Treasures abound in Acadia National Park located on Central Maine’s wonderful rocky coast. Located within minutes of Bar Harbor it is home to some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery on earth. Dozens of Hiking trails and carriage roads beg to be walked so that they may serve up legendary scenic rewards that will take your breath away!
One the best “first walks” is The Shore Path. Jump on it at Sand Beach and let it take you on a fairly low impact trail along the coast from Sand Beach to Otter Point. One has complete access to the rocky shore and many folks enjoy a picnic sunning on the rocks and enjoying the sounds of the birds and crashing waves. Hang on to your sandwiches however, the seagulls are fearless and will be happy to snatch your lunch!
More fabulous walks are found on the the “carriage roads” of Acadia. These roads were built by the benefactor of this great national resource, John D Rockefeller jr. They are perfect low impact walking paths. Wide enough for a vehicle (though no vehicle are allowed) these well maintained gravel trails wind up and down through beautiful woods, dramatic shorelines, and mountains. They are well marked and documented in park literature. Walking the carriage roads still requires a good park map as they cross each other occasionally and cross other trails. In winter the carriage roads double as cross country ski trails. There are also stables at Acadia and some trails are open to horseback riding and.. Carriage rides!
A pretty feature of the carriage roads are the carriage road bridges. Each is architecturally unique, made of stone, and beautiful.
The Hiking trails are more rugged and some are quite challenging.
Consult your guidebooks carefully. Some end cliff-side with iron ladders attached to the cliffs for descending! A good guidebook is essential for hiking these sometimes rugged trails. This is a great one, written by a local who grew up hiking the trails of Acadia.
At the height of all of this wilderness grandeur is Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac is the highest peak on the Atlantic coastline and views are stunningly gorgeous! Sunsets are sublime here, with rocky steps to sit upon and wait for the colorful ending of the day.
If you are heading to Maine for the fall leaves, you will be in for a treat at Acadia and all of the Maine Coast. Enjoy!
Please come back and leave some pictures!
As Always, have an interesting day!
Beclecto