Rendered with the Geological Survey’s hallmark precision, this 1971 topographic portrait of Acadia National Park and vicinity captures Hancock County, Maine, at a moment when America was recommitting itself to its great landscapes. At 1:62,500, the map’s shaded relief and closely stepped contour lines translate granite domes, forested valleys, and sculpted shoreline into a richly legible terrain. Executed on the polyconic projection with the 1927 North American Datum, it preserves accurate local shapes across a complex coast—where islands, headlands, and inlets converge. Insets of Isle au Haut and the Schoodic Peninsula complete a cohesive vision of the park’s scattered units, uniting them in one authoritative frame. The result is both a practical guide to altitude and aspect, and an artful evocation of Acadia’s play of light, height, and sea.

The map excels in revealing Acadia’s geologic drama. Cadillac Mountain rises at the center, its summit roads and ridgelines picked out by tightening contours that telegraph slope and exposure. Jordan Pond, flanked by the rounded forms of The Bubbles, appears as a classic glacial basin, while Eagle Lake rests in its own rock-carved cradle. Along the coast, the charting of Otter Cliffs and Sand Beach juxtaposes abrupt granite with an improbable ribbon of sand. Somes Sound, often described as the East Coast’s only fjord-like inlet, cleaves deeply into Mount Desert Island, its drowned glacial valley rendered in exquisite bathymetric-proximate shading along Frenchman Bay. Park Loop Road stitches these scenes together, a scenic thread between rock and surf.

Historically, this map is a benchmark: compiled from mid-century 1:62,500 sheets of 1942, 1943, and 1956, then revised from 1970 aerial photography and field-checked in 1971. It captures the park during a pivotal era of environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation, when accurate, current topography underpinned both preservation and access. Researchers will value how it documents the maturation of route networks such as Cadillac Mountain Road and the Park Loop Road, and delineates signature paths including the Sand Beach Trail. The careful notation of vegetation areas and the Wild Gardens of Acadia reflects a growing public fascination with native ecology. In its layers, one can trace the evolution of cartographic knowledge and the thoughtful balancing of visitation with conservation.

The insets extend the narrative outward to the park’s more remote strongholds. Isle au Haut is presented with rugged clarity—its scalloped coves and maritime approaches set against a spine of elevated interior—conveying why it remains a refuge of quiet trails and austere beauty. The Schoodic Peninsula, Acadia’s sole mainland district, unfurls as a tapering horn of granite meeting the Atlantic, with Birch Harbor and nearby fishing hamlets marking a lived-in coast. Northwest Harbor, Seal Harbor, Little Hunter’s Beach, and other shorefronts are crisply named, each a hinge point between community and coastline. By gathering these dispersed geographies on a single sheet, the map offers a rare, synoptic understanding of the park’s archipelagic identity.

For the collector, this piece stands at the confluence of science and elegance—an exemplar of late-modern USGS craft before the digital turn. Its color palette enhances legibility while honoring the naturalistic hues of forest, rock, and water, and its polyconic geometry ensures that every summit, cove, and contour reads with quiet authority. Beyond beauty, it is a time capsule: Bar Harbor as a gateway, Frenchman Bay as a working and recreational water, trailheads and summits poised for the era’s burgeoning footfall. Whether consulted for its precise topography or admired for its compositional grace, it is an essential document of Acadia’s form, spirit, and enduring allure.

Places on this map

• Acadia National Park: The primary area of focus.
• Mount Cadillac: A prominent peak within the park.
• Cadillac Mountain Road: A key thoroughfare leading to Mount Cadillac.
• Bar Harbor: A notable nearby town and gateway to the park.
• Jordan Pond: A significant landmark within Acadia National Park.
• Isle au Haut: Included as an inset location.
• Schoodic Peninsula: A coastal area depicted in the inset.
• Sand Beach: A well-known attraction within the park.
• The Bubbles: Twin peaks near Jordan Pond.
• Wild Gardens of Acadia: A notable botanical area.
• Eagle Lake: Another key natural feature.
• Otter Cliffs: Coastal cliffs within the park.
• Seal Harbor: A nearby coastal harbor.
• Little Hunter’s Beach: A beach area within the vicinity.
• Northwest Harbor: A harbor area.
• Birch Harbor: Another coastal location depicted.
• Frenchman Bay: An important bay adjacent to the park.
• Somes Sound: A unique tidal fjord.
• Cadillac Mtn Biking Trail: A key recreational feature.
• Sand Beach Trail: Notable hiking trail.
• Park Loop Road: A scenic roadway running through the park.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Topographic Features: Mountainous terrains, valleys, and coastal cliffs.
• Contour Lines: Indicating elevation and terrain steepness.
• Insets: Detailed views of Isle au Haut and Schoodic Peninsula.
• Water Bodies: Lakes, rivers, and coastal waters highlighted.
• Crater Bays and Harbors: Specific areas of interest along the coastline.
• Trails and Roads: Notable hiking trails and roadways connecting various locales.
• Vegetation Areas: Differentiated areas showcasing forests and other vegetation types.
• Prominent Peaks: Specific mountain peaks labeled for reference.
• Boundary Lines: Clear demarcation of park boundaries and adjacent lands.

Historical and design context

• Publisher: Geological Survey.
• Date of Creation: 1971.
• Scale: 1:62,500.
• Compilation Details: Derived from 1:62,500-scale sheets dated 1942, 1943, and 1956; revised from aerial photographs taken in 1970; field checked in 1971.
• Projection: Polyconic projection using the 1927 North American Datum.
• Coverage: Includes insets of Isle au Haut and the Schoodic Peninsula to provide comprehensive representation of the park.
• Themes: Detailed topographic representation showcasing coastal and inland features; significant geological features and contours highlighted through shaded relief and contour lines.
• Regions Shown: Primarily focuses on Hancock County, Maine, within the context of Acadia National Park; also includes parts of Knox County (Isle au Haut) and features of the Schoodic Peninsula.
• Design Style: The map employs shaded relief to depict elevation changes, with contour lines providing additional information on the terrain; the colors used enhance the natural landscape representation.
• Historical Significance: Represents a crucial period when national parks were being explored and promoted for their natural beauty; serves as an important historical document reflecting the topographical understanding of this area during the early 1970s.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.