We are a small, family run
motel located just outside of Southwest Harbor
on the 'Quietside', removed from the boisterous atmosphere of Bar Harbor. The
'Quietside' is the less commercialized and more family oriented west side of
Mount Desert Island. We border one of the more serene entrances to Acadia
National Park and offer comfortable, clean lodging with an engaging breakfast
every morning. Protected by the solitude of the park, we are still in a convenient
location, situated three miles from both Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor
restaurants and services.
This area offers many activites for those who love the outdoors. Four
national park trails can be found within three miles of the motel, each offering a
unique and accessible experience. Three trails wander gracefully through the
woods and along the coastline, displaying diverse tide pools, birds, and wildlife.
The fourth is a wooded trail suitable for bird watching and bike riding.
Cross the road from the Motel and relax on the pink granite rocks of the
seawall, where the ocean has chiseled the coast. Enjoy the parade of sailboats,
lobster boats, schooners, and tour boats as they traverse the Western Way, the
main enterance to Southwest Harbor. Indulge in an afternoon barbeque at the
National Park's picnic area, a 1/4 mile down the road. Watch the sun set as you sit
by a campfire and roast marshmallows or play games at one of the Seawall's
picnic areas.
The Bass Harbor Head Lighhouse is three miles down the road at the enterance to Bass Harbor. Though not open for tours, the lighthouse offers two
different paths to access the grounds and the scenic overlooks. It also includes buildings
from it's original construction nearly 200 years ago. Still in operation, the red light
makes it one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
Dive into this unique landscape and become familiar with birds, tide pools,
stars, and plant life by joining one of the Acadia National Park Ranger Programs.
Lectures and field trips are offered across the pond in the Seawall Campground's Amphitheatre. Allow a
Ranger to guide you and your family through the delicate balance of a tide pool.
Stay up late and witness the graceful ballet of the stars. Schedules of programs are
listed in the Beaver Log, a park newsletter available in our office.
The Seawall Motel is in one of the few areas in the world where 5
eco-systems converge in an array of plant life, wildlife, and landscapes. Species include
bald eagles, common warblers, a variety of seagulls, eider ducks, wood ducks,
mallards, harbor seals, river otter, beaver, porcupines, pitcher plants. bladder wort,
sundew, ladyslippers, and lupin. You can view this spectacular blend of nature
simply by stepping out of your room.
