Acadia NP/Bar Harbor

Steve Dunne

Anyone ever go to Acadia National Park? Hits and misses? Campgrounds? All suggestions and stories welcome...thanks!

FrankieG

Hey, I have been there on a family trip back in 03. I was 13 so i don't remember a lot of the itinerary stuff but i do remember rock climbing and repelling on "The Bubbles" mountain.

Get_Right

Cadillac mountain climb for sunrise.

And buy your lobsters and steamers at the seafood store, cook em yourself in camp

YUM

dasvidana

I've only been to Acadia once a couple of years ago. I went the last week of May and it was cold and rainy the whole time. Sounds awful, but actually the wildlife was very active since there weren't many people around. I do recommend going out on the water (commercial boats take you out for a fee). My family saw sea lions, bald eagles, and puffins. You can also hike out on the "bar" during low tide and that's pretty cool too. Just don't get stuck on the bar after the tide starts rising. We were told that several cars get stuck out there each season.

Be prepared for all types of weather and bring your bug spray.

Lauri

I have been there many, many times. There are maps of the whole island that show both trails and roads- I'd pick one up. Some of the hikes are very technically difficult (and tiring! mostly granite scrambling and ridge walks) but almost all the hikes in the park are really short, and it's also difficult to get lost, so don't be afraid to try things. Some of the famous hikes are up Cadillac (I think the southwest trail? I can't remember), the Bubbles, The Beehive, and the Precipice.

If you like to bike, the Park Loop road is awesome but very hilly. If you bike (or drive) around the Park Loop Road, there is a small National Park fee you have to pay (so don't forget it if you're on your bike as I have done!).

The Seawall is about a 40-45 minute drive from Bar Harbor in Southwest Harbor (on the other side of the island)- it is definitely worth checking out and a fantastic place for a picnic, lobster bake, etc. There is a campground there too, but I think you need reservations far in advance- it might be the most popular one on the island.

Bar Harbor is a fun place to get dinner or ice cream or go to the bar and has nice places to stay, but it's really only a few streets, so don't expect to be kept busy there for too long. Also definitely go to the Jordan Pond house and walk around Jordan Pond- it's beautiful (and the Jordan Pond House specializes in this big popover things, delicious. but I should probably note that it's kind of this yuppie tea house thing, that women might find more charming than men). There are trails off Cadillac and some of the other peaks that go down to Jordan Pond, and you can stop there if you bike (or drive) around the Park Loop Road.

They have plenty of biking and kayaking tours and stuff you can sign up for at various shops in the towns, so that's something else you can do.

The whole place is just incredibly beautiful. it's just like a giant playground. Any activities you do will be fun. Just don't try to go to the beach and go swimming, it is WAAAAY too cold, especially early in the summer. enjoy!

P.S. I second the comment about being prepared for all weather. It can get really warm or really cold and even if it's warm out during the day it drops A LOT at night.

Steve Dunne

awesome suggestions and advice!!! thanks everyone!!!!!!!! this makes planning so much easier!
cheers!
sd