The back story: Known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, the park is a must stop for any willing traveler. Many visitors believe the 1,532 foot peak on Mount Desert Island offers the first sight of sunrise in the continental United States. The park is roughly 47,000 acres with 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads with 3.5 million visitors yearly.