The Acadia National Park in Maine encompasses
62 square miles of rocky coastline, chilly Atlantic beaches and rugged
mountainous islands. The austere beauty of this park, as well as its
proximity to Bar Harbor, draws many visitors every year. Acadia National
Park offers year round outdoor adventure.
A good scenic overview of the park is available via the 20-mile Park
Loop Road. Popular stops along the way include the crashing surf at
Thunder Hole, the pink granite Otter Cliffs and peaceful Jordon Pond
with its self-guided nature walk.
There are 2 campgrounds near the Acadia National Forest. Blackwoods
Campground is reservation only. Seawall Campground is 1st come, 1st
served. There is no backcountry camping allowed in the park. Hikers and bikers are well set up at Acadia National Park thanks to
the 50+ miles of 1 lane “carriage roads” within the park.
Hikers can even climb to the 1,530-ft. summit of Cadillac Mountain,
the parks highest point, and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over Frenchman’s
Bay. There are also many guided nature walks to take pleasure in.
Cross-country skiers and snowshoers have 45 miles of carriage road and
40 miles of unplowed park roads to choose from every winter. Snowmobiles
are allowed on the Park Loop, most fire roads and 2 miles of carriage
road.
There are excellent opportunities for Kayaking and other kinds of boating
at Acadia National Park, and at nearby Bar Harbor. The same goes for
fishing. Swimmers who don’t mind the water being a little chilly
can go swimming at Sand Beach, Seal Lake or Echo Lake.
Climbers have much to enjoy at Acadia National Park thanks to the small
but scenic cliffs there. Theses pink granite cliffs offer an excellent
view of the sea and a pleasing level of challenge.
Wildlife viewing and bird watching is especially rewarding in Acadia
National Park. Visitors can expect to see Harbor Seals, Northern Milk
Snakes and Boreal Red-backed Voles. Lucky guests might see Leopard Frogs,
Bobcats or Orcas. Birders will be in heaven thanks to the 338 species
of birds here, including over 20 species of Warbler. The park’s
offshore islands are an important haven for eiders and other seabirds,
as well as a wintering place for birds like Purple Sandpipers and Harlequin
Ducks.
Stop by the Lobster Pounds north of Trenton
Bridge for a fresh Lobster picnic.
Some features of the Acadia National Park
are seasonal, including the campgrounds, certain roads, and the Hull’s
Cove Visitors Center.
