Take in the dramatic, rocky coastline, quiet sheltered ponds, lush forests, a thundering chasm, supreme vistas, and sunning seals.
Maine’s Acadia National Park may be very familiar to you from the countless postcards that record its rugged, rocky coastline. This dramatic feature, along with the lush forests and quiet sheltered ponds, make it one of the most popular parks in the country. This tour will give you an idea on some of the best Maine has to offer. The national park on Mount Desert Island is a combination of private and public land. The byway starts in Trenton at the Thompson Island Bridge on Route Three.
Past Hull Cove and Salisbury, it continues to the visitor center at the Hulls Cove entrance to the park, where you’ll switch to the Park Loop Road. This road follows the coastline, exposing some wonderful ocean views including the many pine tree-covered islands in the bay. The Abbe Museum has exhibits about the island’s geography and its English, Native American and French history.
Beyond, you’ll find Thunder Hole, a chasm carved by the surf that echoes like thunder as the waves crash against it. Before the Jordan Pond House, where you’ll find gift shop and a restaurant overlooking the pristine eponymous pond, detour to Seal Harbor, where a short hike leads to a stretch of coastline famous for playful seals who sun on the rocks jutting out from the ocean. It’s best to visit the Jordan Pond House in the afternoon for popovers and tea on the lawn. It is a lovely way to end a day of hiking and sightseeing.
For supreme scenes, drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest summit on the island. You can also follow the Park Loop Road back to Route Three and head to Bar Harbor, the town overlooking Frenchman’s Bay. Bar Harbor is a popular tourist spot with plenty of shops and fine restaurants. Several commercial vessels offer ferry service,nature cruises, sailing, fishing, and whale-watching excursions.
Starting Point:
Trenton, ME
Distance of Drive:
32 miles
Must Eat:
Island Chowder House
38 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, ME 04602
Phone: 207-288-4905
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Chowder and Lobster
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to Fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Cadillac Mountain
Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park
Seal Harbor
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • forest • Maine
Filed under: Best Road Trips