Along Acadia National Park's rocky shores, there is only one sand beach. Over 15,000 years ago glacial ice carved out this valley. Melting glaciers and rising sea waters flooded it, creating a protected cove. A headland and a rock shelf offshore divert and diminish the power of the ocean, allowing fine particles to settle in the cove. Take a look at a handful of beach "sand" and you will discover mostly bits and pieces of crushed shells, an unusual composition for a northern beach.

Swimming at Sand Beach is only for the hardy. Even on warm summer days the water temperature may be a chilling 50?F (10?C).

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In the protected waters of Newport Cove slower-moving water drops sand which waves may deposit on the beach.

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Close examination of the sand reveals sparkling quartz, pink feldspar, and a high percentage of shell fragments and other remains of marine animals.

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Show me all markers in:  Bar Harbor, ME  |  Hancock County  |  04609  |  Maine  |  United States of America

Unusual Pocket Beach
Secrets of the Sand
Satterlee Field
What Do Park Rangers Do?
Icy Depths
Sounds of the Sea
Thunder Hole Ranger Station
Thunder Hole
Forever Protected
"Hot Line" to Europe

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