From Ellsworth, take Route 3 South following the signs to Mount Desert Island. Just after you come onto the Island, the road forks – bear RIGHT onto Route 102. Proceed on Rte. 102 until you come to a traffic light. Turn LEFT at the light, onto Route 3/198. Continue STRAIGHT on Rte. 3/198 toward Northeast Harbor. Just before you reach the town, you pass a large stone-walled gate house on your left. At the bottom of that hill, turn left onto Route 3, Peabody Drive. The parking lot for a walk up the terrace to the Lodge and Garden will be on your right, approximately 3/10 mile from this intersection. To access the upper hill area by car, proceed another 1/3 mile to Thuya Drive on your left. Follow the drive to the top of the hill where there is limited parking for cars.

The Route 3 lower parking area and Asticou Terraces Trail are also accessible by the Island Explorer bus.