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The Park Loop Road
Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park offer a remarkable diversity of natural and human history. This book guides you through the unparalleled scenic beauty, dramatic geology, and historic importance of the 21-mile Park Loop Road.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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September 17, 2022Acadia National Park’s scenic byway is shown through pictures and highlighted sections along with the history of the park. Read in preparation for the Mount Desert Island Marathon which is run through the roads of Acadia, this book was a great way to explore the park. Here are a few highlights:
“Until the early part of the twentieth century, automobiles were banned from Mount Desert Island. Southwest Harbor lifted the restriction in 1911, and Bar Harbor followed suit in 1913. By 1915, cars were allowed everywhere on the island, and it soon became necessary to provide roads to the newly formed national park. Between 1925 and 1941, the park service built the Loop Road with financial and technical support from John D. Rockefeller Jr.”
“Shaped by the expertise of noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., it was designed to "…lead one through a series of visual experiences." Hence, the Loop Road does not draw attention to its own design and construction, but rather leads your eye to the beauty of nature and to the island itself.”
“On nearly every summer day, this bay teems with activity: lobstermen tending their traps; transport vessels of all shapes and sizes carrying supplies and people to the offshore islands; and schooners, sloops, ketches and yawls playing with the wind and competing with each other.”
“Acadia's carriage roads are part of the unique cultural heritage of Mount Desert Island. Their conception and construction were integral to the growth and development of the park itself. In an effort to preserve the pristine nature of the surroundings, John D. Rockefeller Jr. supervised the design and construction of a fifty-seven-mile-long system of carriage roads throughout the eastern half of the island. From 1913 through 1940, he purchased the land, paid for the roads, and donated them to the growing national park. Today, those who travel these byways - whether by carriage, on foot, or on a bicycle - find themselves transported back in time and into the heart of Acadia, much of it shaped by Rockefeller's vision.”
“Bubble Pond Bridge is one of sixteen such stone structures built as part of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s carriage-road system. This bridge -like its counterparts elsewhere--reflects not only the care and artistry of the stonemasons who built it but also a philosophy of creating structures that fit into the landscape. These beautifully hand-crafted, granite bridges cross roads, streams, and valleys almost unnoticed. Each bridge is a unique work of art that complements in form and line the rocks, trees, and contours of the land that surrounds it.”
“Cadillac's summit affords spectacular views in nearly all directions. To the north is inland Maine; to the east is the seemingly endless coastline; and to the south is the open Atlantic Ocean. The western view is best seen from the Blue Hill Overlook, which is a popular location for watching
the sunset. At 1,527 feet above sea level, the summit of Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the Atlantic coast.”
“Before you begin hiking, you should know the type of trail you are on. Plan your time carefully. Bring something to drink. Choose appropriate footwear and clothing, and be prepared for changing conditions. Inform somebody where you are going and when you expect to return. Hike with a friend.”
“Until the early part of the twentieth century, automobiles were banned from Mount Desert Island. Southwest Harbor lifted the restriction in 1911, and Bar Harbor followed suit in 1913. By 1915, cars were allowed everywhere on the island, and it soon became necessary to provide roads to the newly formed national park. Between 1925 and 1941, the park service built the Loop Road with financial and technical support from John D. Rockefeller Jr.”
“Shaped by the expertise of noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., it was designed to "…lead one through a series of visual experiences." Hence, the Loop Road does not draw attention to its own design and construction, but rather leads your eye to the beauty of nature and to the island itself.”
“On nearly every summer day, this bay teems with activity: lobstermen tending their traps; transport vessels of all shapes and sizes carrying supplies and people to the offshore islands; and schooners, sloops, ketches and yawls playing with the wind and competing with each other.”
“Acadia's carriage roads are part of the unique cultural heritage of Mount Desert Island. Their conception and construction were integral to the growth and development of the park itself. In an effort to preserve the pristine nature of the surroundings, John D. Rockefeller Jr. supervised the design and construction of a fifty-seven-mile-long system of carriage roads throughout the eastern half of the island. From 1913 through 1940, he purchased the land, paid for the roads, and donated them to the growing national park. Today, those who travel these byways - whether by carriage, on foot, or on a bicycle - find themselves transported back in time and into the heart of Acadia, much of it shaped by Rockefeller's vision.”
“Bubble Pond Bridge is one of sixteen such stone structures built as part of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s carriage-road system. This bridge -like its counterparts elsewhere--reflects not only the care and artistry of the stonemasons who built it but also a philosophy of creating structures that fit into the landscape. These beautifully hand-crafted, granite bridges cross roads, streams, and valleys almost unnoticed. Each bridge is a unique work of art that complements in form and line the rocks, trees, and contours of the land that surrounds it.”
“Cadillac's summit affords spectacular views in nearly all directions. To the north is inland Maine; to the east is the seemingly endless coastline; and to the south is the open Atlantic Ocean. The western view is best seen from the Blue Hill Overlook, which is a popular location for watching
the sunset. At 1,527 feet above sea level, the summit of Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the Atlantic coast.”
“Before you begin hiking, you should know the type of trail you are on. Plan your time carefully. Bring something to drink. Choose appropriate footwear and clothing, and be prepared for changing conditions. Inform somebody where you are going and when you expect to return. Hike with a friend.”
August 13, 2016
This book really helped me plan a great vacation to Mount Desert Island, ME.
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