Top Things to do in Mount Desert Island
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9 Nature & Wildlife Areas 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. Jordan Cliffs Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By melissabubash - Cincinnati, United States
Probably my favorite hike while in Acadia. Like others, I'd recommend going Jordan Cliff, Sargent, Penobscot. This allows for a steeper climb up and gradual descent down. Also, I enjoyed seeing panoramic views while going down Penobscot that you wouldn't see if going uphill towards Sargent. Plus, you would need to navigate steep grades and ladders going down Jordan Cliff. I don't do well with heights but after feeling confident on Precipice the day prior, I figured Jordan cliff would be about equal. Jordan Cliff has more spots that are exposed cliff ledges without handholds, so it was mentally a little challenging for me. Other sections do have ladder rungs to climb. Sargent was extremely windy (gale winds this day) but a fun experience. We did make one small turn which is easy to do because so many trails intersect, so I'd recommend a map. It ended up being much longer than 4.6 miles for us. Bonus was seeing a Porcupine on penobscot and watching him awhile.
2. Acadia's Birds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Three-hour program at Acadia National Park on birds and their natural history.
Reviewed By OutdoorKidz - Omaha, United States
Acadia NP offers great opportunity for birdwatching. The diverse landscape draws many different species. Keep your eyes and ears open as you hike. Pileated woodpecker, grouse, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and many common species can likely be seen. Along the edge of the coast will have ocean birds too.
3. Shore Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,956 reviews
Reviewed By PopaRich - Lafayette, United States
We had beautiful cool weather, Bright sunny day and enjoyed the Shore path which is an easy walk for 1/2 mile, 1 mile roundtrip from the Harbor pier. My wife and I love to walk along the sea shore and this was a very scenic walk looking out on the bay with the boats and ships going about there day. The path follows the rocky shoreline with Mansions on the opposite side of the path.
4. Wonderland Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By pamnicki
Here is one of two trails both nearby each other on the road to Bass Harbor light, that will give your family a true Acadia hiking experience even if you have toddlers. This easy walk moves through forest and open granite ledges on a mostly even path from the road and parking space to the sea. You won’t regret it. Nice place for some “forest bathing” if you get there before the crowds of families do.
5. Indian Point Blagden Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By marklK3699OR
This is a great, quiet and peaceful place a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor. The trail descends slightly more than a mile from the parking area to the ocean. The trail passes through a gorgeous spruce, fir and cedar forest, reaching an overgrown apple orchard just before the ocean. Red squirrels and blue jays scolded us as we walked, and we were greeted by a flock of crows calling to one another as they flew above us. The trail is well marked with paint blazes and metal arrows. The trail is a bit rugged with tree roots and rocks, so you probably want to wear hiking boots or sneakers with a decent tread. There are wooden plank walkways across all the areas that would normally wet. We are in the middle of an extended drought, so there really weren't any wet areas when we walked. Higgins Hill Road, a private asphalt paved road provides an alternative way of walking down to the ocean for those who aren't up to walking down the trail. Higgins Hill Road is privately owned. You can walk down it, but you should respect the privacy of the landowners who live on the road and not drive on it. A small barn with some informational signs is located at the edge of the parking lot. There is also a donation box. The sign asks for a $2 donation to support the upkeep of this preserve, which is run by the Nature Conservancy. To me $2 is a small price to pay to walk through this gorgeous area. If you don't have cash or don't feel comfortable leaving cash in the drop box, I'm sure you could also make a donation on the web site for the Nature Conservancy's Maine Chapter. The ocean here is a quiet, secluded stretch of the Mount Desert Narrows shoreline. There is a cobblestone beach with nice views across Mount Desert Narrows to the northwest, west, and southwest. We didn't see any seals, but I'm sure that's luck of the draw. it was still absolutely worth the walk to see this beautiful place.
6. Cooksey Drive Overlook
7. Sieur de Monts Spring
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 581colleenc - Troy, United States
There is a cute visitor center which you can't go into due to Covid - BUT the Ranger stands in doorway and answers any questions you might have and has maps of trails, all behind Plexiglas. There is two VERY easy and smooth and quick trails here perfect for people that might have disabilities and can't do the more intense trails. Also very large and labeled wild-garden that you can wonder through in a one way direction with mask on! Wild life can be found on the trails
8. Pretty Marsh Picnic Area
9. Land and Garden Preserve
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
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