The Ocean Path not only provides beautiful views of the rocky cliffs and ocean, but it also passes through some of the must-see sights in Acadia National Park, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Otter Point. The trail travels along the north side of Cadillac Mountain through a forest before traveling above the treeline. The major airport in Maine is Portland International Jetport. Take the Spring Trail from the Jordan Pond House, hike the Jordan Cliffs Trail to the Bubbles Divide Trail, and enjoy the view from South Bubble. They also have more rental companies to choose from if you do want to drive from the airport to the national park. Perched on a tree-studded hill overlooking Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands, spend a day at the Hampton Inn and you'll feel like you're worlds away from civilization. How far is Bangor, Maine from Acadia National Park? Great article! Desert Island on this half-day bus tour. Kindly note that we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Here is a list of the best things to do in Acadia National Park: Drive Park Loop Road; Go Hiking: the Beehive Trail, Precipice Trail, and Jordan Cliffs Trail are the most thrilling hikes in the park. Contents hide Ocean Path Cadillac Summit Loop Trail Jordan Pond Loop Acadia Mountain Trail South Bubble Loop Trail Gorham Mountain Loop Precipice Trail Beehive Trail Final Thoughts On Hiking In Acadia Ocean Path Distance: 7.2 km/ 4.5 miles Duration: 2 - 3 hours We both liked this hike, but we thought that views from Cadillac Mountain, Champlain Mountain, and Beech Cliffs (mentioned next) were better. How to Do This: This can be done as a short, strenuous, round-trip hike from the Bubble Pond parking lot (1-mile round trip on the Bubbles Divide Trail). This hike has a little bit of everything: iron rungs and ladders, scenic views over lakes and the coastline, and brief cliff walks. Plus, you can reward yourself with a hearty lunch or dainty afternoon tea at Jordan Pond House afterward. This only applies to vehicles, not those wishing to hike or bike the road. American Airlines: Philadelphia, Washington DC, Charlotte, Elite Airways: Vero Beach FL, St Augustine FL, Frontier Airlines: Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Greater Portland Transit District METRO links the Jetport with the Amtrak Downeaster train station and the Vermont Transit and Concord Trailways bus stations (See. Note: This post contains affiliate links. We visited Acadia National Park in October 2019. 1 Explore Mount Desert Island 1.1 Visit Bar Harbour 1.2 Stop at the Bass Harbour Headlight 1.3 Experience Thunder Hole 1.4 Take a walk down the Carriage Roads 1.5 See Jordan Pond 1.6 Watch the sun rise on Cadillac Mountain 1.7 Explore Park Loop Road 1.8 Walk the Bar Island Land Bridge 1.9 Watch the tide come in at Sand Beach 1.10 Discover Echo Lake Most visitors stay along the Park Loop Road, but some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park are on the other side of the island. You will find the trailhead on the eastern side of Echo Lake, about half a mile south of Hall Quarry Road on Maine Route 102. There may be times when you arrive at a full parking lot, so I recommend having a backup hike planned just in case. Park Loop Road. This is a trail that beat our expectations. This guide reviews everything you need to know about the best hikes in Acadia National Park! From South Station. Some trails can be icy in early spring, but late spring brings gorgeous hiking weather. Acadia Mountain, Flying Mountain, Giant Slide, Cadillac Mountain (west face), Bubble and Jordan's Ponds Path (between carriage road and Featherbed Pond), Nuremberg Goat Trail, Bubbles-Pemetic Trail, Penobscot Mountain Trail, Upper Beachcroft Trail, and Upper Gorge Trail are not recommended for the pup (s). Elevation Gain: minimal. While each season in the park offers a unique experience, I find fall is the most magical as its less crowded and the foliage is spectacular. It has a fair incline, so it may prove moderately challenging for those with low fitness levels, but it is still accessible to most. At that time, almost any walk or bicycle ride on the carriage roads will take you past steep, active cascades. The topography is truly stunning, with a series of rugged ridges and gorges that stud the famed Cumberland Plateau. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, where to eat, where to stay, and much more. Highlights include Monument Cove, Boulder Beach, and the dramatic Otter Cliff. Visitors can enjoy miles of pristine beaches and unique rocky shorelines. Acadia National Park is a four-season national park and has trails you can hike year-round! 