Near Sand Beach by the changing rooms, a wayside exhibit entitled "Experience Acadia" appears on an upright panel attached to a stone base.
The exhibit's title appears against a blue sky tinged with the rose color of a setting sun. The dim light silhouettes a tree-covered slope that reaches down to a sandy beach dotted with smooth cobblestones.
Introductory text reads: "Whether you have a few hours or a few days, explore Acadia your own way. Climb a historic trail to a scenic mountaintop. Cruise with a park ranger to a remote island or paddle your canoe across Eagle Lake. Walk barefoot across the sand at Sand Beach or stargaze from the shore as the night sky emerges. Step back in time as you explore the historic Rockefeller bridges, Carroll Homestead, or area lighthouses."
A large map showing a portion of Mount Desert Island layers over the scenic view.
Symbols show locations of parking lots, restrooms, picnic areas, camp grounds, hiking trails, seasonal ferry routes, bus stops, boat launches, seasonal swimming, food service, and spots where drinking water can be found in summer months. Labels also identify visitor centers and ranger stations, museums and nature centers, ponds, mountains, bridges, and roads, as well as areas that are private property. An arrow points to Sand Beach: "You are Here."
Five photographs show various activities: -Hiking - Two hikers navigate a trail. -Biking - A woman wears a helmet as she pedals along a gravel road. -Exploring with a ranger - A park ranger points out a frog in a wetland to a boy. -Boating - Two colorful kayaks float across a bay. -And camping - A family enjoys a glowing campfire.
Safety tips: -Wear proper footwear, be prepared for changing weather, and carry water and a map. -Expect slippery rocks and loose gravel at cliff edges and along trails. -Be aware of breaking waves - they can knock you down and sweep you out to sea.
Protect the Park: -Keep pets leashed at all times. -Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in. -Do not feed, disturb, or remove wildlife. -Leave plants, rocks, and other natural or historic features where you find them.
A quote: "Everything is here to rejoice the soul - summer warmth, fresh salt tang from the sea, the reddest of sunsets, and unforgettable pictures from any height of granite rock." - Freeman Tilden, The National Parks.
