Acadia National Park has several hiking spots. It is necessary to check out the several hiking spots available in the national park before you proceed to enjoy the hiking. There are some spots where kids can enjoy hiking, and others are difficult, and they will need the experience of adults. Always check the distance and the time it will take to hike in a given location before getting the hiking adventure. There are some places where you will get to enjoy long hours.
It is essential to research the difficulty of the places before you can move on to enjoy your hike. If you can opt for long trials, then you should plan for other adventures such as camping spots. It will be easy for you to get the best hiking adventure if you can take time and plan well in advance. Here are some of the best hikes you can explore:
Best hikes to explore in Acadia National Park
1. Wonderland Trail
It is an attractive hiking adventure you can try. You will enjoy hiking with your family members because it is a short hike where you can just stroll. The route allows you to take the wonderland trailhead along the 102A route. You will spend up to one hour and enjoy your hike. If you would like a route to enjoy random exploration, it will be easy for you to enjoy the best adventure.
The round trip will take about 1.5 miles making it very enjoyable. Panto visits the location during spring, and you will enjoy your outdoors. The elevation is mostly level, making the adventure an easy take you can undertake with your family members.
2. Bar Island And Bar Island Trail
It is another family-friendly hike you can try. The bridge street downtown Bar Harbor acts as the access route. You can follow it and arrive at the top within an hour if you walk faster. The round trip takes about 2 miles, and it is a distance you can walk for a roundtrip of two hours. A 160-foot elevation gain makes it a great place where you can go and enjoy hiking with family members. People looking forward to enjoying the hike prefers it. The best season to try the hike is from spring to fall.
3. Bass harbor headlight
The hike is short and easy for you to tackle. For the best experience, you will have to use the lighthouse road to access the trail via the 102A south of the harbor. It will take you roughly 20 minutes to hike. Family members or starters who would like to try the hike find it very attractive.
The 100 feet elevation angle is easy to tackle. Even if you are trying to take your family out, you can try the adventure, and it will work perfectly in allowing you to enjoy your outdoor adventure. You can visit the location in spring through fall. The trail allows you to explore several tourist attraction centers in the national park.
4. Gorham mountain trail
It is another moderately strenuous day hike. Be prepared to start early because as the day progresses, it can prove to be very hectic. Access the hike through the Gorham mountain parking. You can drive your RV to the parking lot, then leave it there and proceed for the hike. The hike can take up to two hours, but you will get to enjoy a lot of things on the way.
It is a comfortable place where you will get to learn a lot. The 500 feet elevation enhance is easy to accommodate in your hike. For less than two hours, you will have covered the two miles round trip. If you would like to try something new with family members, then the hike can be a great place to try.
5. Pemetic Mountain
The hole is a bit strenuous. At an elevation of 1000 feet ascent, you will get to move from the Jordan pond to the Pemetic summit. For up to five hours, you will get to enjoy your travel. The hike allows you to travel a distance of six miles. People looking forward to enjoying their outdoors prefers the destination. If you can visit the location during spring or fall, then you will never regret it.
It is a place where you will get to enjoy yourself a lot in your everyday life. The area is relatively cool and attractive. Some of the attractive features you can see include the bubbles parking lot to get to leave your car.
6. Ocean Path
It is an easy-to-hike trail. Your family members will get to enjoy their outdoors after you decide to go for the hike. The hike can be accessed via the sand beach; then you can proceed to the otter point parking or use the several lots in the area to park your car, then embark on the 3 hours hike to the top. As you hike, you will get to explore the shoreline.
It will take you a walking distance of two miles. The elevation is mostly level making it very comfortable. The best season to try the hike is during fall, spring and winter, but you should be cautious.
7. Cadillac Mountain
It is an attractive trail you can take if you would like to explore Acadia National Park hikes. The hiking trail is short and easy for family members. You can access it via the Cadillac mountain summit parking lot then try the 30 minutes hike if you are fast. In most cases, people cover the half a mile trail in less than an hour. The elevation is mostly level.
