Beyond Mount Desert Island
Scenic Day Trips & Hidden Gems
Venture beyond Mount Desert Island and discover more of Maine’s beautiful Downeast coast! Whether you’ve already explored MDI’s many attractions, want to escape the crowds, or simply feel like discovering something new, there’s plenty more to see and experience. Explore charming fishing villages, historic towns, scenic harbors, fascinating landmarks, and hidden coastal treasures. From peaceful nature preserves to centuries-old forts and working waterfronts, these scenic day trips offer a chance to experience a quieter, less-crowded side of Maine, filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and authentic local character.
Schoodic Peninsula & National Scenic Byway
A Baycliff Guest Guide to the Quieter Side of Acadia & the Downeast Coast
WHY GO? The approximately 29-mile Schoodic National Scenic Byway combines the only mainland section of Acadia with small fishing villages, working harbors, tidal landscapes, granite history, wildlife areas and broad views back toward Mount Desert Island. It feels distinctly different from the busier MDI side of Acadia and is especially rewarding for guests who enjoy discovering places that are easy to miss.
Make a day of it: There are places for lobster, seafood, coffee, ice cream and casual meals along the way, but many businesses are seasonal and hours can be limited. Check current hours before relying on a particular stop.
Color Key
● VILLAGE / COMMUNITY — Places the route passes through
● SCENIC / NOTABLE STOP — Recommended stops on or very near the main route
● DINING — Food stops to consider along the drive
● HIDDEN GEM — Lesser-known places with a special payoff
● OPTIONAL DETOUR — Worthwhile, but requires extra time or leaving the main route
● HISTORY / SPECIAL INTEREST OPTION — Railroad, local history, wildlife or specialized stops
Getting There from Baycliff
Baycliff → Route 3 → Ellsworth → US-1 East → Hancock → Hancock–Sullivan Bridge
The designated Schoodic National Scenic Byway begins in the Hancock/Sullivan area. Treat the drive from Baycliff as the approach, then follow the byway through Sullivan and Gouldsboro toward Winter Harbor and the Schoodic section of Acadia.
Hidden Gems & Optional Detours Before the Byway
● Old Pond Railway Trail - Hancock — OPTIONAL / HISTORY & BIRDING
A former railbed through a saltwater bay/marsh environment with birding, shorebird habitat and local transportation history. A short out-and-back gives guests a taste without committing to the full trail.
● Hancock Point / Salt Pond Preserve — OPTIONAL DETOUR
A quiet Hancock Point detour with a short wooded walk to a tidal salt pond and Frenchman Bay shoreline. Pretty and peaceful, but best for guests who deliberately want a side trip.
● Sorrento Village Green — OPTIONAL DETOUR
A small waterfront green with expansive views toward Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain. Not on the byway; best treated as a quiet coastal detour rather than a required stop.
● Bean Island - Sorrento — FOR THE ADVENTUROUS
A 27-acre undeveloped island with rocky beaches and a shoreline loop. Accessible only by boat, kayak or canoe, so this belongs in the “for the adventurous” category rather than the driving itinerary.
Explore the Byway — In Driving Order
● Taunton Bay Gateway / Waukeag Station - Hancock — HISTORY / ORIENTATION ⭐
More than an orientation stop, this site tells part of the transportation story that once connected Hancock with Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. Historic Waukeag Station served the railroad corridor through Hancock, while travelers also crossed the waters between Hancock and Sullivan by ferry before the modern bridge. Today, a recreated railroad exhibit includes track, railroad equipment, interpretive displays and a working crossing signal. A short walk along the old rail bed adds views over Taunton Bay toward Gordon’s Wharf.
DID YOU KNOW?
A surviving 1903 Maine Central Railroad timetable lists Waukeag as a scheduled stop on the Bangor–Bar Harbor route — a reminder that visitors were traveling this corridor toward Mount Desert Island long before today’s scenic drive.
● Downeast Scenic Railroad - RAILROAD HISTORY & TRAIN LOVERS — OPTIONAL
Interested in the railroad story? The nearby Downeast Scenic Railroad operates vintage excursion trains from Washington Junction in Hancock. It is not at Waukeag Station and is not a stop on the Scenic Byway, so treat it as a separate optional attraction.
● Tidal Falls Preserve - Hancock — PRIORITY STOP ⭐
One of the most distinctive stops on the entire route. Strong tidal currents create reversing rapids as seawater moves through the narrow channel. Good wildlife watching and an excellent place to understand the huge Downeast tide change.
