Our Beloved Escapes to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park, Little Hunters Beach - 📸 Jessica Lutz
Each visit to Acadia National Park feels like stepping into a vast painting of natural splendor. We ventured there in June of 2022 and returned in July of 2023, each time falling deeper in love with the rugged landscapes and quaint local spots.
Bar Harbor: A Quaint Hub of Activity
Our adventures began in the vibrant town of Bar Harbor, embodying all the charm of New England. Whether strolling the bustling streets lined with quaint shops or starting the day with a hearty meal, we enjoyed each visit into the town of Bar Harbor. Although there is plenty of parking, you may have to park and walk quite a distance to get to the main shopping and dining area. Arrive early for the best parking or if you come later in the day, make sure you allow for the extra time to find parking and to walk to your destination. We indulged in delicious meals at Geddy's, trying a lobster-topped pizza, and Route 66, where the decor reflects all the iconic imagery of the infamous route that travels through the US. We savored the mornings at Jeannie's Great Breakfast and Graffiti Donuts, each place adding its own flavor to both of our visits.
Southwest Harbor and Our Cozy RV Stay
Southwest Harbor, Maine, often feels like a hidden gem tucked away from the more frequented tourist paths of Acadia National Park. During our explorations of this quieter side of the island, we found our perfect haven in a quaint RV park, Smugglers Den Campground, nestled within the lush, scenic landscapes of Maine’s wilderness but with all the benefits such as a pool and a shuttle bus that could take you to your destination if you didn’t want to drive. This peaceful base allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the serene beauty and relaxed pace of life that Southwest Harbor offers.
Southwest Harbor was more than just a place to rest; it became a hub of small-town charm and discovery without the crowds that are a part of the visit to Bar Harbor. We started one morning with a visit to Milagro Coffee, a cozy local coffee shop where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, sweet treats, and the warmth of genuine hospitality made us feel right at home. Another favorite stop was the local salt shop, an intriguing little store where we indulged in some wonderful ice cream with a variety of cone options.
A highlight of our stay was the opportunity to visit the Bass Harbor Head Light Station at sunset. This iconic lighthouse, perched dramatically on the rocky coastline, offers one of the most picturesque scenes in Acadia. The golden hour brought breathtaking views, with the sun casting a warm glow that illuminated the lighthouse and surrounding cliffs. However, the experience requires a bit of planning—the parking area is quite small, and spots fill up quickly. We learned that arriving early not only secures a good parking spot but also provides a tranquil moment to enjoy the stunning scenery before the crowds arrive.
Southwest Harbor provided a delightful contrast to the busier Bar Harbor, giving us a taste of Maine’s rugged coast and the soothing tranquility of island life. Each visit left us with cherished memories and a longing to return to its welcoming shores.
Bass Harbor Head Light, Southwest Harbor, Maine - 📸 Jessica Lutz
Driving Through Acadia National Park on the Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road brought us to Acadia's most iconic sites. From the serene Sand Beach to the roaring Thunder Hole, each mile offered a new scene to marvel at. The route was like a thread stitching together panoramic views and hidden gems, creating a tapestry of memories. We did take advantage of a GPS enabled tour guide through our phone that kept us informed about the history and interesting facts of each location along this loop.
Hiking Adventures: The Bubbles and Precipice Trail
The trails in Acadia challenged and rewarded us in equal measure. Our trips included more sightseeing than hikes, but I did want to share about some of the hikes in the park. The Bubbles provides manageable hikes with stunning views over Jordan Pond, while the Precipice Trail is an exhilarating climb up Champlain Mountain. If you are interested in The Precipice Trail, you will want to check with the park website as the trail is closed during Peregrine Falcon nesting season for the safety of the birds which I believe is a good part of the summer month. If available, once navigating ladders and rungs to reach the summit, you will greeted by a panorama that, from what I hear, will take your breath away.
My favorite hike in Acadia was the Jordan Pond Trail Loop. Both visits, we hiked the 3ish mile hike near sunrise allowing us to take in the scenery in the beautiful morning light. The trail is dog-friendly and fairly flat. A portion of the trail utilizes narrow boardwalks that are comfortable to travel with widened areas to allow for hikers to easily pass each other without risking the natural landscape.
Must-Visit Natural Highlights
Some spots just have to be made.
Cadillac Mountain: We did travel up the mountain to oversee the gorgeous views from this local. Although we had all intention of making for the sunrise from the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, when sunrise is as early as 5am, it’s a struggle and we narrowly missed it.
Otter Cliff: The dramatic cliffs offered endless views of the Atlantic, making for perfect photo opportunities.
Jordan Pond Path: A tranquil trail that looped around the glassy waters of Jordan Pond, reflecting the clear skies and surrounding nature.
Bar Harbor Cruises
During our 2022 visit to Bar Harbor, we embarked on a memorable Lighthouse and Puffins Tour through the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. This tour was an absolute highlight, offering us a unique opportunity to see several of Maine's historic lighthouses up close, each with its own story and mystique. As we navigated the waters, the sight of puffins flitting over the waves was enchanting. Seeing them from a distance lit an excitement in me that led to my trip to Machias Island in 2023 for an upclose visit with these little seabirds. You can see more about that trip on our Lubec blog post. The seas were rough on this journey and left most of our party a bit sea-sick. I was able find a great spot on the boat with my camera in hand and on a monopod. I was fortunate enough avoid the seasickness and really focus on photographing the scenes.
In July 2023, we returned for another sea adventure with the same company, this time choosing the Nature Cruise. This cruise took us deeper into the marine and coastal ecosystems of Acadia. We glided past breathtaking coastal scenery, spotting seals lazily basking on the rocks and bald eagles soaring high above. The tour guide's commentary provided insightful information about the area's ecological balance and the species we were seeing, enhancing our appreciation of Acadia’s diverse wildlife. Both the Lighthouse and Puffins Tour and the Nature Cruise offered us unparalleled views of Bar Harbor’s stunning landscapes from the water, adding a maritime dimension to our explorations of Acadia National Park. Each cruise was not just a trip but an exploration that deepened our connection with the natural world around Bar Harbor.
Our Continuing Connection with Acadia National Park
Every trip to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor has deepened our connection to this magnificent land. These are not just trips but profound journeys into the wild heart of Maine, filled with adventures that call us back, time and again, to this place where the forest meets the sea.
