Since we arrived in early May, we decided to start by touring Acadia National Park on Mother's Day. We know that the crowds and traffic would only increase as summer progressed so we visited the National Park four times throughout the month of May. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island. This section of the park is highlighted by a one-way Park Loop Road that has been designated as An All-American Road. Other bits are scattered on smaller islands and the Schoodic Peninsula. We were told during the summer months, you had to make a reservation to drive the road to Cadillac Mountain. The Acadia Visitor Center is only 25 miles from our summer home at Green Lake Fish Hatchery in Ellsworth.
The Wild Gardens are a worthwhile stop along the 27 mile Park Loop Road that showcase the habit along Mount Desert Island. Early spring flowers were just emerging.
Further down the road we passed Sand Beach. We decided we wouldn't be swimming here when we read that summer water temperatures remain between 50 and 55 degrees. Sand Beach consists of mostly crushed marine shells. This is unusual, as most beaches in Maine consist of mostly rocks and pebbles.
Jordan Pond
Thunder Hole
About a mile down the road a sign marks Thunder Hole. We walked down the steps to the cleft in the rocks named for the roars produced by trapped air compressed by incoming surf that explodes out of a cavern.
Thunder Hole at low tide in early May.
Thunder Hole at high tide in late May. We noticed an increase in tourists.
Little Hunters Beach
A stairway takes you down to beach level. This is a nice secluded pebble beach nestled in a little cove.
This fresh water pond is one of many glacier carved ponds on the island. The Jordan Pond House serves lunch and a traditional tea on the lawn. The pond is also located along one of the 57 miles of Carriage Roads which were begun by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1917. The Carriage Roads are open year round to horses, bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiers.
There is a trail up Cadillac Mountain, but we chose to drive the road to the top and hike the trail around the summit. Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet, is the highest point on the Eastern seaboard north of Brazil. Beginning May 24 a reservation is required to drive this road.
Schoodic Peninsula
We spent a day driving the 45 mile tour around Frenchman Bay to the park's only mainland portion, the Schoodic Peninsula. This is a scenic six mile one-way road to Schoodic Point.
Lighthouse on Mark Island
The point consists of massive granite rocks. Cadillac Mountain and Egg Rock Lighthouse are seen in the distance across Frenchmen's Bay.
Ship Harbor Trail
Another day we visited the western peninsula of Mount Desert Island. Our first stop was the 1.25 mile Ship Harbor Trail. This figure eight loop trail follows the forest shore line and the tidal sea.
Common Eiders seen at the mouth of Ship Harbor.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
At the tip of the western peninsula of Mount Desert Island is the site of the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, built in 1858. Maine boasts more than 70 lighthouse which overlook more than 3400 miles of shoreline. They are built on rocky promontories and offshore islands, warning mariners of navigational hazards. Each lighthouse has a unique light pattern and color allowing mariners to identify their location.
Chart Room Restaurant
Asticou Azalea Garden
Near the town of Bass Harbor is a three acre garden created in 1958. The garden contains a diverse variety of azaleas, rhododendrons, trees and shrubs that preserve a collection originally from Reef Point Gardens in Bar Harbor.
Wonderland Trail
This 1.4 mile trail near Ship Harbor leads to an rocky overlook. We hiked it just as the tide was receding and found lots of sea life to observe in the tide pools.
After a long day of touring, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and lovely view, The seafood was some of the best ever had.
Jordan Pond
We spent the newest National Holiday, Juneteenth, at Acadia. Jordan Pond Restaurant is located inside of the National Park sitting on Jordan Pond. They are famous for serving popovers with butter and strawberry preserves. We had to try some. After over an hour wait for a table outside, we were hungry for lunch. Had delicious sandwiches along with the famous popovers.
This little used road on the east side of Acadia leads out to a short trail down to Frenchman Bay. It was such a beautiful day we had to make time for a hike.
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