2. If you are looking for one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park that is easy, the Jordan Pond Path is perfect! If you travel to the western side of the island to hike Beech Mountain, you will quickly realize why its one of the best hikes in Acadia National Park! Luckily though, there are plenty of places to stop off and enjoy the water view along the way. Cheers, Julie, Do you think any of the hikes that will take up top of a hill for a good view that are pet friendly? Required fields are marked *. Difficulty: Easy (Sand Beach to Thunder Hole is accessible) Length: 4 miles round trip, 1.4 miles round trip between Sand Beach and Thunder Hole Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat Time: 2-3 hours, plus time to explore the coastline Trailhead Access: Far end of upper parking lot at Sand Beach, or parking lots at Thunder . The most complex and exposed sections have iron rungs, ladders, and handrails to assist you, but youll need to take it slow and stay focused. The Great Head Trail hikes across the beach and up to a cliff overlooking Sand Beach, the ocean, and the Beehive. We figured that since you can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, that was the best use of our time, and allowed us to do everything else on this list. If you're coming to Sand Beach to hike the Great Head Trail, make sure to pack proper footwear, especially if visiting in the winter months, when ice buildup is common. James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. The short but relevantly challenging hike up to the top of South Bubble gives the best views of Jordan Pond. On a hot day, the ocean might reach 67 degrees, but summer water temperatures at Sand Beach usually average in the mid-50s. Or, turn this into a point-to-point hike. Your guide is so helpful! Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Visit the National Park Service website for more information on hikes in Acadia, as well as to check trail status and get important updates. On a clear day, you can see across the bay to Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain. You can book it here or get a quote right here: Have a great trip to Acadia! So, if you like the idea of taking a break from the crowds but still visit Jordan Pond, this hike is nice option. This is an extremely popular area in Acadia National Park. Its flat and its easy so its great for all ages and ability levels. Spring is also one of the least visited times to visit, so its a great time to hike without the crowds. I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. The water flow didn't disappoint. Its flat, its easy, and along the entire walk you have wonderful coastline views. Where is the best waterfall trail to hike in Acadia National Park? If you are up for a challenge, the Beehive Trail will become one of your favorite hikes in Acadia National Park! Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. if you want more car rental options and/ or to save some money on car rental. How to Do This: Hike the Ladder Trail to the summit of Dorr Mountain. You might spy an ice fishing shack or two on Jordan Pond. Located in coastal Maine, Acadia National Park is easily one of the most beautiful, road trip-worthy national parks in the United States. Give yourself about 3 hours to complete it, and dont try to rush! Sand Beach | Best Things to Do in Acadia Walk the Great Head Trail or cross Park Loop Road and hike the thrilling Beehive Trail. After you summit Beehive, you will hike past The Bowl on the way back to the parking lot. I recommend arriving at the trailhead as early, so you can avoid being in a line of people climbing the trail. Travel time to Acadia National Park:5 hours 15 minutes to Cadillac Mountain Entrance/ Bar Harborif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'parkscollecting_com-leader-3','ezslot_7',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-parkscollecting_com-leader-3-0'); What airlines fly out of Boston Logan International Airport. Both mountains lead to the summit, but South Bubble is more popular due to the iconic attraction, Bubble Rock. This is a large granite boulder that sides right on the cliffs edge, balancing perfectly. Check for the rates for each season and reservations, Hadley's Point Campground. Location: Trenton, ME just across the Mount Desert Narrows, which separates Mount Desert Island from the mainland. Hadlock Brook Falls are 40-feet high, the tallest waterfalls in the park, and viewed from Waterfall Bridge. The campground's exact address is off route 3 at 33 Hardley Point Road, Bar Harbor, Maine. parking area, Waterfall Bridge an easy one-mile long hike along the carriage roads. The trail then begins to gain elevation over a few steep sections before leading to Acadia Mountain. The best way to explore this vast area that encompasses Mount Desert Island and beyond is via the excellent, Whether youre an avid trekker or youre just getting into. From the Jordan Pond House, it is a steep, strenuous climb up to the highest point of the trail, but once up here, the views are beautiful. Jordan Cliffs + South Bubble + Jordan Pond Path, Best Hikes in Acadia: Our Recommendations, About Our Visit and These Gorgeous Fall Colors, More Information about Acadia National Park, Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Schoodic Point is a well-known part of Acadia National Park because of its beauty and unique location. Despite the short length, the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail gives incredible 360-degree views over the park and a wonderful perspective of Bar Harbor. The Jordan Pond Trail is another of the best hikes in Acadia National Park for anyone looking for a flat and gentle stroll through the gorgeous scenery. This trail is 6.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,548 ft. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans There are 6-15 campsites at this location. Distance: 3.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 2 to 3 hours. