Acadia National Park – Great Photo & Travel Books
Over the past few months I’ve replied to many emails from readers asking for a recommended list of travel guide and/or photography-related books about Acadia National Park and in this blog I wanted to summarize my replies for all readers. Of the 54 books, maps and newsletters used to help prepare for this assignment, the following are those which I eventually found to be most helpful both as a photographer and as a traveler.
BOOKS & MAPS
Moon Acadia National Park by Hilary Nangle
Published by Avalon Travel Publishing
A well-written, up-to-date and highly useful 312-page guide book filled with detailed information on the park and nearby communities as well as advice and recommendations on lodging, dining and recreation. Like other Moon Handbooks, this one, written by the editor of Maine’s tourism magazine was of great help many times over during my stay. Click here for details.
Acadia, The Complete Guide… by James Kaiser
Published by Destination Press
A great 288-page guide book filled with beautiful photos that helped in planning my trip and served as an excellent reference book while I was there. The book has sections on history and geology, recreation tips (hiking, biking, sailing, etc.), detailed information on the park (over 100 pages), and information on nearby towns and islands. Click here for details.
The Park Loop Road by Robert Thayer
Published by Down East Books
Robert Thayer is a naturalist and seasonal park ranger. His knowledge of the park and skill as a photographer makes this 48-page book one I highly recommend to anyone planning a visit to Acadia. I especially found the photographs and short descriptions of must-see locations helpful in considering places to photograph. Click here for details.
Hiking Acadia National Park by Dolores Kong
Published by Falcon Press
If you’re interested in hiking and/or leaving the beaten path to see sights not visible from a car, this 250-page book is a great resource. Hiking Acadia National Park carefully explains the degree of difficulty, distance, grade and sights seen along the way for over 90 different hikes. It fits nicely in a backpack and I found it extremely valuable and accurate in keeping me on track, although I’d suggest carrying a good trail map as well. Click here for details.
The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme
Published by Delorme
If you’ll be sightseeing, hiking or exploring outside Acadia, or elsewhere in Maine, this, like all DeLorme Gazetteers is “THE’ resource to have. This atlas with highly detailed maps of the state spread across 78-pages makes this an excellent resource for trip planning or for spur of the moment exploration. These detailed maps identify highways, roadways, rivers and streams as well as a general idea as to the terrain of the area. Click here for more details.
Other Suggested Reading
Photograph America Newsletter is the best photo-location resource guide around. Bob Hitchman has written this 12-page newsletter four times a year since 1989. Each issue includes great suggestions on photo locations, driving/hiking tips and beautiful photographs of the area. I’ve relied on Bob’s newsletters for years to help plan a trip before I arrive and highly recommend it to photographers and tourists alike. Here are three newsletters you might find helpful: #13 (Acadia and the Coast of Maine), #96 (Islands Off the Coast of Maine), and #116 (Lighthouses on the Coast of Maine). Click here to visit the Photograph America website.
