Acadia - Less traveled paths

Acadia and Mount Rainier are the 2 most visited National Parks in the United States. Both are close to major metropolitan areas, but also provide 2 very different ecological settings: volcanic mountain versus sea coast fjords; both with temperate forests. Most tourists however, spend too little time and only touch the highlights. Here I'll emphasize some of less frequented, but rewarding walks and drives on Mount Desert Island.

Besides the obvious Ocean Drive loop, there are many short hikes that are worth investigating - the sports stores in town have hiking guides, or check with the National Park's Visitor centers. -Even on heavily used trails like Cadillac Mountain there are overlooked gems -- for example, there's the Gorge Path on the back side of Cadillac that's a moderate hike [about 500' in a mile or so] and very good for macro photography - lichens, mosses, etc. When you hike or drive to the viewpoint on top of Cadillac you'll join the hordes admiring the distant views. But spend a little more time on the short nature trail to find the most amazing patterns on the exposed pink granite and its many colored lichens.

Some other of our favorite hikes include Pemetic Mountain, Dorr Mountain and Beech Mountain. All are well maintained and offer forest trails ending with great views

Beyond Seawall

Seawall is a popular stop for tide pooling; but slightly farther out are 2 short hikes to Ship Harbor and Wonderland that are a bit less congested. We've seen crafty seagulls here who grab mussels or clams then hover at about 100' and drop them on the granite ledges, saving themselves the work of cracking them open.

Later when you visit Northeast Harbor take time to visit the Thuya Gardens, either by drive or a short hike.

Fishing Villages