● Sullivan Village
Sullivan is a small coastal community with sweeping views across Frenchman Bay toward Mount Desert Island and reminders of its once-thriving granite industry. As you travel through, watch for historic granite buildings and the 1860 Old Stone Store, built from locally quarried granite. Sullivan's granite heritage can be seen throughout the area—from
● Gordon's Wharf - Sullivan — HIDDEN HISTORY ⭐
A historic granite wharf with interpretation of the area’s quarrying industry, including granite blocks, quarry tools and historic images. It also remains part of a working waterfront, so lobster or mussel boats may be active.
● Sumner Memorial Park — QUICK ROADSIDE STOP - OPTIONAL
A small Sullivan town green with a bandstand, veterans' memorial, historic granite horse-watering trough and a large granite sculpture that's part of the Maine Sculpture Trail. A pleasant place to stretch your legs, have a quick picnic or take a closer look at Sullivan's granite heritage.
● Sullivan-Sorrento Historical Society — OPTIONAL (FOR HISTORY BUFF’S)
Interested in local history? This small museum preserves photographs, tools, clothing and other artifacts documenting the history of Sullivan and Sorrento. A worthwhile stop for history lovers; check seasonal hours before visiting.
👀Preble Cove - Sullivan — LOOK AS YOU DRIVE
As you continue through Sullivan, watch for views across Preble Cove, with tidal clam flats and opportunities to spot shorebirds and other coastal birdlife. There is no designated stopping area here, so enjoy the view as you pass.
● Frenchman Bay Scenic Turnout - Sullivan — VIEW BACK TOWARD MDI ⭐
A scenic stop looking across the coastal waters toward Acadia and Mount Desert Island. Viewing scopes and interpretation encourage visitors to watch for wildlife, lobster boats and activity on the bay.
● Granite Garden Gallery - Sullivan — HIDDEN GEM ⭐
A wonderfully unusual stop centered around a historic granite quarry, with outdoor stone sculpture incorporated into the quarry landscape. The outdoor grounds are a good fit for the byway’s granite-history story. The Granite Garden Gallery & Obadiah Buell Sculpture Studio website.
● Long Cove Rest Area - Sullivan — EASY STOP ⭐
Much more than a bathroom stop: water views, tidal mudflats, shorebirds, interpretive signs, picnic space and a seasonal restroom. At low tide the changing shoreline is especially interesting.
● Sumner Memorial Park — QUICK ROADSIDE STOP - OPTIONAL
A small Sullivan town green with a bandstand, veterans' memorial, historic granite horse-watering trough and a large granite sculpture that's part of the Maine Sculpture Trail. A pleasant place to stretch your legs, have a quick picnic or take a closer look at Sullivan's granite heritage.
● Winter Harbor Village
Winter Harbor is a small working coastal village and a good place to slow down, stretch your legs and explore before entering the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park. Park near the Town Office and walk through the village to discover local shops, galleries, restaurants and historic buildings. Head toward the waterfront and Town Pier to watch the local lobster fleet, or look for Hammond Hall, Channing Chapel Library and other reminders of the village's maritime history. In summer, passenger-ferry service connects Winter Harbor with Bar Harbor across Frenchman Bay.
● Winter Harbor Town Pier
A simple working-waterfront stop where guests can see the harbor and local fishing activity rather than a polished tourist waterfront.
● Sand Cove at Camp Moore - Winter Harbor — OPTIONAL QUIET STOP
A quiet, out-of-the-way shoreline for beachcombing, sitting by the water and exploring the intertidal edge. Nice for guests who want solitude, but not necessary for the main route.
● J.M. Gerrish Café — Winter Harbor
Casual café/bakery option in the village; check seasonal hours.
● Fisherman's Galley — Winter Harbor
Casual local dining option; check current hours and seasonal schedule.
● Chase's Restaurant — Winter Harbor
A local restaurant option in Winter Harbor; verify seasonal hours before planning around it.
● Treehouse Seaside Grill — Winter Harbor
Another village dining possibility; seasonal schedules can change.
● Schoodic Peninsula — Acadia National Park ⭐
Follow the scenic, approximately 6-mile Schoodic Loop Road through a quieter side of Acadia, where spruce forests meet rugged pink granite shores. Along the way, enjoy spectacular ocean views, crashing surf, offshore islands, and views across Frenchman Bay toward Mount Desert Island. Stop at coastal overlooks, explore the rocky shoreline, or hike one of the peninsula's trails.
