Visit Schoodic Peninsula
Acadia’s Quiet Coastal Escape
The Schoodic Peninsula is Acadia National Park’s quieter side, offering rugged coastlines, dramatic ocean views, and wide-open spaces to breathe. With scenic hiking, car-free biking, and charming seafood shacks in Winter Harbor, Schoodic is a perfect destination for travelers seeking the beauty of Acadia without the crowds.
Hiking on the Schoodic Peninsula
Schoodic offers some of the most peaceful hiking in Acadia. Trails like the Schoodic Head Trail and Lower Harbor Trail wind through spruce forests and open granite ledges, leading to panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island. The Schoodic Loop Road provides access to short coastal walks where crashing waves meet pink granite cliffs—an unforgettable backdrop for a picnic or photography.
Biking the Carriage Roads of Acadia
Cyclists love Schoodic for its 6-mile one-way Loop Road, which offers a safe, scenic ride past rocky shores, spruce forests, and open headlands. With far less traffic than Mount Desert Island, it’s one of the best places in Acadia to bike. For a longer adventure, cyclists can connect to miles of gravel carriage-style trails built on the peninsula’s eastern side. Bike rentals are available in nearby Winter Harbor.
Winter Harbor – Galleries and Seafood Shacks
The town of Winter Harbor adds small-town charm to the Schoodic experience. Stroll through art galleries showcasing local painters, potters, and woodworkers, or browse boutiques for coastal treasures. Afterward, grab a lobster roll or fried clams at one of the seasonal seafood shacks overlooking the harbor. The town also hosts the Winter Harbor Lobster Festival each August, featuring boat races, local food, and live music.
Local Tips
Schoodic is less crowded than Mount Desert Island, but bring snacks and water—services inside the park are limited.
Dress in layers; the ocean breeze can be chilly even in summer.
The Schoodic Institute offers programs and events for visitors interested in science and nature.
Cell service can be spotty—download maps ahead of time.
Things to Do with Kids
Explore tidepools at Schoodic Point to spot crabs, snails, and starfish.
Bike the safe, low-traffic Loop Road.
Visit the Schoodic Institute for interactive nature programs.
Enjoy ice cream at a local shop in Winter Harbor after a day outdoors.
Where to Eat
The Pickled Wrinkle – Local favorite serving seafood and hearty fare.
Chases Restaurant, Winter Harbor – Seasonal dining with fresh lobster and harbor views.
Seafood shacks – Classic lobster-in-the-rough dining by the water.
Local cafés – Perfect for breakfast before hitting the trails.
Where to Stay – Inns, Resorts, and Cottages
Schoodic Woods Campground – Spacious campsites with direct access to trails and biking.
Local vacation rentals – Oceanfront cottages and family-friendly stays.
Acadia’s Island Explorer Shuttle – Provides access to Schoodic lodging areas without the need to drive.
Best Time to Visit Schoodic Peninsula and Winter Harbor
The best time to visit Schoodic Peninsula is late spring through fall. Summer brings warm weather, calm seas, and open seafood shacks. Fall offers crisp air, brilliant foliage, and fewer visitors, making it ideal for hiking and biking. Winter is rugged and beautiful, with snowshoeing and solitude for those seeking a quiet coastal retreat.