Overview

Pretty Marsh was originally settled by Israel Bartlett. His brother's name is applied to the island off Pretty Marsh's shore, Bartlett's Island, and Captain Tinker's name to Tinker Island. The narrows between the mainland and Barlett's Island were named for the brothers, Bartlett's Narrows.

Similar to much of Mount Desert Island, Pretty Marsh evolved quickly from wilderness to a village that had a saw mill and weekly visits from ships in short order.

Though Long Pond is no longer used for powering a mill it does empower people with its captivating scenery.

The Pretty Marsh shoreline consists of crevices cut into the pink granite by glaciers and erosion over the years. These features combined with the small islands off shore create natural scenery ready for photography.

Location

Located on the Northwestern shores of Mount Desert Island the village of Pretty Marsh is quiet and reserved. Pretty Marsh is located 45 minutes from Ellsworth, 40 Minutes from Bar Harbor, and 30 minutes from Southwest Harbor. Acadia National Park has a picnic area in this community, and the trails, carriage paths of Acadia National Park are nearby.

Amenities & Activities

The little village of Pretty Marsh offers a scenic picnic area, picturesque coves and small islands. 

Boat Dock
Bartlett's Island landing is a dock for local lobster men and small boats to tie up as well as a launching area for canoes and kayaks. Boat rentals are available.

Trails
A short distance from Pretty Marsh is the carriage paths and trail system of Acadia National Park, as well as the Park Loop Road.

Shopping
Some local residents offer services and quality crafted products out of their home based shops and businesses.

Swimming
Close by are lakes where people can swim in fresh water during the summer.

Fishing
With proper licensing fishing is also possible while visiting Pretty Marsh.

Getting Here

If traveling from the south, follow I-95 to Bangor. Follow I-395 to 1A until Ellsworth, where state routes 1 and 3 will eventually lead to Bar Harbor.

Visitors who are taking scenic Coastal Maine's Route 1 will travel through many communities offering small novelty shops, factory outlets, and dining. Eventually arriving on Main Street in Ellsworth, which is lined with many more shops, and restaurants offering visitors the chance to find special gifts, and souvenirs. From there visitors can take High Street, which ME-3 and US- 1A merge together, to the head Mount Desert Island, and to ME-102, and ME-198 on into Somesville. In Somesville take a right at the Somesville Fire House onto the Pretty Marsh Road which leads into Pretty Marsh, Maine.