● Frazer Point — Schoodic Peninsula ⭐
The welcoming first major stop on Schoodic Loop Road, with picnic space and beautiful views across the water. A very easy scenic stop before the more dramatic ocean side of the peninsula.
● Raven's Nest (also called Hawk’s Nest) - Schoodic — HIDDEN GEM / ⚠ EXPOSED CLIFFS ⭐
A very short unofficial, unmarked path leading to dramatic high sea cliffs around a rocky cove. It has become a favorite photography location, but it is not an official NPS-maintained or signed trail.
CAUTION: Uneven footing and very high, completely unprotected cliff edges. Falls could be fatal. Not appropriate for anyone unsteady on their feet or uncomfortable with heights. Use only legal parking/pull-offs and never stop in the travel lane.
● Schoodic Institute & Rockefeller Hall — SCIENCE / HISTORY
The former naval base area is now home to Schoodic Institute. It adds science, history and a different dimension to the peninsula beyond scenic overlooks.
● Schoodic Point — DO NOT MISS ⭐⭐⭐
The signature stop of the peninsula: broad pink granite, open Atlantic, crashing surf, basalt dikes and sweeping coastal views. Allow time to get out and walk around rather than treating it as a quick pull-off.
● Blueberry Hill — SCENIC + TRAIL ACCESS
Rocky shoreline, ocean views and access to several Schoodic hiking trails. A good place to combine a scenic stop with a walk.
● Birch Harbor Village
A small, traditional Downeast fishing village where the harbor changes dramatically with the tides—from peaceful water views to broad exposed mudflats. As you pass through, watch for the historic church, former schoolhouse, fishing-village scenery, and small local businesses. Birch Harbor is a pleasant place to grab a bite to eat or an ice cream before continuing toward Prospect Harbor. It's more about enjoying the scenery and local character than visiting major attractions.
👀 Wonsqueak Harbor — LOOK AS YOU DRIVE
Just beyond Acadia National Park, watch for this tiny, picturesque working harbor with its rocky inlet, lobster boats, and fishing piers.
👀 Bunkers Harbor — LOOK AS YOU DRIVE
A small working fishing harbor just beyond Wonsqueak Harbor. Look for lobster boats, piers, and traditional Downeast waterfront scenery.
👀Historic Church & Former Schoolhouse — LOOK AS YOU DRIVE
As you pass through Birch Harbor, watch for the village's historic church and former schoolhouse, reminders of its small coastal community heritage. These older buildings add to the traditional Downeast character of the village.
● The Pickled Wrinkle — Birch Harbor
A popular local pub & restaurant serving burgers, pizza, seafood specials, and creative Downeast dishes. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and occasional live music. Open year-round; check current hours.
● Me & Ben's Dairy Creme — Birch Harbor
A favorite seasonal stop for soft-serve ice cream and a sweet treat after exploring Schoodic Peninsula.
● Bunker's Seafood & Spirits — Birch Harbor
Casual seafood dining with a local coastal atmosphere. A good option for a meal after visiting the park; check seasonal hours.
● Gyp'sea Chix — Birch Harbor
A small local seafood takeout option, including cooked lobster. Check current operating status and seasonal availability.
● The Pickled Wrinkle — Birch Harbor
A casual local dining stop known for Downeast character; check seasonal hours.
● Prospect Harbor Village
A traditional Downeast fishing village where working waterfronts, lobster boats, and historic buildings reflect generations of maritime life. Near the end of the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, visitors can explore the small Town Green, visit the charming Dorcas Library, and enjoy harbor views, including Prospect Harbor Lighthouse. Keep an eye out for The Gate, a granite sculpture by Egyptian artist Ahmed Karaly, created in 2009 for the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium and now part of the Maine Sculpture Trail. The village also has a fascinating sardine-canning history.
● Prospect Harbor Lighthouse — VIEWPOINT
A picturesque lighthouse visible from the area, but the lighthouse property itself is not generally a public walk-in attraction. Enjoy from appropriate public viewpoints.
● Board “Downeast Beast” - a Small Model Lobster Boat — FAMILIES / QUICK STOP
A small family-friendly stop with a model lobster boat children can climb aboard, plus signs about lobster fishing and a model of the lighthouse.
