Located a little east of Ellsworth along historic Route 1, the Schoodic region is the beginning of the Downeast Acadia trail. Route 1 and Route 186 were designated a National Scenic Byway in June, 2000 (www.schoodicbyway.org). National designation is part of a process of educating visitors and residents that an area’s unique historical, scenic and recreational opportunities are both valuable and worth preserving. Each of America’s 100+ scenic byways offers a blend of experience unlikely to be duplicated elsewhere.

Whether you are seeking the excitement of kayaking through sea spray, hiking among Maine woods and lakes, or searching out the ambience of a small New England sea-side village, (sitting quietly atop a rocky perch, watching lobster boats pulling in their catch), the Schoodic region is a treat.

As you travel the 27 mile Schoodic Byway you will see tidal falls that reverse direction every six hours, historical architecture, piers piled high with lobster traps, clammers working knee deep in mud, and a largely undiscovered portion of Acadia National Park. You can shop in country stores, galleries and antique shops; buy bread from local bakers, sample the catch-of-the-day, go fishing and catch your own, or rent a bicycle or kayak to tour Acadia and surroundings. Stay in one of the many local area campgrounds, Inns or Bed and Breakfasts.

The earliest inhabitants were small groups of Indians who settled here several thousand years ago. A staple of their diet were clams which could be easily dug from the mud of the tidal flats. Because clamshells can take thousands of years to deteriorate, the buried mounds of shells that are revealed by shore erosion still mark those sites.

Historians and architects will enjoy the preserved rural character of the Schoodic area. There are more than 20 lighthouses in downeast Maine and some of the most noteworthy can be found right here. Heritage visitors not only get to see historic architecture like the Stone Store on Route 1 and the West Gouldsboro Village Library on Route 186, but can even live it. Several local inns and bed and breakfasts are themselves registered historic buildings reviewed in Downeast and Yankee magazines.

Fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, small-scale gold and silver mining, and granite quarrying played an important role in this area’s development. These occupations continue to dominate the Schoodic economy and culture to this day.

Visit www.acadia-schoodic.org for places to stay and eat, and for a listing of art galleries, seasonal events and local services.

Schoodic invites you.