If you are planning to hike in the recent future, you can plan your visit during spring. It is an attractive place where you can visit and enjoy your hike. The summit has restrooms and other amenities where you will get to relax before you can start your descend journey.
8. Jordan pond path
The hiking spot is famous for family members who would like to go out and enjoy strolling. The level path offers several access points. For example, you can sue the Jordan pond north parking lot. At the parking lot, you will get to park your car and move to the hiking trails.
It can take less than two hours to reach the summit then return to the parking lot. The hike is about 3.5 miles long. The elevation is level making it a great place where you can visit with family members. People looking forward to enjoying hiking with family members prefer the location.
9. South bubble mountain
You can always visit the destination, and it will offer you the best outdoor family experience. For example, it allows you to walk a one-mile journey with family members. Even with teenagers, you can easily cover the hike. You can start from the bubble rock and cover 1.7 miles and then back. The elevation change is about 250 feet. In most cases, your family members will find it easy to cover the area. It is a beautiful area where you can go and enjoy your free time.
What you should not miss in Acadia national park
There are several things you should not miss after you decide to visit the Acadia national park. Here are some of the attractive things you will get to enjoy after you decide to go to the national park hiking trails. Discuss with your family members, and you will decide on the best hike to try:
1. Thunder Hole
The hole produces a thunder-like roar as the air interacts with the waves. If you would like to enjoy time with family members, then the cavern will be an excellent way to enjoy your outdoors. It is a place where you will get to marvel at Mother Nature. Any people visit the destination each day. Be prepared to meet other people who are eager to see the waves and take attractive photos.
2. Ocean Path
It is a two-mile path where you will get to have clear views of the otter cliffs. The path allows you to have a view of the thunder hole from a distance. If you would like to make your family members enjoy their outdoors, you can visit the location and offer the best relaxation. The path allows you to come across tidal pools that make it very attractive. Rock climbers prefer the location where they will climb down to the water’s edge.
3. Cadillac Mountain
It is the highest point in Cadillac Mountain. It rises to above 1530 feet above sea level. If you would like to view the coastline from a distance, then the point will be a great place to visit. The point allows you to have bragging rights. If you would like to enjoy your hike, then try to conquer the summit. During peak times, you can expect to have the mountain peak crowded.
4. Drive the Park Loop Road
It is a 27-mile drive you can drive through to have great scenic views. There are several parking areas along the road where you can stop and take the trials to different destinations within the park. People looking forward to enjoying their outdoors prefer driving slowly through the road. Some of the things you will come across include the sand beaches, a clear view of other cliffs, and the thunder home. The coastal sands are very attractive; you can spend time there taking breathtaking photos.
5. Bike the Carriage Roads
There are carriage roads within Acadia Mountain Park where you can enjoy parking. They are car-free roads where you can ride your bike for up to 45 miles. Family members will find the roads very enjoyable. The area has a flat elevation making it easy to bike around. People looking forward to enjoying different views of the park can take the bikes. There is bike hire on the so taking it easy to get the best views.
6. Jordan Pond House
The Jordan pond house is another area you should not miss visiting. You can stop by and get to enjoy coffee. They serve lemonade, cappuccino, famous popovers, and other drinks. For family members looking for a place where they can relax and rejuvenate, they will find the pond house very attractive. You will always feel safe when at the destination.
Is it safe to hike in Acadia national park, especially if you go solo and what to be prepared for?
It is safe to try the hike, but there are some areas where you should be more cautious. For example, the precipice trail is known to expose hikers to accidents because of the steep cliffs.
If you would like to climb the stiff cliffs, then ensure you carry the necessary gear. You should not try cliff climbing if you do not have experience in rock climbing. If you can visit the place as part of your hike, then there is no problem because you will meet several other people provided you stay on course.