👀 “Big Jim” & Prospect Harbor Sardine History — QUIRKY LOCAL HISTORY ⭐
Watch for the former Stinson cannery, the last operating sardine cannery in the U.S. before closing in 2010. Its famous landmark, “Big Jim,” a nearly 40-foot fisherman in yellow rain gear, was restored in 2026 and is temporarily displayed in Searsport, with plans to return to Prospect Harbor.
Prospect Harbor is primarily a working fishing village, with few dining options. Visitors looking for a meal will find more choices in nearby Birch Harbor and Winter Harbor, or can continue to Corea for seasonal waterfront seafood.
● Corea Harbor Village — OPTIONAL SIDE TRIP ⭐
A picturesque working fishing village just a few miles beyond Prospect Harbor, known for its lobster-filled harbor, colorful buoys, weathered fishing shacks, and traditional Downeast charm. Enjoy the waterfront scenery, browse a local art gallery, or stop for seafood right on the wharf. Nearby Corea Heath offers a peaceful nature walk through an unusual coastal peatland. A worthwhile detour for guests looking to experience a quieter, less touristy side of Maine.
● Corea Harbor — SCENIC WORKING WATERFRONT
One of Downeast Maine's most picturesque fishing harbors, with colorful lobster boats, weathered fishing shacks, stacked traps, and beautiful coastal scenery. A wonderful place for photographs and a glimpse of everyday life in a traditional Maine fishing village. Please respect private wharves and working areas.
● Chapter Two Gallery — LOCAL ART & CRAFTS
A charming seasonal gallery featuring original hooked rugs, woodblock prints, books, and locally inspired artwork. A pleasant stop for browsing unique handmade treasures; check seasonal hours.
● Corea Heath — WILDLIFE / NATURE WALK / ACCESSIBLE
A short, universally accessible trail leads to an observation platform over an unusual peatland/heath environment. Excellent for birding and a very different landscape from Acadia’s granite coast.
● Lunch on the Wharf — Corea ⭐
A memorable seasonal seafood spot right on a working fishing wharf. Enjoy lobster rolls, chowder, and other Maine seafood favorites while watching the boats in the harbor. Check seasonal hours.
Explore Schoodic & Beyond by Bike
A scenic one-way park road popular with cyclists. Traffic is generally lighter than on MDI, but riders still share the road with vehicles.
About 8 miles of packed-gravel bike paths provide another way to explore the peninsula away from the main road.
For stronger riders looking beyond the peninsula, this regional route connects cycling with Downeast coastal scenery.
A long multi-use rail trail crossing the Downeast region. Best considered a separate biking/adventure option rather than part of the scenic-drive day.
Hiking Beyond the Usual Acadia List
● Hike Schoodic Peninsula Trails – (Schoodic Head / Anvil / East / Buck Cove Mountain Trail) — Acadia
The core Acadia hiking network on the peninsula. Routes can be combined for forest, granite and ocean-view experiences with far fewer people than many MDI trails.
● Schoodic Mountain & Donnell Pond Public Lands — HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ⭐
Not the same as Schoodic Head. This mainland hike outside Acadia rewards hikers with expansive lake, mountain and coastal views and is one of the strongest non-Acadia hikes in the region.
● Taft Point Preserve – Gouldsboro — HIDDEN GEM ⭐
A compact trail network with substantial shoreline, beach access and views toward Acadia’s mountains and offshore islands. One of the best “how did I not know about this?” stops near the byway.
● Salt Marsh Trail - Gouldsboro Bay — BIRDING / WILDLIFE
A relatively short wildlife-oriented walk through conifer forest to salt-marsh views in the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
● Tucker Mountain — SHORT + STEEP
A short but steeper local hike with a surprisingly good panoramic payoff. Worth considering for guests who want a quick climb outside Acadia.
● Day Ridges Preserve — OPTIONAL NATURE STOP
Cedar swamp, glacial erratics, beaver pond and bog bridging create an unusual inland landscape. Interesting, but more specialized than the shoreline highlights.
Heading Home to Baycliff
Prospect Harbor / Corea → Route 186 North → US-1 West → Ellsworth → Route 3 → Baycliff
This lets the outing function as a large loop rather than retracing the entire Schoodic section. If you add Corea to your adventure simply return to Route 186 before heading north toward US-1.