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor. Best Hikes Outside of Acadia National Park Moxie Falls Trail Distance: 1.7-mile out-and-back Estimated time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy For a spectacular waterfall hike, head to West Forks about 2.5-hours from Under Canvas, to explore the Moxie Falls Trail. Located basically across the road from Sand Beach, hiking the Beehive is an easy option for those driving the Park Loop Road. It also is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise during certain times of the year. But it's usually crowded. From Sand Beach, it is a 2-mile round trip walk on Ocean Path to get to Thunder Hole. Beware though! From the Bar Harbor Inn, it is less than a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants in the center of town. The loop travels counterclockwise to ascend the steep Beehive Trail and descend the more gradual Bowl Trail. A relatively short, scenic option is to take the Spring Trail from the Jordan Pond House, hike the Jordan Cliffs Trail, and return to the Jordan Pond House via the Jordan Pond Path. Check out the four Acadia National Park itinerary options. Even so, its popular with daredevils as it features lots of rock scrambling and cliff walks. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The closest airport to Bar Harbor, ME is Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport. Pin It and save it for later: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. If easy hikes in Acadia National Park are not thrilling enough for you, check out the 4km Precipice Trail instead. From the parking lot on the Park Loop Road, its a strenuous climb to the summit of Champlain Mountain. Take the Dorr South Ridge Trail and enjoy the views of the coastline. Erinne Magee is a Maine-based travel and lifestyle journalist with more than 10 years of experience. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Make three stops within the town of Bar Harbor and the National Park to witness firsthand the views and wildlife that make this island so special . Visit Instagram. . But you get to enjoy the view over Jordan Pond from two different vantage points, hike along narrow ledges, and finish the hike off with an easy, leisurely stroll along Jordan Pond. Beech Mountain Fire Tower 9. With hundreds of glacier-fed falls, creeks, and cascades, photographing waterfalls in Glacier National Park is a sheer joy and delight. Allegiant Air: St Petersburgh-Clearwater (Tampa), Sanford (Orlando), American Airlines: Philadelphia, Washington DC, Charlotte (seasonal), Taxis service, shuttles, limo service, Concord Coach bus to Bar Harbor. From the peak of Dorr Mountain, you get spectacular views over Acadia National Park, or so we have heard. Since the Cadillac South Ridge Trail is longer and gains more elevation than other trails leading to Cadillac Mountain, it tends to be less crowded. Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport is 14.5 miles from Acadia National Park. Distance to Acadia National Park: 117 milesif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'parkscollecting_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-parkscollecting_com-leader-4-0'); Travel time to Acadia National Park: 3 hours 15 minutes to Cadillac Mountain Entrance/ Bar Harbor, What airlines fly out of Portland International Jetport. Many people from all over the world visit Acadia National Park in the fall to experience the fall foliage so trailheads can fill up very early in the morning. The bridge is 40 feet long and has a main span twenty feet long and a deck twenty feet wide. Smalls Falls 142 Waterfalls 3. There's a saying in Maine that goes something like, "If you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes." What airlines fly out of Bar Harbor? 1. Some things to consider are: The airports near Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park are: What airport is near Acadia National Park? However, if you already have plans to visit Schoodic Peninsula, this hike is nice addition to your day. This road features access to popular attractions such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. You can also enjoy a yummy meal or tea at theJordan Pond Houseafter your hike. The Most Photographed Cascades and Waterfalls in Glacier National Park You travel to Glacier National Park to admire its stunning mountain scenery, not roaring waterfalls and cascades. Acadia National Park Boondockers Welcome - McClellan Park Millbridge Campground Address McClellan Park Road Milbridge, Maine GPS: 44.484151, -67.854183 Elevation: 18 Management: City Park McClellan Park Millbridge Campground is open Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Best photography spots in Acadia National Park. This is not an all-inclusive list, but there is enough here to keep you busy for days. To reach it, youll need to drive 2.3 miles south of the turnoff for the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. In fact, its a shorter and slightly tamer version of the previous trail as it features similar cliff walks but with less exposure and less elevation gain. It's a swimming beach, even though the water doesn't often warm up above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the summer! The most relaxed time of the year with good weather is the two weeks following Labor Day in September until mid-September, right before leaf-peeping crowds arrive. Most people drive to the top, but easily the best and most satisfying way to summit Cadillac Mountain is to hike from the loop road. There are multiple flights daily from cities around the United States. Great destination and great hike! This hike is not recommended for small kids or if it is wet or raining. Thanks, No, we did not ride bikes on the Carriage Roads. Attractions such as Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and the many hiking and nature trails of the park are close at hand. The Beehive Loop is another trail that is not for those afraid of heights because it travels along a cliff and iron rungs. Southwest flies into Portland International Jetport. The largest airport in the state is Portland International Jetport. