This is our continuing post following our adventures in the quieter sides of Acadia. In this post we will highlight our experiences and photography from the East Side of the Park.
- East Side
- Ocean Path
- Boulder Beach
- Monument Cove
- Thunder Hole
- Otter Cliffs
- Jordan Pond and the Bubbles
- Bubble Rock
- Gorham Mountain (Hike)
- Mount Dorr (Hike)
- Bar Harbor
- Cadillac Mountain
- Ocean Path
Ocean Path
This has to be the most popular “hike” in the park. Because it’s extremely easy, gradual path that offers spectacular views and is an easy way to access Thunder Hole and Otter Point from parking at Sand Beach.
We walked the 4.4 mile round trip several times during our stay and were always AMAZED.
Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach can be found by walking along the Ocean Path. It takes a little effort to climb down to the beach area. The rocks are very slippery when wet. It is best to catch this during high tide and when the sun is rising. If visiting later in the day, pick a cloudy day where the sun is not so bright.
Monument Cove
Monument Cove, one of the most iconic spots along the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park. Its name comes from a natural pillar of granite that stands upright on the beach. It looks just like a monument and stands just a few feet from the coast. The pillar is said to have formed at least 500 years ago and experts say it should stand for several more centuries. Photographers and sightseers stop at the cove to marvel at the granite pillar and the sweeping views of the ocean and rocky cliffs
Thunder Hole
Just off of the Ocean Path you will find one of the main attractions of Acadia National Park.
Thunder Hole, a carved out inlet along the rocky eastern shoreline of Mount Desert Island. When a storm or the turning tide forces waves into this narrow channel, the air escapes with a thunderous reverberation that is both deafening and thrilling. This area is extremely popular and can, more often than not, be extremely crowded.
Beware during any type of weather for the ocean is very unforgiving. When we were there we heard from a Ranger that a young tourist went over the bars and was swept out and they had a very hard time rescuing her in the freezing and vicious waves crashing against the boulders.
Otter Cliffs
Otter Cliffs is the last highlighted area along Ocean Path. You can walk farther down the path if you want, but Otter Cliffs for many visitors is the turn around point. On any given day you can see rock climbers going up the rocky cliff.
Jordan Pond and The Bubbles
The Jordan Pond Loop is an easy 3.5-mile walk that follows the path around the shores of Jordan Pond.
We took the strenuous trail up to the South Bubble which required some bouldering and then decided on an easier path down (because of my limitations with the cast and non-functioning left hand). It was so much fun, we did it a couple of more times over the course of our stay.
When you are done with this hike, make sure to stop in for a pop-over at the famed Jordan Pond House. You won’t be disappointed with the view or the yummy pop-overs and homemade jams.
Bubble Rock
Bubble Rock is located on top of South Bubble Mountain. It is certainly an attraction in itself. The huge rock looks like it is just barely hanging on the edge of the rocky cliff.
Gorham Mountain Hike
Gorham Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Acadia National Park. With a 525 foot summit, Gorham Mountain is not one of the higher mountains on Mount Desert Island, but its close coastal location provides views that are both intimate and spectacular.
This is an easy round trip 3.5-mile hike. Very pleasant and a lot of views from the top.
If you hit it at Sunrise, it’s SPECTACULAR!
Mount Dorr Hike
I believe we did the version called the South Ridge Loop because I could not do the ladder. All-in-all, it was about a 6-mile round trip and the panoramic views of Mount Desert Island from the top were SPECTACULAR and the stairs were fun! T
Bar Harbor, Maine
The gateway to Acadia, there is very little you won’t find in Bar Harbor. Boutique and Grand Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, 5-Star Dining or a street side café …..Bar Harbor has it all. T-Shirt shops galore, hats ’till the end of time, all types of trinkets to bring home, it’s all here in the bustling town of Bar Harbor including booking the adventure of a lifetime. Whaling, kayaking, biking, there isn’t anything you want to do that you won’t find readily available at Bar Harbor.
Cadillac Mountain
These days you need a permit to drive up the road to the top of the Mountain. Please check the permitting system for details. We tried to pick a day with less chance of fog, were able to book in 2-days in advance and low and behold…. you guessed it…. it was foggy! We drove up anyway…along with hundreds of others….to be disappointed.
That same day, we booked a pass for sunset and a magnificent orange sunset.
In Closing
Acadia National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States and for good reason. Be sure to plan ahead and anticipate crowds.
Our next adventure will take us to Boothbay for a short 5-Night visit. Stay tuned for some very cool photographs from the Boothbay Botanical Gardens and a few updates on the RV Parking that is part of Boothbay Craft Brewery and Taphouse.
Dream Big….Travel Far….Live Well
Photography
Many of these highlighted photographs can be purchased through our website and made into wall art, tapestries, t-shirts and more. If you see something you like without a link, please go here to our website page Nspired Eye Photography
In Closing
It was a lovely stay in a quaint area of Maine so if you are looking to kick back and relax this is your place. We were anxious to move to our next adventure with was Acadia National Park.
Photography
Many of these highlighted photographs can be purchased through our website and made into wall art, tapestries, t-shirts and more. If you see something you like without a link, please go here Nspired Eye Photography
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