Exploring Acadia

Let’s take a trip to Ash’s favorite national park on the East Coast – Acadia National Park! If we’re being honest, Acadia is unlike anything you can see in the West.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring this magical national park and all of the things that make it such an incredible place to visit.

Join us as we cover:

Our favorite spots to visit in Acadia
Why we love the Beehive Trail
The family-friendly mountain hike with incredible views
A fun way to experience the power of the ocean
The Carriage Roads you can utilize in Acadia
Why you haven’t fully experienced Acadia if you haven’t tried the popovers
The most famous mountain in Acadia and when you should try to see it
Everything we love about Bar Harbor
The other things you need to eat at this national park
How to find Acadia’s best-kept secret
Where to find the nicest campground in the park and see an area most people don’t see

We hope you enjoyed this episode all about Acadia National Park! This seaside national park is truly unique and beautiful.

In addition to all the big adventures you can have here, be sure to try the lobster, the blueberries, and the popovers!

To hear our funniest story from our time in Acadia, listen to the funniest stories episode here. If you want help planning your next trip, head over to the Ultimate Acadia Trip Planning Guide.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Acadia Overview

Join us in this week’s episode as we delve into the breathtaking beauty of Acadia National Park, located on the East Coast. From the bustling coastal areas near Downtown Bar Harbor to the serene and quieter sections, Acadia offers a diverse range of experiences.

Discover the iconic Beehive and Precipice Trails, take in the stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, and explore the charming town of Bar Harbor. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes, delicious local treats like blueberries and lobster, and the enchanting seaside vibes that make Acadia a must-visit destination.

Exploring the Coastal Beauty Along the Park Loop Road

The Park Loop Road is where you’ll find some of the best seaside views in Acadia! The Ocean Path offers a picturesque walk with stunning pink granite cliffs and ocean views. Sand Beach marks the beginning of the Ocean Path, so be sure to dip your toes in the sand and the chilly water.

My favorite trail along the Park Loop Road is the Beehive Trail. This trail involves scaling granite cliffs while holding onto iron rungs and ladders, which will certainly get your adrenaline pumping. The views from the top are incredible, especially during the fall when the forest below is adorned with vibrant colors.

You can also access Thunder Hole, where crashing waves create a thunder-like sound. The pink granite cliffs in this area are another highlight — you can see them best from the section of the Ocean Path just beyond Thunder Hole.

And if you’re looking for a great family-friendly hike, we recommend the Gorham Mountain Trail for its great views and a more kid-friendly ladder and rung section.

Navigating the one-way Park Loop Road can be tricky, especially when it’s busy, but there’s a convenient shuttle system on Mount Desert Island to help you get around. Or, you can use this Acadia Itinerary to successfully navigate this crowded area of the park!

Exploring Jordan Pond: A Charming and Historic Area of Acadia National Park

When you venture off the Park Loop Road, make sure to circle back up towards Jordan Pond – it’s an absolute must-visit spot within Acadia. You’ll be fascinated by how the park offers not only coastal beauty but also stunning freshwater lakes and ponds like Jordan Pond, adding a unique dimension to the park’s natural diversity.

Upon arriving at Jordan Pond, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Jordan Pond House, a grand building situated right behind the pond. The view from here is simply breathtaking, with the iconic Bubbles formations perfectly framed across the pond. This area truly exudes a historic charm, reminiscent of a time when carriages were the preferred mode of transportation here.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the carriage roads, commissioned by John D. Rockefeller. They were specifically designed for carriages, keeping the area pristine without the noise of motors. Today, you can still enjoy the nostalgia by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride or a bike ride along the 50-mile network of carriage roads.

And the highlight of Jordan Pond House? Their famous popovers! Make sure to try these delightful fluffy bread muffins, served with homemade jam – it’s an absolute must-try in Acadia. Despite the high cost of just one popover, the experience is well worth it.

Cadillac Mountain: A Majestic Sunrise Spot in Acadia National Park

Continuing north from Jordan Pond, you’ll come across the side road leading up to Cadillac Mountain, the most famous mountain in Acadia. The summit offers stunning 360-degree views and is especially renowned for its sunrise vistas. During certain times of the year, it’s the first place in the United States to catch the sunrise, which is pretty amazing.

Cadillac Mountain is definitely a must-visit spot in Acadia, and it’s one of my favorite places to capture family photos. Despite the crowds, the experience and views are well worth it. The reservation system is likely here to stay, but it’s a small price to pay for the stunning vistas and unique sunrise opportunity.

Bar Harbor: A Charming Seaside Town and Lobster Lover’s Paradise Near Acadia

I really love Bar Harbor—it’s such a cute little town! The downtown area is adorable, though parking can be a nightmare, so we prefer taking the shuttle. Bar Harbor is a fantastic gateway town to Acadia, and it has a real maritime charm. We love doing our souvenir shopping in the downtown shops and picking up unique items like painted lobster claw Christmas ornaments.

There’s a fun trail called the Bar Island Trail right in downtown Bar Harbor. This trail is such a fun adventure because it disappears at high tide and reappears during low tide. It’s like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. You’ll want to be quick when hiking it, though, to avoid getting stranded on the island.

Bar Harbor is a haven for lobster lovers, and you can find lobster rolls and other lobster dishes everywhere. For the most authentic experience, we like going to the lobster pounds, where the lobster is super fresh and cooked right after it’s caught. It can be a little intimidating to crack open your own lobster, but it’s part of the Maine experience!

Discovering the Quiet Side of Acadia: Tranquility and Beauty Await

The quieter side of Acadia is a lesser-known part of Mount Desert Island that’s much quieter and less crowded than the popular spots. It’s like a hidden gem of the park. The Acadia Mountain Trail is one of my favorite hikes there; it’s so beautiful. And there’s also the Ship Harbor Trail, which is perfect for families.

Now, one place that can get busy, but I still recommend visiting, is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse at sunset. It’s the most picturesque lighthouse in the park, and even in Maine, I’d say. The problem is there are only about 15 parking spots for hundreds of people, so it can get extremely chaotic.

If you’re willing to arrive early and fight for parking, the sunset view is absolutely worth it. It’s a unique experience, being there with people from all over the world, watching the sun go down behind the lighthouse. It’s magical, despite the crowds.

If you’re hoping to be even further removed, then you can explore the Schoodic Peninsula, which is located off Mount Desert Island and requires driving to the little town called Winter Harbor. The area is known for lobster and blueberries and houses the Schoodic Institute and a few restaurants.

The Schoodic Peninsula offers beautiful views, especially at Schoodic Point during sunset, where you can see Cadillac Mountain across the ocean. The area is less frequented, providing a unique and serene experience. The pickled wrinkle is a local delicacy found at a unique restaurant in the region. Overall, this area evokes a sense of simplicity and nostalgia while still offering modern amenities.

In this episode, we uncover the enchanting beauty of Acadia National Park, where stunning coastal landscapes, thrilling trails, and delicious local treats await. Whether you’re scaling the Beehive Trail’s granite cliffs or savoring the views from Cadillac Mountain, Acadia promises an unforgettable adventure filled with seaside charm and natural wonders. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty that sets a new standard for coastal and mountainous landscapes alike.

Links mentioned in this episode:

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