Considering that five million visitors come to Mount Desert Island each year, that it contains most of New England's only national park, and that it boasts not only a genuine fjord but also the highest headland on the entire Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro, it is an astonishingly small place, measuring just sixteen miles by thirteen. It is, of course, simply one among innumerable rugged granite islands along the Maine coast; the reason to come here is that it is the most accessible, linked to the mainland by bridge since 1836, and has the best facilities.

The island was named Monts Deserts (bare mountains) by Samuel de Champlain in 1604 and fought over by the French and English for the rest of the century. Although all existing settlements date from long after the final defeat of the French, the name remains, still pronounced in French (more like dessert , actually).

The social center, Bar Harbor , has accommodation and restaurants to suit all pockets, while you'll find lower-key communities all over the island. Acadia National Park , which covers much of the island, offers active travelers with plenty of outdoor opportunities, including camping, cycling, canoeing, kayaking and bird-watching.

Mount Desert Island

• Mount Desert Island
• Getting there
• Eating, drinking and nightlife on Mount Desert Island

Explore Mount Desert Island

• Acadia National Park
• Bar Harbor

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