Realistically, if anyone is looking for an outdoor adventure within America, I would immediately recommend any National Park without hesitation. However, just like cities, each park has its own unique vibes and characteristics. If you are looking for a park that offers peaceful solitude with a magical "fairy-tale" setting, Acadia is the place to go.
In September of 2020 (yes, the horrid year of 2020!) I decided to do a week long solo trip. Partially just because I wanted to go somewhere new, and partially for a personal mental break. I chose Acadia National Park because I had never been there, I love the outdoors, and it was easy enough for me to drive to. The entire experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Below I will go into more detail about the park and surrounding areas, but first, I would like to briefly touch on the solo travel aspect. This was my longest solo trip to date. I was a little nervous at first... "what if I fall or get hurt while no one is around?", "what if I feel lonely?" All of the "what ifs" naturally popped up in my head....but sometimes you just need to go for it. If you hesitate, or hold back from doing things just because of a "what if", you will miss out on a lot of things in life. Let me just tell you, I am SO glad I went on this trip, and will definitely be doing more solo travel in the future. 馃槉
First and foremost, where did I stay? I usually don't go into a ton of detail about my "lodging" unless it was outstanding. Well let me tell you....if you visit Acadia or Bar Harbor and don't stay here, you are missing out. I could go on and on about the Edgewater Cabins in Sullivan, but I will spare you with just a brief overview and some photos below.
The property is owned by the sweetest couple who will go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need. It is a private property with several rented cabins. They are right on the quiet harbor with gorgeous views of the sunrise and sunset. Picnic tables, adirondack chairs, and a fire pit are sprinkled around the property with stunning views all around. Staying at this remote location truly made my trip that much more magical.
my little home away from home^
the view from my porch^
who wouldn't want to sit here...?
Okay so now that I've sold you on that, let's talk about ACADIA! Below is a list of the trails I hiked while exploring the park, along with an in depth review and some advice that you will hopefully find helpful. Each trail title is linked to the map on "AllTrails" to make it easier for you to find. 馃槈
Beehive Trail:
The Beehive Trail is approximately a 1.5 mile loop (488' elevation gain), depending on which way you come back down the mountain. If you are planning to do the Precipice Trail, this is a great introductory trail. It has a few areas where you must climb the metal rungs, and the trail offers beautiful lookout points. Unfortunately when I went, it was quite foggy and there was not much visibility, but the views were beautiful nonetheless.
This is a nice short trail, with some moderate challenges. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and pleasant hike.
Jordan Pond Loop:
First and foremost, GET. HERE. EARLY. Jordan Pond is one of the most traveled and most popular loops in the park due to it's ever popular photo opportunities, and the simplicity of the trail (easy and accessible to individuals of all abilities). Also, parking is limited here and fills up very quickly.
The first time I ended up at Jordan Pond was really only because of a "lucky accident". I had actually woken up early to try to catch the sunrise at Otter Cliffs, but it ended up being a foggy and hazy morning...complete fail! I was already in the park, so I figured I would go explore Jordan Pond. When I got to the parking lot, there were only maybe 1 or 2 other cars. It was amazing!
As I started along the 3.4 mile trail (I started to the left) that wraps the pond, the fog was covering the water, not allowing much visibility to what existed beyond. Between the fog and the stillness in the air, this created an enchanting atmosphere.
As time went on, the fog quickly dissipated and the sun rose from its slumber. The trail hugs the pond all the way around, so you always have views across the pond. The trail is also completely flat, so this is a very enjoyable path that does not require any technical skills.
The most popular view and photo opportunity is of the Bubble Mountains. If you catch the weather just right, you will be greeted with an amazing reflection in the pond as well!
This was one of my favorite experiences in the park. This is another reason to be sure to get here very early. Due to its popularity, this spot can get crowded. It is definitely more enjoyable if you are able to sit/roam freely around here when it is quiet without many people around.
This loop is simply a must-see if you are spending time in Acadia. The views and tranquility are unparalleled.
Jordan Pond, Bubbles Trail, & Jordan Cliffs:
If you enjoy Jordan Pond, but are looking for an additional challenge, this is the way to go! These additional (2) trails that are directly off of the Jordan Pond loop include elevation climbs and boulders, adding some excitement to the traditional Jordan Pond Loop. I navigated this loop by doing the Bubbles Trail first, looping back down to the Pond Loop, and then joining the Jordan Cliffs Trail. However, there are several ways to join these trails.
The Bubbles Trail was a steep climb with some boulder climbing at certain areas. Overall, it was a fairly short climb and offered a stunning view of Jordan Pond at the summit.
The Jordan Cliffs Trail was another highlight of the park for me. The trail included moderate elevation climb, some boulders, and some ladder rung climbs, all while offering incredible views of Jordan Pond below. It truly gave you a little mix of everything! Overall, this trail was fairly quiet which was great!
Otter Cliffs:
Otter Cliffs is not necessarily a trail, but more of a destination within the park. This is a quieter, less traveled area of the park, which I loved. There is a parking lot right across the street from the cliffs, which allows very easy access. The rocks and cliffs jut out into the ocean. This was such a relaxing location to just sit and listen to the waves. This is also a great sunrise/sunset location if you want to avoid the crowds at the popular Cadillac Mountain 馃槈
sunset at Otter Cliffs^
Precipice Trail & Champlain Mountain Summit:
I figured it would be appropriate to start off this trail description with the wonderful sign that greets you at this trailhead 馃槀 All jokes aside, on this trail and all trails, just make sure you are aware of your surroundings. A careless misstep could result in a dangerous fall.
That being said, the Precipice Trail is so much fun! It is said to be the most challenging and the one trail that will certainly give you an adrenaline rush. From boulders to multiple areas of ladder rung climbs, this is a very memorable trail.
The actual Precipice Trail is rather short. When the Precipice comes to an end, you can either continue straight and head back down, or turn left and head up to the Champlain Mountain Summit. I highly recommend heading up to the summit. It continues the challenging characteristics that the Precipice had (boulders and ladder rung climbing), plus it allows you to add another park summit to your list!
Acadia Mountain & St. Sauveur Mountain Loop:
I decided to do the Acadia Mountain Loop on my last day in Maine. I almost didn't do it because it isn't right in the main part of the park, and I wasn't sure if it would be worth it. If you have the chance and time, definitely do not miss out on this trail...it is gorgeous! This loop is one of the longer ones (about 3.5 miles with over a 1,000' elevation gain). This makes this one of the more challenging routes, but the diversity of the views you will have along this trail make it worth it.
At first, the trail takes you deep into a dense wooded area. If you go towards the end of the day when the sun is starting to go down, the rays will come through the trees at just the right angle, creating a magical surrounding.
As you near the summit(s), the woods become less dense, and open up to reveal an outstanding view of Acadia National Park.
This was a beautiful trail to end my trip with. Overall the trail was fairly quiet and peaceful, with multiple overlooks. A great place to take a bagged lunch and just sit for a while, taking in the serenity. 馃槉
Stay tuned for my next post about things to do and see in the Bar Harbor area!
