Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Acadia National Park

Fall trip to Acadia National Park. The 2nd to 3rd week of October is typically when the fall foliage are at peak colors. I flew into Bangor airport, slightly over one hour from Acadia National Park. I stayed in Bar Harbor, at Bar Harbor Villager Motel. This lodge is right in the heart of Bar Harbor - walking distances to restaurants and shops and a short drive to Acadia National Park. The lodge also provides breakfast - typical breakfast foods plus avocado toast.

Day 1

Rained on and off. Focussed on ocean views.

Sand Beach

Sand Beach has hiking trail along the ocean.

Overlook with view of Sand Beach.

Lobster is common in Maine. I had lobster roll each day.

Day 2

Started today watching the sunrise over Thunder Hole. The park recommends coming to Thunder Hole 1-2 hours before high tide for the best chance at experiencing thunder and strong spray. Then hiked in the forest along Eagle Lake. Then visited Schooner Head with view of Egg Rock lighthouse. Finally, walked across the sand bridge to Bar Island - a tidal island across from Bar Harbor. Bar Island has a few hiking trails - the main trail goes up a hill and at the summit you can enjoy views of Bar Harbor. Warning: the sand bridge is accessible 1.5 hours before and after low tide. At other times the bridge is covered by the ocean. You need to watch your time if you decide to visit Bar Island. Allow for 1.5-2 hours to walk the bridge, go up to the summit, and return to Bar Harbor.

Sunrise at Thunder Point

Fall colors along Eagle Lake

Cruise ships arrive Bar Harbor almost daily during peak season

Schooner Head

Egg Rock lighthouse

Sand bridge to Bar Island

View from Bar Island summit

Bar Harbor port from Bar Island

Day 3

Started the day with the sunrise at the summit of Cadillac Mountain. From mid May to late October, reservations are required to drive to the Cadillac Mountain summit. The park releases some reservations 90 days in advance, and the rest 2 days in advance. Reservations book quickly - within 60 seconds - so make sure you're on the park website ready to book the second the booking window opens. The sunrise is as spectacular as advertised. The fall foliage on the mountain added to the beauty. And a cruise ship was arriving.

Afterwords, hiked to the Jordan Cliffs trail. This hike is strenuous with some ladder climbing. The trail leads to two summits with views of Jordan pond. The first summit is 1.25 miles from the trailhead - feel free to turn around if your time is limited. Then headed to Wild Gardens of Acadia. I hiked the Emery Path which leads to several viewpoints of the valley, surrounding mountains, and ocean.