Within the heart of Maine’s picturesque landscape, Acadia National Park sits as a testament to the raw beauty of the natural world. These coastal forests offer a wealth of hiking trails and captivating travel experiences that are guaranteed to immerse every visitor in the great outdoors.
Hiking within Acadia National Park:
The 150+ miles of trails within Acadia offer something for every level of hiker. For those seeking a leisurely pace, the Ocean Path showcases the coastal beauty of Acadia National Park within minimal elevation gain. This out and back trail pairs perfectly with the shuttle system. Begin at Sand Beach and walk the 2.2 mile trail, stopping to take in the views from the many access points to outcroppings above the rocky shore along the way, and end your route at Otter Point. The park shuttle can take you either back to your car or outside of the park to Bar Harbor or one of the surrounding campgrounds.
If you’re looking for a little more adrenaline, the Beehive Trail or Precipice Loop are great options. Make sure to check for closures and keep an eye on weather when hiking these trails. When I visited in July 2023, the Precipice Loop trail was closed due to peregrine falcon nesting in the area. Both the Precipice and Beehive include iron rungs. Construction of both of these in the 1920s included iron rungs and stonework.
The Beehive trail involves granite stairs, iron rungs, and rock scrambling. Make sure you have sturdy footwear and plenty of time. While the loop is only 1.4 miles long it can take anywhere between 1-3 hours to complete. The iron rungs are the only way up the cliff, and there is only one narrow path for everyone to follow. During this hike we found ourselves often having to wait for others ahead of us finish a section before we could follow.
However, with panoramic views along the entire route surely you won’t be upset with extra time to take in the scenery.
We also visited Jordan Pond (I had to, given the name) which is located near the Jordan Pond House, a great place to grab a souvenir from your travels. You can walk the three miles around the pond or just stop to each your packed sandwiches on a rock with a view, like we did.
Navigating Acadia National Park was a breeze. The Island Explorer is a fare-free shuttle system that makes getting from nearby campgrounds to trailheads within the park easy. Shuttles are equipped with space for bikes, strollers, dogs and wheelchairs.
“Island Explorer shuttles are powered by propane fuel. By leaving your car behind, you help reduce air pollution while avoiding parking and traffic congestion.”
National Parks Service (https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/island-explorer.htm)
During my visit to Acadia we mainly kept to the East side of the park. The West side is known as the quieter side. There you will find the Bass Harbor Head Light Station, the Seawall, and countless lakes, ponds and mountains to roam. With so much more to see it’s only a matter of time before I return for another visit to Acadia.
Additional Acadia Activities:
Drive Cadillac Mountain: Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. You’ll need to get a timed-ticket vehicle reservation for this activity.
Hike Gorham Mountain Loop: This 3.5 mile loop features mountains and a rocky coastline with panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outlying islands.
Horse-drawn Carriage Roads: Explore the park’s historic carriage roads on foot, bike, or horseback. These well-maintained trails provide a unique perspective of the park’s beauty.
Stargazing: Experience the park in a whole new light – or rather, darkness. Acadia is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for stargazing and astrophotography.
Near the park:
No visit to Acadia would be complete without a stop in the charming town of Bar Harbor. The Island Explorer shuttle will drop you off at the Village Green. Known for its inviting atmosphere and New England architecture, Bar Harbor offers a blend of boutique shops, art galleries, ice cream stores and seafood restaurants. The town’s cozy vibe and friendly locals near Acadia National Park will make you feel right at home.
We stayed at Bar Harbor Campground which allowed us to utilize the shuttle to travel around the park and to the Bar Harbor Village Green.
Acadia National Park isn’t just a destination; it’s a sanctuary. These captivating landscapes are sure to make a memorable experience no matter how you choose to enjoy your visit.
Make sure to check trail and road closures at Acadia and other national parks on the official National Parks Service website.
