The Whomptons have been planning an Acadia National Park trip ever since Jessie moved to Maine. It's been on the list FOREVER (or, at least, for five years) and we finally made it happen in July 2019. Islands, Schoodic Peninsula, large granite boulders, steep inclines, gorgeous views at every turn, and mosquitoes swarming at every opportunity: Acadia hit all the emotions!
I don't remember which picture corresponds to which hike, so rather than captioning each picture I'll do a synopsis of our jaunts here. We took advantage of the shuttle service -- highly recommend!
- Stayed at Seawall Campground and Blackwoods Campground
- Hiked these trails: Gorham Mtn, Beehive, Bowl, Champlain South Ridge, Gorge, Cadillac South, Dorr, Schiff Path, Henlock, Beachcroft, Champlain North, Ocean Path, Great Head, Perpendicular, Mansell Mtn, Great Notch, Beech Mtn, St. Sauveur Mtn, Valley Cove, and Ledge Trail. We did not do the Precipice Trail due to nesting peregrine falcons.
- Add popovers at Jordan Pond House and walked the Jordan Pond Natural Trail
- Checked out the Wild Gardens of Acadia and the Nature Center multiple times
- Walked a bit of a Carriage trail
- Marveled at Thunder Hole
- Drove around Schoodic Peninsula, went to Frazer and Schoodic Points, and the Schoodic Institute
- Was disappointed by the Hulls Cove Visitor Center
- Ate a lobster roll in Winter Harbor
- Saw the Bass Harbor Head Light
- Tried to look for tidal pool creatures and wait for sunset views but the mosquitoes ate us alive
- Tried to impulse buy a new tent with more mosquito netting but in the end did not
- Lounged and dipped our toes in at Sand Beach
The hiking situation was very different than out west. Since the mountain elevation was pretty low (500 - 1200 ft above sea level) we were able to ascend many of the mountains in a single day. Also it certainly helps when the mountain trail is massive step-up on boulders or literally ladders rather than using switchbacks.
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| First hike ever in my life that involved climbing a ladder as part of the ascent. This is relatively common in Acadia and one hike we did (the Beehive) was essentially so steep that it required climbing ladders for much of it. |
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| Schoodic Penisula drive -- so lovely, hardly any crowds, lots of scenery |
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| Massive step-ups at every turn. |
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| Sunset at Seawall campground |
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| Junior Rangers! |
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| Every view was worth stopping for. We have hundreds of pictures of blue skies, blue ocean, and mountain. |
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| We took an off-the-beaten path. Eric was certain it would kill us but, once the kids and I made it down, he made it down too. It does not help that Eric has a healthy fear of heights. |
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| For perspective, here is what we climbed down. |
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| Thousands of people drive up Cadillac Mountain to get this view. I highly recommend doing the hike up to the top instead. So worth it. Also, one of those islands in the distance is named Porcupine Island. Awesome. |
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| We joined the beach-goers one hot afternoon and lazed around a bit. Note: Maine ocean waters in July are still REALLY FRICKEN COLD. |
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| We departed Maine and drove through Canada to make our next stop in Upstate New York. Do we speak French? We do not. Ordering our lunch at a Quebec restaurant was quite the adventure. |
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