Sights & Attractions in Blue Hill Peninsula

To explore the Blue Hill Peninsula thoroughly, you should have a car, a good map, and a relaxed schedule. Be prepared to get lost, and don't worry if you do. The roads can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the area, as they crisscross, overlap, branch off in odd directions, and sometimes seem to run parallel to themselves. If you are traveling north through the state on U.S. 1 and Route 3, you can reach the peninsula from Route 175, just east of Bucksport. If you're traveling south, your best bet is to follow Route 172 where it branches off near Ellsworth. Acadia National Park.

Deer Isle, Little Deer Island, and Stonington are accessible by bridge. Route 15 leads you on to Little Deer Isle and Deer Isle. When you reach the village of Deer Isle the road splits, with Route 15 following a more or less direct route to Stonington, while Route 15A reaches the same destination but meanders along the island's western edge. Neither route has great views. For those wishing to travel on to Isle au Haut in Acadia National Park, ferry service is the only way to get there.

Exploring the area on bicycle or boat will give you a more complete picture than if you stick to the car. In fact, an ideal (if extremely strenuous) way to explore the peninsula is by sea kayak. Because the mainland is so undeveloped and there are so many islands to explore, traveling by kayak allows you to take in spectacular scenery at every turn, observe marine mammals and birds, and get away from civilization for a while. Beyond the peninsula, an archipelago of uninhabited islands known as Merchant's Row is a favorite with kayakers.

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