Acadia National Park sits on the rocky coast of Maine, mostly on Mount Desert Island. It was the first national park east of the Mississippi River, and it packs a lot into a small space. In one long day, you can climb a cliff, walk a beach, see a pond and watch the sun set over a harbor.
That is what this day in late August looked like. The sky stayed clear from morning to night.
Up the Beehive
The day started on the Beehive, a steep granite knob above Sand Beach. The trail climbs the open cliff with iron rungs and ladders. There are big drop-offs, so this is not a hike for anyone afraid of heights.
The ladders only go one way. At the top, a bright red sign tells hikers not to climb back down them. You take a different and easier trail off the top.
Along the shore
Next came the coast. The rock here is pink granite, and it breaks into big blocks where it meets the sea. It is a great place to sit and watch the waves come in.
Sand Beach is the best-known beach in the park. It sits in a small cove between the cliffs. It was busy that afternoon, but the view from the stairs on the way down is worth the stop.
Bubble Rock and Jordan Pond
Bubble Rock is a huge boulder that looks ready to roll off the edge of the mountain. A glacier left it there long ago. It is one of those sights that is hard to believe until you see it.
Jordan Pond lies just below. A sign at Jordan Pond House says the path around the pond is 3.2 miles and takes about two and a half hours. The water is very clear, and you can see the rocks on the bottom from the shore. The same sign says the house has served its popovers for more than 100 years.
Sunset in Bar Harbor
The day ended in Bar Harbor, the town next to the park. The sun went down behind the boats at the pier. After a day like that, it was a good place to sit still.
Practical Info
- Where: Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, Maine.
- Entry: You need a park pass. Check current prices with the National Park Service.
- Getting around: The free Island Explorer bus stops at many of the sights in season, including Jordan Pond House.
- The Beehive: It is steep and exposed, with iron rungs. Skip it if you are afraid of heights or if the rock is wet.
- Jordan Pond: The loop is 3.2 miles and mostly level, but part of it is rocky.
- Allow: One long day covers the highlights. Two or three days is better.
