Top Things to do in Mount Desert Island
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Mount Desert Island, DownEast and Acadia Maine
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. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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 ;)
4. Perpendicular Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By sheilaa1732017 - Mountain Dale, United States
Great hike with built in granite steps to the top, making it a little easier. Phenomenal lake and harbor views from the top!!
5. Maine Granite Industry Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
A non-profit (your donation is tax deductible) organization dedicated to collecting and preserving any and all historic information and artifacts pertaining to the granite industry of Maine. In the museum you will find hundreds of old tools that were used in the industry, photos of the quarries in operation and the buildings and monuments which were erected from Maine's beautiful granites. Curator and founder Steven Haynes is there to guide you through this once important history of our state.
Reviewed By sspaulding2017 - Rockland, United States
Wonderful visit and a lot of history to learn. Being an amateur "rock hound" and the daughter of a man who used to make the chisels used in quarrying, it was a great learning experience. The man that took us through was knowledgeable, fun, and just full of the little information that a person needs to make this an up-close and personal tour. Highly recommend a visit.
6. Jesup Memorial Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
7. Ship Harbor Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
This scenic hiking trail winds around a tiny cove.
Reviewed By danihawk - New York City, United States
This trail was a highlight of my visits to Acadia because it's a short, fun hike/nature walk that offers minimal effort, maximum payoff on the gorgeous landscapes that make the area so unique. It's a few minutes from Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and my husband and I were able to do both in one morning without even having to get up early. We probably arrived around 10am and didn't have any trouble finding parking. You pass through beautiful woods and a lake before hitting the ocean and tide pools. We ran into maybe 10 other families on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, but it was still a great place to find some peace away from the crowds around Ocean Trail and Jordan Pond. I'd love to visit again in late spring/early summer when more wildflowers are blooming.
8. Ocean Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 945 reviews
Walking trail along Frenchman Bay.
Reviewed By donnabO8015OG - Gladwyne, United States
We always do at least part of the Ocean Path Trail when visiting Acadia NP. You can park along the roadway, or in any of the parking lots, and walk as much of the trail as you like. It's an out and back, and not a loop trail. We typically bring a picnic lunch and find a quiet place on the rocks where we can eat. Our dog loves the trail, especially since it's easy after climbing those mountains! Many people just go to Sand Beach and then drive down the Park Loop Road, but to fully enjoy this part of Acadia I think you need to park your car and walk along the trail, and then find a place to explore the tidal pools or relax on the rocks in the sun or sit under a tree in the shade. Even when Acadia is very crowded, I can always find quiet places venturing off the trail.
9. Asticou Azalea Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
The Asticou Azalea Garden shows some resemblance to a Japanese stroll garden but one that was designed for a coastal Maine setting. The garden is meant to inspire serenity and reflection and creates an illusion of space – of lakes and mountains and distant horizons. The garden is open seven days per week during daylight hours from May through October.
Reviewed By Copperman1 - Baltimore, United States
This small garden, approximately 2-3 acre is surrounded by a Japanese styled bamboo and cedar fence creating a quiet, contemplative spot right next to the busy road that surrounds it. The garden features manicured lawns, rock and gravel paths, a large sand and rock garden, several water features with seating situated in secluded nooks and many beautiful sculptures and Japanese stone lanterns. A donation is suggested upon entry.
10. Atlantic Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Our tasting room is open seven days a week from 11am to 7pm until Saturday, October 24. We offer samples of our classic beers as well as featured brews from our Small Batch Series throughout the day. Tours of our brewhouse are at 2, 3, and 4pm every day through Friday, October 9. Each tour is followed by a guided tasting. Tours are capped at 25 people and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so If you’d like to join us for a tour come collect a ticket to hold your spot in the tasting room! We suggest early arrival on days with inclement weather, when we tend to be busy!
Reviewed By 564watersedge - Ellsworth, United States
Wanted some bbq so we googled Mainely meat and Atlantic Brewing Company came up so we dropped in for lunch. Susan was our waitress and was friendly and pleasant. We chose the pulled pork sandwich with potato salad . Great choice! Came on thick toasted bread, I got the hot sauce which complemented the juicy tender pork well. Going back to try the ribs soon. The smokers were nearby and wonderful smells were in the air.
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