Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
yourself with a relaxing afternoon tea on the lawn of Jordan Pond House (
Click here
)
.
Near the end of Park Loop Rd a side road leads up to Cadillac Mountain.
Cadillac Mountain
The majestic centerpiece of Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain (1530ft), the
highest coastal peak in the eastern US, reached by a 3.5-mile spur road off Park Loop Rd.
Four
trails
lead to the summit from four directions should you prefer hiking boots to rub-
ber tires. The panoramic 360-degree view of ocean, islands and mountains is a winner
any time of the day, but it's truly magical at dawn when hardy souls flock to the top to
watch the sun rise over Frenchman Bay.
Other Activities
Some 125 miles of
hiking trails
crisscross Acadia National Park, from easy half-mile
nature walks and level rambles to mountain treks up steep and rocky terrain. A standout
is the 3-mile round-trip
Ocean Trail
, which runs between Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs
and takes in the most interesting coastal scenery in the park. Pick up a guide describing
all the trails at the visitor center.
The park's 45 miles of carriage roads are the prime attraction for
cycling
. You can rent
quality mountain bikes, replaced new at the start of each season, at
Acadia Bike
(
207-288-9605;
www.acadiabike.com
;
48 Cottage St; per day $22; 8am-8pm)
.
Rock climbing
on the park's sea cliffs and mountains is breathtaking. Gear up with
Acadia Mountain Guides
( 207-288-8186;
www.acadiamountainguides.com
; 228 Main St,
Bar Harbor; half-day outing $75-140;
May-Oct)
; rates include a guide, instruction and
equipment.
Scores of
ranger-led programs
, including nature walks, birding talks and kids' field
trips, are available in the park. Check the schedule at the visitor center (
Click here
).
For information on kayaking and other activities see Bar Harbor (
Click here
).
Sleeping & Eating
The park has two campgrounds, both wooded and with running water, showers and bar-
becue pits.
There are scores of restaurants, inns and hotels in Bar Harbor, just a mile beyond the
park.
