Explore Coastal Maine: Acadia National Park

New England’s only national park, Acadia preserves and protects 49,075 acres of diverse natural habitats along the midsection of Maine. The park is well known for its rocky headlands, where powerful ocean waves have eroded rocky outcrops and created sheer cliffs that now meet the picturesque coastline. Venture inland to find a mix of dense forests, wetlands, lakes, and streams, many of which can be reached on the network of trails and carriage roads. No visit is complete without a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak along the Atlantic Ocean provides uninterrupted views of Mount Desert Island and the coastline of Maine. The park also features a few iconic landmarks that are not to be missed— Bass Harbor Head Light is probably the most famous and is an extremely popular spot to watch the sunset.

Things to Do

• The 27-mile Park Loop Road is fully open from mid-April through early December and is the best way to reach many of the points of interest, scenic overlooks, trailheads, and recreation areas, including the road that provides access to the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
• Cool off on a warm summer day in the refreshing saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean at Sand Beach or freshwater at Echo Lake Beach. Bring a kayak or canoe to enjoy a paddle and a different vantage point— a few of the quieter areas to explore are on the western side of the island in Blue Hill Bay and Western Bay.
• Watch the sunrise from 1,520 feet over the Atlantic Ocean from the top of Cadillac Mountain. On you way down the mountain, stop at the scenic lookouts for spectacular views of Frenchman Bay, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Porcupine Islands.
• Walk or bicycle on over 45 miles of scenic carriage roads, considered some of the best bike roads in the United States. Designed and financed by John D. Rockefeller, the stone and gravel roads, originally intended for horse riding and carriage tours, pass under 17 gorgeous stone bridges.
• Take a guided sightseeing boat tour along the shoreline of Frenchman Bay or to one of the outlying islands. Tours are available through the national park service and third-party concessionaires that operate from downtown Bar Harbor. The narrated tours provide a wealth of information on the local history and marine wildlife, as well as views of the coastal lighthouses and historic sites.
• Have lunch on the lawn at the Jordon Pond House with amazing views of the iconic “Bubbles” in the distance. After lunch, spend a few hours hiking around the pond on the 3.4-mile Jordon Pond Path.

Travel Tip: Driving in Acadia National Park can be confusing— large sections of Park Loop Road follow a one-way directional pattern. Before starting your national park adventure, stop in the Hull Cove Visitor Center to familiarize yourself with the park and pick up a map. The park does get very congested during the peak season (June – September). The information desk at the visitor center can help you formulate a plan for the most enjoyable visit.

Photo: NPS

Wildlife Observation

Acadia is home to a range of mammals (mostly smaller) that thrive in the seasonal environment that includes harsh winters along the rocky coastal areas. During the summer months, an astute eye can spot foxes, deer, beavers, raccoons, river otters, and weasels while exploring the forested areas around the many lakes, marshes, and rivers. The highlight for many visitors is a chance to see the marine mammals that live along the rocky shores, including seals, porpoises, and an occasional whale visiting the coastal areas. The park is also known as one of the best bird-watching areas in the country, with over three hundred species having been spotted by enthusiasts.