Acadia & Baxter State Park
 

Hi, I will be traveling with my parents in September... they are not in good conditions to do long hikes. Are there any places you can recommend that offers good views (expansive vistas preferred).

Thanks in advance-Mary.

I understand Baxter State Park is a 'hikers' park, are there any shorter trails or (4x4 drivable) destinations?

In Acadia, you can drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. And just driving the park loop road and stopping at the view points is very scenic. Also, you can take a horse&buggy ride on the carriage roads. The sunset ride to the top of Day Mountain is really nice and has some great views.

you can see a few of my Acadia/Bar Harbor pictures here:
http://worldisround.com/articles/329594/index.html

There are excellent hiking trails throughout Acadia National Park. They can vary in difficulty and can offer very expansive views of the island and sea. My fav is Beehive Trail because of its 500 ft vertical climb using rungs and ladders. If you want more of a challenge try the Precipice Trail.

I have only traveled to Baxter State Park to climb Mt Katahdin. I would recommend that you tag along with someone if you decide to do that hike. Also, you will have a great opportunity for viewing wildlife such as bear and moose there.

Hello. There are some great trails on the 'quietside' of Acadia. Flying Mountain in Southwest Harbor is a 'multigeneration' trail - grandparents and preschoolers. There is a great scenic vista from the top. Wonder Land and Ship Harbor Nature Trail are flatter with nice views of the water. And, of course, Bass Harbor Head LIght. You can walk around the lighthouse itself from the parking lot or take the staircase to the water. September is beautiful here.

If you are driving to Acadia, the auto road up Mt Battie in Camden has wonderful views overlooking the harbor. We like to picnic there so we bring bag chairs and binnoculars too.

Another suggestion would be to head to the Schoodic Pennisula portion of Acadia. Its about a 45 drive from Bar Harbor but its well worth it for the views. There are spots in the park that you can drive up to and walk out onto rocks for views of the crashing waves. There are many pretty views that can been seen from a car. Have a wonderful trip.