This richly-illustrated, full-color guide to the geology of Mount Desert Island, Maine, the home of Acadia National Park, makes the spectacular scenery and rich geological history accessible to outdoor explorers, geology enthusiasts, and armchair travelers alike. The Guide grounds readers in basic geologic concepts before chronicling the unique history of the area from 550 million years ago to the present. Including information-packed self-guided trips with stops at 31 points of interest, this book is lavishly illustrated with 100 full color photos, maps, and illustrations that enhance appreciation of this national treasure. Duane and Ruth Braun relate the fascinating story of the region’s formation, explaining how a slice of South America with Mount Desert Island bordering its southern side landed on the edge of North America to form Maine. Another piece of South America collided with this landing, causing Mount Desert Island to erupt violently in a ten mile wide volcanic caldera. The Island then underwent a long period of stream erosion culminating in a period of glacial erosion to form the present landscape. The exceptional scenery that resulted has attracted visitors from around the world. This book unlocks the many secrets of the formations, offering a deeper understanding of the land and its origins.

Mt. Desert Island, located off the coast of Maine, is blessed with more than twenty-five lakes and forty streams, but most visitors to the island are attracted by its granite coast and never get to explore “the lake country.” The revised and expanded edition of this one-of-a-kind guide is designed to give visitors the tools they need to get the most of this remarkable feature of Mt. Desert. In collaboration with students, graduates, and a professor from College of the Atlantic, author and longtime island summer resident William Newlin offers tips on what lakes are best for activities like boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and picnicking and provides readers the specific details they will need to make the most of their visit. Just where do you launch your kayak? Where are the best picnic rocks? What fish are available? Containing beautiful photos and illustrations, detailed, full-color maps, and informative sidebars that fill the reader in on interesting bits of natural history and local lore, this is an essential resource for vacationers and local adventurers alike.