I didn’t think that I’d have a favorite National Park but I confess that Acadia is my favorite East coast National Park. I arrived before Memorial Day, as the crowds were starting to build but not too bad. I started at Hulls Cove visitor center to pick up a trail map and get advice on hikes planned. For my first day I focused on the Park Loop Road. The first stop was the parking lot at Sand Beach. Posted a little out of order as the first thing I did (with fresh legs) was hike the Beehive and then headed down to the beach. From there, I hiked the Ocean Path from Sand Beach past Thunder Hole to Otter Point, which is around 4.4 miles round trip. The walk along the water is easy and provides the quintessential rocky coastal views. If pressed for time or not looking to walk too much there is parking at Thunder Hole and the trail to Otter Point from there is a bit more interesting. I brought my lunch to enjoy sitting on the beach and was blessed with beautiful weather.
The Beehive Trail Loop: Was completely terrified while hiking it, however right afterwards all I could think of was how much fun it was. Do not hike this if you are scared of heights. It is not easy with steep granite stairs, exposed cliffs, rock scrambles, and iron rungs and steps to help drag yourself up on the really tough sections. The good news is that it is over quickly and the way down in a more gentle trail down the backside to the Bowl. Both a positive and a negative for trails like this is that traffic jams are created on the tough sections as everyone takes their time. So you meet and get to know others and usually share some good laughs so you can get into a good headspace. Also, I like seeing how others navigate the route to make sure I’m taking the easiest route possible. As mentioned, I hiked this first thing in the morning, fresh from an amazing breakfast at the BnB I was staying at.
Continued to drive around the Park Loop and ended the day with a hike around Jordan Pond. While there are some rocky sections it was gentle compared to other hikes that I had been doing. Really enjoyed seeing the lake from every angle and the path along the wooden planks. Unfortunately it was late in the day so I didn’t get a chance to hike the Bubbles for an even better view of Jordan Pond.
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the North Atlantic seacoast and during current times of year it is the first place in the US that sees the sun rise. Luckily I was there for the very last day that you could drive up without a reservation (recreation.gov to try to get a pass). Getting up way too early and standing in the very cold and very strong wind was worth it. If lucky enough to get a pass I recommend staying in your PJs, wrapping yourself up in a blanket and then going back to bed afterwards. I made the mistake of staying out the rest of the day.
Driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain was way too easy, I had to earn the view during the daylight hours. There are multiple options for hiking to the top. I took the more gradual and longer South Ridge Trail to the summit as there are more options for parking.
My legs needed a rest so I enjoyed a day of driving around and visit other islands or parts of the island. The first stop was the Bass Harbor Head Light Station. An iconic photo for the area, I didn’t feel like walking too far out on the rocks so didn’t get the perfect shot. Next I drove all the way around to the Schoodic Peninsula. I tried out some of the trails but don’t really recommend that area for hiking. It is perfect for getting away from the crowds, enjoying coastal views, and getting more of a feel for the fishing industry in the area. I did hike the Anvil trail, it was true to the description and looked like walking through Middle-Earth, however was in need of trail maintenance and the trail markings and cairns were a challenge to follow and easy to get lost so I don’t recommend it and I cut my route short and didn’t continue past the overlook for the full loop.
I stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast in Bar Harbor, the Holland Inn, which I very much recommend. The owner was so nice and helpful and the breakfast was amazing. My favorite meal was at Atlantic Brewing Company and of course the blueberry ale made it taste even better. Recommend Galyn’s for a nice meal and also enjoyed Blaze (fantastic pizza). The Black Friar Inn and Pub was recommended to me but didn’t get a chance to eat there as it was packed the night I tried and I didn’t bother with reservations. I enjoyed an evening walk along the Shore Path and if you are in town for low tide you can walk across to Bar Island. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy any of the activities on the water which as whale watching tours, but now have a reason to return.
