The scenic hamlet of Pretty Marsh borders Blue Hill Bay on the western edge of Mount Desert Island. The Pretty Marsh Picnic Area, part of Acadia National Park, is located a short distance south; it’s a fine place to relax and enjoy an outdoor lunch or snack with family and friends.

The picnic area, set amid a shady forest of fragrant spruce trees, occupies a quiet spot on a hillside overlooking Pretty Marsh Harbor. Far enough away from the primary attractions of the park, visitors looking for a little bit of solitude and understated coastal beauty will find it here. And the western exposure of Pretty Marsh makes it a great spot for spectacular sunsets out over Bartlett Island.

To reach Pretty Marsh: From the Thompson Island Visitor Center drive a half-mile south on Route 3 onto Mount Desert Island. At the junction of Routes 3 and 102/198, bear right on Route 102/198 and go two miles. Just before the village of Town Hill, turn left on Indian Hill Rd. and follow this south for about 6 miles. From Somesville, travel south on Route 102 for 5 miles. From Southwest Harbor, head west and then north on Route 102 for 12 miles.