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Schoodic Peninsula

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An image of the book: National Geographic Guide to the Lewis and Clark Trail

National Geographic's Guide to the Lewis and Clark Trail

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To drive the 45 miles [72.4 kilometers] from Bar Harbor to the park’s outpost, the Schoodic Peninsula, take Maine 3 to US 1, south of Ellsworth, and head east to West Gouldsboro. Go south via Maine 186 to Winter Harbor, then follow signs to the park entrance. CONTINUED

(Continued From Top)

Schoodic Head, on the tip of Schoodic Peninsula, is the only part of the park on the Maine mainland.

Photograph © Buddy Mays/Corbis

From there, take the 6-mile [9.7-kilometer] one-way drive to Schoodic Point. The massive granite rocks here are laced by black diabase dikes, the product of magma that welled up into cracks. Schoodic’s displays of thundering surf usually top those of Mt. Desert Island. And the audiences are much smaller; the peninsula does not draw crowds the way Mt. Desert does.

Continue on the drive and park opposite Little Moose Island. At low tide, take the short walk through the intertidal puddles and muck to the island. A meandering path leads you seaward for a panoramic view of the Atlantic. Stay on the path to avoid damaging the fragile plants.