6 THINGS TO DO IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE, USA
Acadia National Park is the most visited attraction in Maine – and having been lucky enough to spend a day there, I can understand why.
The park, which protects the dramatic natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, has a variety of habitats to explore, high biodiversity, clean air and wonderful views.
It’s also a very easy park to visit and enjoy as there are lots of eco-friendly ways to experience it; on foot, on the free Island Explorer bus, on a Trolley Bus tour, or by bike. Or if you prefer to see it from the water; take a boat tour or paddle in a kayak. There are also plenty of places to swim.
Here are my top six on-foot and Island Explorer options for a day in the Park:
Hike up the South Bubble. This is an easy uphill hike and the view at the top will give you a good feel for the surrounding landscape. The absolute ‘must-do’ once you reach the summit is to pose by Balance Rock. This is a giant boulder, deposited during the last ice age, that sits precariously on the cliff edge – looking as though the slightest breeze will send it tumbling. However, it’s refusing to go anywhere as each year thousands of people try to push it over the side as they pose for the obligatory Balance Rock photo. None has succeeded and I’m confident none will.
Take the Island Explorer Loop Road Bus. The Park Loop Road is 27miles and connects the Park’s lakes, mountains, forests, and rocky coast. It offers a great way to get a broad sense of the park, and there are plenty of stops where you can get off and take a look around before jumping on the next bus. The bus will take you past many of the major sites – so if you’re not sure what to see, take the bus and get off when something takes your fancy.
Hike the Jordan Pond Path. This is a 3.5mile circular trail taking you along the shore of Jordan Pond. The valley and its sides were sculpted by glaciers and scenery is dramatic. You’ll also get great views of the Bubble Mountains (North and South). Boardwalks are being built along much of the trail, so the going is easy. And much of the trail is through the trees so it’s a good choice on a hot day.
Try Popovers at Jordan Pond House. Once you’ve hiked the trail you’ll no doubt be ready for a cup of tea, so drop into Jordan Pond House (which is a good place to start/finish the hike) and order their famous Popovers. They have been serving these traditional treats for over 100 years. You eat them with butter and strawberry jam. And if you’re wondering what they are; think crisp Yorkshire puddings – and you won’t be far wrong!
Picnic at Bass Harbour Head Lighthouse. This is on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island and is often referred to as the ‘quiet side’ of the Park. If you’re visiting during the peak summer season then heading over this way is a good idea as you’ll still get all the beauty of the Park, but without the traffic. You can park at Bass Harbour Head Lighthouse and then take a short walk down the wooden staircase to the rocky shore below the Lighthouse. This is a lovely place to perch yourself and eat a picnic lunch, looking across to Great- and Little- Gott Island and beyond to the Atlantic. Before you leave, take the path to the right of the car park and stand on the terrace by the Lighthouse – which was built in 1858.
Gaze at the view from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The Island Explorer will take you to the summit – so there’s no need for an exhausting hike up the 1529 feet to the top. How ever you get there, make sure you do; the views are wonderful. It is part of the Appalachian Mountains and allows you to look out across the islands of the Gulf of Maine towards Nova Scotia or inland over Mount Desert Island and into mainland Maine. The flat rocks at the summit mean it’s easy to wander around, stopping to gawp at, and photograph, the view. And is a lovely place to watch the sun disappear behind the hills at the end of the day.
TOP TIP: The Island Explorer is such a great service that it also means you don’t need to stay in Downtown Bar Harbour (where the hotels are more expensive). Instead you can stay outside the town (lots of the hotels and motels are on Eden Street) and the bus will pick you up and take you into Downtown or into the Park. And it’s free.
If you’re taking a trip to Maine – then make sure you include Acadia National Park. Whether you have a day or a week to spend in the area, you’ll find plenty to keep you interested.
FACT BOX
Acadia National Park: nps.gov/acad
Island Explorer: exploreacadia.com
Bar Harbour and Acadia: visitmaine.com/places-to-go/downeast-and-acadia
Visit Maine Tourism: visitmaine.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chantal Cooke is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster and co-founder of PASSION for the PLANET.
Chantal is passionate about tourism being used as a force for good.
You can follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter @chantalcooke and on Instagram @Chantaldcooke