Acadia National Park
The First Eastern National Park
Acadia National Park has the honor of being the first national park east of the Mississippi River. On July 8, 1916, the park was made a national monument called Sieur de Monts National Monument. Several years later, on February 26, 1919, the park was made a national park and rename Lafayette National Park. It became known as Acadia National Park on January 19, 1929.
The park is 35,332 acres large however, an additional 12,416 acres of privately owned land are under conservation easements managed by the National Park Service. There is over 125 miles of hiking trails. I was able to do some hiking but I look forward to hiking more here in the future. The park does have an entrance fee of $25. This can be paid at the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center or at the drive in check point on the park loop road. The $25 pass is good for 7 consecutive days.
Acadian Bates Cairns
I do a lot of hiking and I’ve never seen cairns like this. First, for those who do not know what a “cairn” is, it is a stack or pile of stones that indicate you are on a trail. Often used in the desert where there is a lack of trees, cairns would mark the way. They are used on the east coast as well, whenever there is no suitable tree to tag or in an open area. The cairns in Acadia National Park are special and unique. They were designed by trail builder named Waldron Bates in the early 1900’s. These cairns mark the way on most trails in Acadia National Park. Please do not disturb them or alter them in any way. Also, do not create your own. The Park Service has this covered!
