Natural Attraction

Satterlee Field

Natural Attraction
A black and white photo of a beach and a tree-filled peninsula, taken from a bird’s eye view.

Soft sand contrasts sharply with Maine's typical rocky granite shores at Satterlee Field, a rare sandy beach bordered by rocky ledges and granite outcrops. A bronze plaque marks the site of the historic Satterlee Estate, donated in 1949 by Eleanor Satterlee Morgan in memory of her mother. The distinctive offshore landform called "The Headlands" juts out like a rocky shoulder, shaped by coastal wave action against granite. This 100-acre gift preserves the landscape where the Satterlee sisters—descendants of J.P. Morgan—made childhood memories before dedicating it to future park visitors after the Fire of 1947.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
44.329361, -68.183694

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Sand Beach (adjacent), Great Head Trail, Ocean Path Trail, Jordan Pond area
Nearby Facilities
Beach access with interpretive plaque; nearby Sand Beach has more developed parking and facilities; Park Loop Road vehicle access
Tips Advice
  • Look for wave-polished granite pebbles on the beach—evidence of ongoing coastal erosion
  • Observe the contrast between sandy beach and surrounding rocky shores; sand is rare here
  • Stay on established paths and off vegetated areas to protect park resources
  • Watch your footing on wet rocks; granite becomes very slippery
  • Bring a tide table or check tide times for the best beach exploration window
Insider Tips
  • Visit at low tide to see more beach and explore tidal pools
  • The bronze plaque tells the Satterlee family story and their 1949 donation
  • The offshore formation "The Headlands" is visible from the beach looking seaward
  • Early morning or late afternoon provides best lighting for photography
  • Check tide tables before planning your visit for optimal beach exploration

More details

Park Area
Sand Beach / Park Loop Road area
Family Friendly Notes
Sandy beach offers family-friendly exploration. Beach stairs require careful navigation with children. Granite rocks are slippery when wet—supervise children closely. Tidal zones present water hazards. No lifeguards; adult supervision required for any water activities.
Attraction Type
Coastal Sandy Beach
Accessibility Level
Road-accessible with stairs to beach
How To Get There
From Hulls Cove Visitor Center, follow Park Loop Road toward Sand Beach. Satterlee Field is roadside access marked by a bronze historical plaque. Park entrance fee: $35/vehicle (valid 7 days). Park Loop Road open mid-April–early December; inquire at visitor center for off-season foot access.
Seasonal Access
Park Loop Road access: mid-April through early December. Off-season foot access possible but not detailed in official data.
Entry Fees
Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days); $20 per person on foot; youth under 16 free; America the Beautiful Pass accepted
Main Features
Sandy beach (rare on Mount Desert Island's granite coast), bronze historical plaque, offshore granite rock formations ("The Headlands"), granite ledges and outcrops, tidal zone
What Youll See
Sandy beach (unusual for this granite-dominated coast), granite ledges and outcrops, bronze interpretive plaque, offshore rock formations ("The Headlands"), tidal pools at low tide, forested edges
Unique Characteristics
Rare sandy beach on Mount Desert Island's primarily granite coastline; geological legacy of the Satterlee Estate land donation; accessible offshore granite formations demonstrating coastal wave-erosion patterns
Safety Considerations
Granite ledges and rocks are slippery when wet; wear footwear with good traction. Tidal zone presents hazards during high tide—check tide times before beach exploration. Cold Atlantic water year-round with no lifeguards; approach water only if experienced with cold conditions. Supervise children closely around rocks and water.
Best Viewpoints
From the beach looking seaward toward "The Headlands" offshore formations; from the plaque area viewing both the beach and surrounding granite cliffs
Photo Opportunities
Early morning or late afternoon light highlighting the contrast between sand and granite; golden hour on offshore rock formations; plaque detail with stone and coastal backdrop
Photography Spots
Plaque with stone and granite backdrop; beach vista toward The Headlands; tidal zone at dawn or dusk
Visitor Center Present
0
Interpretive Signs
1
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Great Head Trail
Connecting Trails
Great Head Trail passes nearby; connections to Ocean Path Trail and broader Park Loop Road network
Nearby Services
Hulls Cove Visitor Center (park headquarters and information); town services available outside park boundaries

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth a stop if we're already visiting Sand Beach?

Yes. Satterlee Field offers a distinct sandy beach with granite context and historical significance. The Satterlee Estate plaque adds cultural context and tells the story of how land donations shaped Acadia.

Can kids swim here safely?

The beach allows wading and cold-water swimming, but has no lifeguards and cold Atlantic temperatures year-round. It's best for families interested in tide-pool exploration and beach walks rather than traditional swimming.

Is there dedicated parking?

Satterlee Field has limited roadside access along Park Loop Road rather than a dedicated parking lot. Nearby Sand Beach offers more developed parking and facilities if needed.

How does tidal change affect a beach visit?

Tidal variations significantly affect beach width and access to tidal pools. Visiting at low tide exposes more sand and creates opportunities for tide-pool exploration. Consult tide tables before planning your visit.

Is the park entrance fee required for this single stop?

Yes, standard park entrance applies ($35/vehicle). The fee covers access to the entire park, including the 27-mile Park Loop Road, numerous trails, and visitor facilities—a 7-day pass.

What makes this beach geologically different from other Acadia beaches?

Most of Acadia's coastline is rocky granite. This rare sandy beach results from coastal erosion and sand deposition patterns on granite bedrock, making it geologically distinct and visually unique.

Sargent Mountain Pond

Granite bowl pond high on Sargent Mountain; alpenglow lights the surrounding peaks.

Little Harbor Brook

Shallow brook beside a mossy trail; formed by glacial erosion and meltwater through Ellsworth Schist.

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake — glacially carved freshwater lake with clear, deep water in Acadia NP

Cadillac Mountain

Granite crown; first light on the U.S. coast; sculpted by ancient glaciers.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.