodic Head, which affords views of Frenchman Bay, to the west, and along the Downeast coast, to the east.

Beyond West Pond and Pond Island the road divides, the right branch leading to the entrance to the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC) campus, the Park Information Center, and to Schoodic Point. 

The Point is the signature feature of Schoodic, a popular spot for Mainers to view the surf after coastal storms. The road to SERC and Schoodic Point is two way. Returning to the Park Loop Road, Blueberry Hill parking area is on the right with views of Little Moose Island and Schoodic Island. The road then follows the coast northeast with high bluffs providing views of Rolling Island, and overlooking the peninsulas Downeast. The park ends at Wonsqueak Harbor. 

Trails:

• Fire Road. Frazer Point area 
• Schoodic Head auto road 
• Schoodic Head Trail 
• Anvil Trail
• East Trail

More Information

For more information about the Schoodic Peninsula, see the "About Schoodic" website.  For a directory of places to eat and stay, see the Schoodic Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.