Sundew Nature Trail

The Sundew Trail is a nature trail that weaves through the forests of the Schoodic Peninsula and provides a couple great views of the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean. To access the trail, drive down the Schoodic Peninsula to the Schoodic Institute (Education and Research Center). Follow Acadia Drive to the turn for Eliott Hall and park toward the back of the large lot. There is a wooden sign at the back of the lot where the trail goes into the woods. For the first tenth of a mile, the trail is a narrow gravel trail that wanders through the forest. There are science and research projects going on in the area, and some of the plants are tagged so that they can be studied. This information is helpful in knowing what type of vegetation is growing in the area. At a junction, a small trail leads off to the left to the Ocean benches, two benches that sit out on the rocks overlooking the Atlantic. If you go down here, enjoy the views with fewer visitors than you would find at Schoodic Point. The trail transforms from gravel to dirt and roots as it makes its way down to another viewpoint where great views of the ocean and surrounding communities can be enjoyed. After crossing several wooden logs that allow you to get over mossy areas, there is one final side trail down to a view of the ocean. After returning from the viewpoint, the trail transforms back into a gravel trail and crosses a larger wooden bridge before the trail emerges at a parking lot near the ball fields. In order to get back to your vehicle, you can either return back to your car via the trail, or follow the roads and paved trails through institute back to your vehicle.