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ins.style.height = container.attributes.ezah.value + 'px'; Travelers favorites include #1 Cadillac Mountain, #2 Park Loop Road and more. There are many overlooks along the way, so you will not be short of views. Your email address will not be published. on the eastern side of Echo Lake, about half a mile south of Hall Quarry Road on Maine Route 102. Park Loop Road. The weather is crisp, the crowds are much lighter than the summer season, and the foliage is spectacular. We had so many hikes on our list and just a few days. This basically means that I will earn a commission if you do make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Angel Falls 50 Waterfalls 6. The best way to explore this vast area that encompasses Mount Desert Island and beyond is via the excellent hiking trails in Acadia National Park. The shuttle serves these trailheads every half-hour. Its mostly flat, so there is no challenging incline to deal with. However, note that you need to make a reservation to drive to the summit from May to October. How to Do This: You can hike the Precipice Trail out-and-back, but for safety reasons it is best to turn this into a loop hike. var ffid = 3; Many of the water bodies serve as local water supplies and so have usage restrictions, which are posted. Just curious, why didnt any hikes from the base to the summit of Cadillac Mountain make your list? Its a small airport, but is open year-round, with flights from Boston on Cape Air. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Hike the Canada Cliffs Trail back to the Echo Lake Beach Parking Lot. And happy travels! During our visit, the fall colors were considered to be high, with 50 to 70% of the trees displaying fall colors. Some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park are popular, so arriving early will allow you to enjoy the trail with fewer crowds. You can walk a flat family friendly trail around a picturesque lake surrounded by colorful trees in Fall, hike a quick forest trail to a summit with gorgeous views over the bay and even climb up sheer face granite rocks via iron rung ladders for an adrenaline rush. We have lots of photos in this post to help you know what to expect. However, if you want to shorten it, you can just do it one way to Thunder Hole and arrange transport back. The biggest and best-known is Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America with 150 rooms, which dates from the late 12th century. Tim and I thought that this was one of the toughest climbs we did in Acadia National Park. It can take a few hours to most of the day. Consider getting the annual America the Beautiful Pass. Expect jagged coastlines juxtaposed by misty mountains across all 48,000 acres of land. With this varied selection of the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park, you can plan a fabulous trip to Mount Desert Island, regardless of your fitness level or hiking experience. The increased elevation gain does come with multiple rewards, though. Love hiking the United States? Dont let the short distance of this 2.4 km hike fool you, as it features lots of loose rock and exposed faces. There are several options. Hadley's Point Campground Acadia National Park. at the south of the pond or at Jordan Pond House next door. Tower Fall plunges 132 feet into the famed Yellowstone River. Venture Out To Jordan Pond. You can begin the route from either the parking lot at the south of the pond or at Jordan Pond House next door. Even budget-friendly inns and motels without any amenities can start at $300 per night during peak summer travel. Once here, the views are amazing. Which of the airports near Bar Harbor, ME did you choose? The hike travels along an easy path leading you to a beautiful overlook where the brook meets the ocean. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. So, while the $30 fee (valid for seven days) does not change season to season, the cost of surrounding accommodations on Mount Desert Island swells significantly during the summer. Acadia National Park is best known for its rocky shorelines, coastal mountains, jagged cliffs and glacier-carved lakes. The Beehive Trail also features sections of cliff walks and metal rungs, but with less elevation gain and less exposure, this is a good option if you are not quite sure if you can handle the Precipice Trail. Houston Brook Falls 26 Waterfalls 7. Boston: 4 1/2 hour drive, 278 miles, Logan International Airport, Bar Harbor is 12 miles from Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport. 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