dw732

Hi: My family (wife, kids 13, 14) and I will be spending 2 1/2 days in Acadia mid July. We definitely plan to do the Loop Road drive and go up Cadillac Mtn. Beyond that, can we hear what fodorites opinions are other quintessential Acadia "must do" activities? We have done many of the NPs out west (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches etc) and love to hike, enjoy amazing scenery and love the ranger hike/programs. If Precipice hike is closed, what would be the best alternatives? Any recommendations on the ranger-led boat tours? Since only 2 days, we want to make sure we plan what we want to do. Thanks in advance for any advice.

tovarich

Twxo things come to mind. Bass harbor lighthouse and a whale watching trip on the catamaran.Paul

oobmaine

I think any trip to Acadia should begin at the Park headquarters..you will get a visual overlay of the island and can plan your days accordingly. That said...popovers at the Jordan Pond House are a must!! As you are sitting on the lawn looking over the pond you will see The Bubbles...two bubble shaped mountain peaks. It is a very easy hike to the top of the Bubbles where you will be rewarded with a fabulous view of the park and ocean. Renting bikes and riding the carriage trails are worth the effort. If you do go down to visit the Bass Harbor light house, stop off at Sewall Beach for a picnic lunch right on the ocean. You could even pick up lobsters in Southwest Harbor and bring them to Sewall. The "quiet' side of the island is worth the drive. Somes Sound is the only fiord, I believe, in the States...very pretty ride........ahhhhh....Acadia!!! Enjoy your vacation,be prepared for crowds.

lindsyb

Popovers at Jordan Pond House - the best thing in the world after a lovely bike ride through the park! Yummy

bratsandbeer

There is a nice beach in the park.

elberko

Just a few thoughts about one of my favorite places:

Hikes we do EVERY trip:

Ocean trail-our day of arrival must, mostly flat, and not too long, but really gives you a taste of Acadia.

Cadillac South Ridge Trail- longish, and some rock scrambling, but GREAT views, and it's fun to see all the people at the top who drove! PS, there's a teeny store and bathrooms there.

Beech Mountain (?), on the quiet side of the island, not very long or strenuous, but it offer more variety than some, and great views.

Bubble trail, not long, but steep walk up to the boulder on one of the "bubbles".


In addition, there are kayak tours avaliable, etc.

If you are there on a clear Thursday (I think), the ranger led star tour on Sand Beach is awesome.

Enjoy!
~Liz

bigtyke

rent bicycles and ride the carriage trails

iamq

bookmarking

mabella101

Hello DW, we were in Acadi last July and the trip has quickly become the one our kids rate as the best `so far' (we're leaving for ZION & BRYCE in 14 days, hopefully it'll be as `cool')
Anyway back to your question... I 2nd the bubble hike. Not to easy not to hard, with a beautiful view at the end. Plus you get great photo ops with the huge rock!!! We went up the South Bubble trail, had a picnic lunch at top, the went down the other side ending at the far end of jordan pond. Once at Jordan Pond you can either go around the Jordan Pond trail until you get to Jordan Pond house, where you must try the pop overs, then you can continue around the lake, and to the Eagle lake carry trail, which will eventually lead you to your car(assuming it's at the Bubbles parking lot)

We also climbed the beehive, which was pretty daunting for me. The views are gorgeous. The trail head is near sandy beach so the part of our group that didn't want to do the climb, waited for us at the beach. Everyone was happy with that arrangement.

I also must recommend a horse drawn carriage ride. Really interesting, really relaxing. We took the 2 hour one that stops at some of the bridges.

We loved Acadia and look forward to returning one day. Hopefully you'll have great weather like we did!! Enjoy!!

Froderick

oh those amazing carraige trails and keystone bridgework!!! they don't make them like that anymore!!! a bike ride and popovers! I still have my popover pan but they never tasted as good as Jordan House.

dw732

Thanks everyone for all of your great suggestions! We're looking forward to a wonderful time. And mabella, have a great time in Zion and Bryce. In the last 3 yrs we've been to both places, Zion twice, and absolutely love the grand circle(can't imagine any hike beating Angels Landing in Zion). Tough for Acadia to top those but we'll see.

Froderick

warning: if you happen to see a postcard with a really pretty waterfall, don't try to find it in July. Trust me! The picture was taken in early spring! LOL!!!!!

maribethp

Horse drawn carriage rides are fun. Everyone is introduced as you board and jokes are made about your home state. Massachusetts is known as Lower Maine.
I spent lots of time just sitting on Otter Point or Cliffs on the huge rocks watching the lobster boats and beautiful seaside scenery- the evergreens and sky and waves. What a lovely place.
We went up Cadillac Mt for the sunset. Some do the sunrise, also.
YOu can't go wrong with this national treasure.
For natural beauty , some drive north to a part of the park known as Schoodic Point.

mabella101

While I've had my 'zen' moments at Olympic & GCNP, I found out trip to Acadia to be very different. Being able to view the ocean while hiking and then to reach the top of a mountain & to stare out at the horizon, watching the sailboats gliding into the inlets, the kids play at the beach, the cool ocean air, has something to do with it. I'm sure I'll be just as impressed by Zion & Bryce, but I'm sure am going to miss that refreshing breeze!!

iamq

We just got back from Zion and there was a refreshing breeze blowing at almost all times through the canyon. Granted, it was 95 degrees, but the breeze was welcome. Bryce will be cooler and breezer than Zion.