Fantastic Camping Spots At Acadia National Park
There are several places you can camp in the national park. The national park has several attractive features. Not all of them you can explore in one day. It is advisable to spare time and camp. Here are some of the best places where you can camp after you decide to visit the destination:
1. Bar Harbor Campground
You can have a camping experience after you have spent several hours hiking the Acadia national forest. You will get to enjoy the ocean view and relax. The camping site has features such as the great views of the wooded site and the comfort.
2. Mainstay Cottages and RV Park
It is located towards the traditional fishing village of the winter harbor. If you would like to learn more about the village, then you will find the camping site very attractive. People looking forward to enjoying the wooded hiking trails prefer the site. The park offers freshwater swimming events, biking, and golfing, and kayak rentals. You can hire a kayak at the camp and get to explore the cold waters in the park.
3. Blackwoods Campground
It is a park that is located inside the Acadia Tiol Park. At the camp, you will get to enjoy the great views of the Coast Mountains. If you love taking photos, it is a great place to get to take attractive photos of the location. The location offers you the opportunity to hire bikes, kayaks, and ranger talks. You can as well ask for boat tours so that you can be taken to different locations. The camp allows visitors to enjoy bass harbor head lighthouse views, Isle au Haut, and the Cadillac Mountain.
4. Schoodic Woods Campground
The Acadia Tiol park campground has breathtaking views of the wooded area. If you would like to explore the forest, you can visit the campground and relax with family members. The camp attracts wildlife and several people on their bikes. You can as well get free shuttles around the park.
5. Mount Desert Campground
The campground is located on mouth desert inland. It is a few minutes from Tiol Park. It is also near bar harbor and the saltwater fishing grounds. If you would like to enjoy swimming, you can well take advantage of the swimming pool on site. They have enough space to accommodate RVs and other items you may carry along your hike.
Places to spend the nights, hotels at Acadia National Park:
It is also essential to check out places where you can spend a night near the Acadia National Park. There are several hotels in the location. It is upon you to take into account your budget and other factors before you can decide on the best hotel to stay. Here are some of the hotels you can choose from:
1. Bar Harbor Manor
It is located only five miles drive from the Acadia National Park. If you would like a place where you can relax with your loved ones, then you can try the hotel. It has Wi-Fi and lush gardens for visitors to relax. It is an affordable and comfortable hotel you can try.
2. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
The hotel is four miles from the national park. You can get to enjoy sandy beaches and high-quality meals. They serve breakfast and other meals you may like to get before you try the hikes. Attendants at the hotel are friendly and ready to help in case you are stuck.
3. Ivy Manor Inn Village Center
It is another attractive hole where you can enjoy a peaceful night with your loved ones. It is located just 656 feet from Agamont Park and the famous Abbe museum. If you would like to take your kids to the museum, then the hotel will be a great place to relax at the end of the day. Other attractive hotels you can spend your time include the Bay view hotel and Acadia inn.
Where to eat and excellent restaurants to check out at Acadia National Park:
It is good to take into account the best places you can eat when at the destination. Here are some of the places where you can retire and enjoy quality meals when you visit Acadia National Park:
1. Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen
The hotel is just 2.7 miles from the national park. You can get to enjoy the best avocado toasts and other meals. They are fully equipped to serve different cuisines. It is upon you to book your preferred dishes, and they will deliver.
2. The Stadium
It combines the services of a restaurant and a bar. You can get to enjoy American cuisine in the restaurant. They are known to serve top-quality dishes you can enjoy with your family. You can as well order seafood and different types of drinks.
3. Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream
The bar and restaurant offer you the best dishes. You can get to enjoy ice cream and different types of American cuisines. The attendants at the facility respond fast. They will save you time as you hurry back home.
There are enough hotels and restaurants for you to eat and sleep at Acadia National Park. You can also try other restaurants such as the café this way and Mount Desert Island Ice Cream.