Top Things to do in Mount Desert Island
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10 Nature & Parks in Mount Desert Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Mount Desert (pronounced “dessert”) Island is the largest isle in Maine and the second largest on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Though it boasts a small residential community, Mount Desert claims more than two million visitors each year; all of whom are enamored with its quaint feel, stunning beaches, and access to saltwater and freshwater lakes. Popular water activities include kayaking, fishing, and canoeing, though many prefer to take in amazing sunrises and scenic vistas while exploring one of the island’s 25 trails.
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1. Mount Desert Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,891 reviews
Home to Acadia National Park, this island off the coast of Maine with its beaches, sweeping cliffs and mountains offers visitors numerous recreational activities, from hiking, biking and following nature trails to swimming, sailing and kayaking.
Reviewed By mikey605 - Sevierville, United States
So much to see and do on Mount Desert Island! Acadia National Park, Whale Watching, Scenic Charters and Tours, Beaches, Shops, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Sea Kayaking, Plane rides, glider rides, helicopter flights, mini golf, if you want to do it you will find it on MDI
2. Cadillac Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,467 reviews
The East Coast's highest mountain at 1,530 feet and Acadia's best known sight.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Maine's Mount Desert Island is, at 1, 532 feet, the highest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard and the first place in the United States to be touched by the light of a rising sun from October 7 through March 6 of each year. How's that for a notable piece of trivia? It also is the only mountain on Mount Desert Island--there are more than 20 of them--that has a road that travels all the way to the summit. The 3.5-mile road to the top opened in 1931. Cadillac Mountain is composed largely of pink granite, giving it a strong reddish appearance at sunrise or sunset. Spruce and pitch pine are the dominant trees on the mountain combined with tiny subalpine plants and wild blueberries. Views? Look in every direction. To the East, there is the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland. There are several islands off the coast of Mount Desert Island, including Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine. To the Northeast is the business district of Bar Harbor. To the North is Trenton. To the South is Islesford. To the Southwest is Southwest Harbor. To the West is Eagle Lake and Blue Hill Mountain. Yes, it is more scenic than a trip to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado.
3. Precipice Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 251 reviews
Half-mile long trail for experienced hikers at Acadia.
Reviewed By SteelCity13 - Austin, United States
Really enjoyed the workout that I got this morning but I didnt expect to climb a mountain when I set out to do some hiking. This trail is INTENSE! Dont go if its raining or has been raining, get there early! Like 7 AM early. You dont want to do this trail when tons of people are on it. Its challenging but do able. You CANNOT be afraid of heights and do this trail. I think this trail is the craziness hike i have every done or will ever do. The one great thing about the hike is that there are metal rails everywhere to help you get up the straight up parts of the hike. If you want a challenge a big challenge then try this hike. Also remember that this hike is only one way!
4. Frenchman Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 378 reviews
Reviewed By PerksAdvisor_NYC - New York City, United States
This is a great way to enjoy the power of nature of the beauty of Frenchman’s Bay which is off of Bar Harbor. Just watch the boat pass by or see the seals jumping in the water. This can be a very relaxing way to enjoy your trip to Bar Harbor. There are also many companies that will give you a Bay ride.
5. Carriage Roads
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By LPLoveToTravel - Ocala, United States
The carriage road system's intent was to provide access to the inner beauty of Mount Desert Island. Designed with the natural contours of the land to minimize impact and to maximize views it's the perfect place to hike or bike ride and really enjoy the solitude of nature.
6. Thuya Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By RamblingRoses - Hendersonville, United States
There are two places to park. One parking lot holds about 8 - 10 cars and is on the same level as the garden. The other lot is lower and on the level with the highway. From the lower lot there are some steep looking stairs. We opted for the easier choice. There is no charge for admission, but a $5 donation is requested. It is well worth it. Large, well-tended flower beds were in full bloom when we visited in mid-September. It was very colorful.
7. Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By 130ashleyb - Yountville, United States
Fun hike! After reading many reviews, my husband and I took this hike on our recent trip to Acadia. We knew that we needed to get there early, and so glad we did! If you get there any later than 10am you'll be less likely to find parking and the trail starts filling up- which means you'll be hanging on the side of a mountain waiting for 200 other people to scramble up the ladders. Quick warning for the fair skinned - this trail is 75% exposed to the sun, so make sure to apply sunscreen before you go.
8. Schoodic Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By 70clarkek - New York, United States
Recently took a a trip out to Maine. First time being there. If you want to enjoy some truly wonder sites, without a ton of people or crowds then you should check out Schoodic for sure. During our stay, we there twice. Once during the day where the scenery and shoreline is incredible. Be sure to stop by Raven's Nest where you can get a close up (but don't get TOO close) of this beautiful sheer cliff face where it meets the water. Also make sure you take a walk on the shoreline just past Blueberry Hill so that you can hear the "applauding river rocks". If you're up for it, do yourself a favor and go back at night. Find a place to park, turn your vehicle and vehicle lights off and look up at the sky. From here the Milky Way Galaxy is visible with the naked eye. You'll be glad you went.
9. Gorham Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Cari93 - Lawrenceville, United States
This is an excellent moderate hike for those just starting off on Acadia's mountains or wanting something interesting without too much exertion of challenge. The trail is not that steep and although you are walking on rocks, it is never perilous. There are a couple of false summits with nice views. The top rewards you with views of the loop road and surrounding islands. For added adventure, you can take Cadillac Cliffs trail at the junction 3/4 way through; however, be aware there are some stone step climbing areas and 2 iron rungs you must climb up. The Cadillac Cliffs trail rejoins the Gorham Mountain Trail before the summit. You can hike back down the way you came or head down in the opposite direction, which will take you by the entrance to the Beehive trail. Be aware there are quite a few rocks to walk over here. Overall, it's a fun moderate hike for families, beginners, older hikers, or anyone wanting something fun but not too difficult.
10. Beech Cliff Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Biotech91 - Hoboken, United States
Absolutely one of the best hikes in the park! Remember to look for the iron ladder on the way up and to rest at the beach on the lake on your way down ;)
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