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Blue Hill Blue Hill Mountain. The town takes its name from this mountain, so called because of the profusion of blueberries growing on the slopes. A moderate hike up a wood-chip trail yields a breathtaking view of the town, Blue Hill Bay, Western Bay, Newbury Neck (where Heron Cove is located), Mt. Desert Island, Isle au Haut, Eggemoggin Reach, Deer Isle, and the myriad islands surrounding it. A great picnic spot or Chardonnay hike. Blue Hill’s Reversing Falls This oddity isn’t that odd along the Downeast coast, where tides can cause falls that reverse direction with incoming and outgoing tide. Blue Hill Falls is created by the tide being funneled into a narrow channel to create high (up to 3 feet) standing waves. A favorite spot for kayakers. Go about 3 hours after high or low tide for the best display. Holbrook Island Nature Sanctuary. A 30-minute drive across the Blue Hill Peninsula, this small state park offers easy hiking, bird watching, and some of the most beautiful, protected coastal waters you’ll ever see. Very peaceful and never crowded. The drive over is one of the prettiest in the state, traversing Brooksville and Buck’s Harbor, location of the famed One Morning in Maine book. The real, old Maine, which is rapidly vanishing.
Mt. Desert Island There are entire guidebooks that sing the praises of this island jewel. Here is just a tiny sampling of our favorites: the biggest payoffs on a big island. Hiking All the trails/attractions listed here are inside Acadia National Park. Stop at the Visitor’s Center in Hull’s Cove for a trail map and a great selection of Park books.
Easy trailhead access, then relatively short but steep climb to impressive views down Somes Sound to the offshore islands. Great place to spy on the mansions of the rich and famous in Northeast Harbor. Views over Valley Cove, where peregrine falcons nest.
Several trails access this mountain—the tallest on the entire eastern seaboard. Focus of the eternal debate over what spot in the United States receives the sun’s first rays. We like the South Ridge trail the best, as you get views of Frenchman’s Bay and the Porcupine Islands on the way down (when you’re tired!).
Great trail for Grandma and the kids. Easy, incredibly lovely, with great picnic/chardonnay spots. Go at low tide to see the seagulls eating in the tide pools or at sunset. Watch for the nearly tame red squirrels. Our favorite easy hike.
Close to Wonderland, so you can do them consecutively. Great views to Great Gott Island.
One of the loveliest and least-known spots of the island. Hike through cathedral woods along a rushing brook that tumbles over a cobblestone beach into the ocean. Picturesque rocky shoreline, private and quiet. Climb the side trail to the cliff above for unparalleled views over the Gulf of Maine.
An easy hike that can be done on a carriage trail or through the woods. Fabulous views of the offshore islands and close to Hunter’s Head Beach (the trails connect, so they can be done together).
Cadillac is more famous, but Pemetic offers the best views on the island (open ocean and islands on one side, Jordan Pond on the other). Lots of rock faces and fabulous vantage points. If you only have time to climb one mountain, make it this one.
For the fearless hiker in great shape. Bee Hive is so steep it requires metal ladders to negotiate the tougher spots. It’s short, but straight up. Views from the top are worth it, though: Sand beach, Schooner Head, Schoodic Point, Egg Rock Light, and the Gulf of Maine.
A moderate hike that can be done with Bee Hive. The Bowl is a beautiful mountain cirque lake complete with beaver lodges. Views from the ridge above it are nearly as good as Bee Hive’s, without the vertigo.
Another must do. Take the family for tea and popovers, hit the gift shop, then hike along the shore of this pristine spot. Do one side (the east side is prettier) or make the whole loop. You’ll never see clearer water or a more perfect Maine lake.
If you can’t get to Scotland, go to Great Head. A steep scramble up a small cliff, then open-ocean views, craggy cliffs, heather, and wind. Particularly romantic on a foggy day. You’ll swear you hear bagpipes. Scenic Drives & Locations
Every person who comes to Acadia has to drive the Park Loop Road—the easiest way to see all the major sights. The prettiest section is from Sand Beach to the Seal Harbor exit, or turn north up to Jordan Pond. Along the way is famous Thunder Hole, the site of a notorious murder by drowning. See it in a storm or at high tide with high seas—but NOT with anyone with felonious intent!
The only sandy beach on the Island. A scenic picnic spot with changing rooms for those crazy enough to swim (COLD water!). Several terrific hikes start here, including Great Head, the Bee Hive, and the Bowl. Very romantic in fog or during a high sea.
A spur of the Park Look Road winds to Cadillac’s summit for 360-degree views of the Island, the mainland (including Newbury Neck, where Heron Cove is located), and all surrounding water. Best place to view the Porcupine Islands. Drive up before sunset to see a display that rivals Key West’s. Dress warmly, as it’s ALWAYS windy on Cadillac.
The largest freshwater body on the Island, Long Pond is great for kayaking. Rent kayaks or canoes at National Park Outdoor Recreation Center (on the shore), then enjoy mountain views while you paddle. Watch for loons in the early morning and at sunset. Do NOT paddle in high winds, as the cross winds in the middle of the lake make it tough and scary for anyone by expert paddlers.
Everyone has gaze on this famous lighthouse at the southwest tip of the Island. Another great sunset spot, then head to Maine-ly Delite or Thurston’s for dinner.
In summer, Asticou Gardens flaunts a miracle of flowers that shouldn’t be able to grow in the cold Maine climate. The easy path makes a great stroll before evening cocktails or after brunch at the famous grand-dame Asticou Hotel.
Thuya was built by the man who developed this part of the Island (Seal & Northeast Harbors). His Shingle-style Maine “cottage” is tucked up the side of a mountain overlooking Northeast Harbor, with lovely botanical gardens and several short hikes offering romantic overlooks.
Schoodic, another part
of Acadia, is a haul from Heron Cove and the Island, but makes a fun road
trip. You’ll see real working Maine harbors and towns, minus the tourists
and yachts. Bring a picnic, as there are few stores or restaurants.
Schoodic thrusts directly into open ocean, with crashing waves and views
to Ireland (if you have a good imagination). |
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