Maps & Planning
Official Schoodic Outdoors Map
Interactive and printable map with notable spots, outdoor activities, restaurants, history & other services.
Acadia National Park — Schoodic Peninsula
Official NPS information for the park portion of the drive.
Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Official byway planning site.
Useful source for nearby preserves and lesser-known coastal walks. More About the Schoodic Scenic Byway
Story of the Schoodic Scenic Byway
National Scenic Byway Foundation overview, including the byway’s story, route, communities and points of interest.
Official Schoodic National Scenic Byway visitor guide to stops along the route, including Taunton Bay Gateway / Waukeag Station and other scenic, historic and cultural sites.
Town of Sorrento information for the waterfront Village Green and other local parks and outdoor spaces.
Other Coastal Adventures
Venture beyond Mount Desert Island and discover more of Maine’s beautiful Downeast coast! Explore charming fishing villages, historic towns, scenic harbors, fascinating landmarks, and hidden coastal treasures. From peaceful nature preserves to centuries-old forts and working waterfronts, these scenic day trips offer a chance to experience a quieter, less-crowded side of Maine, filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and authentic local character.
Driving times are approximate from the Baycliff / Bar Harbor area and vary with traffic, season, and exact destination. Check seasonal hours, ferry schedules, and access before traveling.
Schoodic Peninsula
About 45–70 minutes
Acadia’s quieter mainland side features spectacular granite shoreline, crashing surf, spruce forests, and working coastal villages. Follow the Schoodic National Scenic Byway through Winter Harbor, Prospect Harbor, and nearby communities.
Especially interesting: Schoodic Point; Schoodic Head; Winter Harbor; Prospect Harbor; scenic byway stops.
Explore this area:
Deer Isle & Stonington
About 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 35 min
Experience a classic working Maine waterfront, lobster boats, granite quarry history, local galleries, and peaceful preserves. Stonington is also the departure point for ferry trips to Isle au Haut, part of Acadia National Park.
Especially interesting: Stonington Harbor; Settlement Quarry Preserve; Deer Isle Bridge; Isle au Haut ferry.
Explore this area:
Blue Hill Peninsula
About 45–75 minutes
Explore small coastal villages, blueberry barrens, historic buildings, independent shops, scenic roads, and nature trails. Blue Hill makes a pleasant starting point for a leisurely peninsula drive.
Especially interesting: Blue Hill Mountain; Peters Brook; Blue Hill village; scenic roads toward Sedgwick and Brooklin.
Explore this area:
Historic Castine
About 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min
This picturesque harbor town has an extraordinary history shaped by French, Dutch, British, and American occupation. Wander historic streets, explore fortifications, and visit museums and the waterfront.
Especially interesting: Fort George; Dyce Head Light; Castine Historical Society; Wilson Museum.
Explore this area:
Brooklin, Sedgwick & Brooksville
About 1–1 hr 25 min
A quieter corner of the Blue Hill Peninsula known for wooden boatbuilding, sheltered harbors, rural scenery, and connections to author E. B. White. Combine several villages into a relaxed scenic drive.
Especially interesting: WoodenBoat School; Naskeag Point; Eggemoggin Reach; Holbrook Island Sanctuary.
Explore this area:
Bucksport, Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows
About 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min
An excellent history-and-family day trip. Explore the massive granite Fort Knox, admire the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, enjoy the observatory views when open, and stroll Bucksport’s waterfront.
Especially interesting: Fort Knox tunnels and passages; Penobscot Narrows Observatory; Bucksport waterfront.
Explore this area:
Hancock, Sullivan & Sorrento
About 35–60 minutes
These small mainland communities provide peaceful coastal scenery and different views toward Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island. Ideal for visitors seeking a low-key outing rather than a packed itinerary.
Especially interesting: Tidal Falls Preserve; Sorrento harbor area; Frenchman Bay views.
Explore this area:
Optional Longer Adventure: Milbridge, Jonesport & Roque Bluffs
Approximately 1 hr 15 min–2 hr 15 min, depending on destination
For guests willing to venture farther, this beautiful stretch of Downeast Maine offers authentic working fishing harbors, rugged coastline, charming small towns, and peaceful coastal scenery. Farther from the crowds of Mount Desert Island, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience Maine's traditional maritime character. Best enjoyed as a full-day adventure.
Especially interesting: Milbridge waterfront, Jonesport fishing harbor, Beals Island, and Roque Bluffs State Park.
Explore this area: