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Mount Desert

The heart of Maine's largest island

Mount Desert encompasses six villages across a large portion of Mount Desert Island – from Pretty Marsh on the western side through Somesville to Northeast and Seal Harbors and Otter Creek to the east. With a variety of wonderful harbors and waterways, historic architecture, lovely shops, and Acadia National Park bordering every village, it is an ideal place for a year- round or seasonal residence.

 

VILLAGES WITHIN THE TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT:

 

Hall Quarry is a quiet and peaceful retreat with easy access to all Mount Desert Island has to offer. It was once the home of a thriving industry which supplied granite for many national buildings.

 

Northeast Harbor has long been a favorite destination of sailors and summer visitors, as well as those who seek a vibrant year-round community. Its proximity to famed Acadia National Park with its hiking trails, carriage roads, and picturesque ocean vistas makes it an ideal spot. The village boasts a marina and yacht yard as well nearby private sailing, golf, swim and tennis clubs. Main Street in Northeast contains the well-known Pine Tree Market, a hardware store, many quaint shops and several restaurants.

 

Otter Creek (part of which is in the town of Bar Harbor) is located between Seal Harbor and Bar Harbor, just off of the Park Loop Road. The village, with the Otter Creek Market, is a short walking distance to Blackwoods Campground and various Acadia National Park hiking trails up the South Ridge of Cadillac and Day Mountains.

 

Pretty Marsh is a quiet residential area boasting a scenic picnic area, picturesque coves, and small islands. Originally settled by Israel Bartlett, the village once was once home to a saw mill and received regular visits from lumber ships. Although a bit off the beaten path, Pretty Marsh is a short drive to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and all Mount Desert Island amenities. Acadia carriage trails are also nearby.

 

Seal Harbor, with its quiet harbor and sandy beach, abuts Acadia National Park, providing direct access to the Jordan Pond House and carriage roads around Day Mountain, Little Long Pond, the Bubbles, and Jordan Pond.

 

Somesville was the first village settled on Mount Desert Island, and is now a National Historic District. One feels transported back in time, with beautifully preserved examples of early New England architecture and a charming millpond. Somesville is located at the head of Somes Sound, a natural fjard (similar to a fjord) that is 175 feet at its deepest point. The year-round population enjoys close proximity to all of the wonderful attractions of Acadia National Park, Echo Lake, and Long Pond.

 

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