Top Things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine
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Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in DownEast and Acadia Maine, DownEast and Acadia Maine
Discover the best top things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine, United States including Machias Seal Island, Barred Island Preserve, Great Wass Archipelago, Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Bog Brook Cove Preserve, Great Wass Island Preserve, Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Hamilton Cove Preserve, Acadia's Birds.
Restaurants in DownEast and Acadia Maine
1. Machias Seal Island
2. Barred Island Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By thumper1 - Massachusetts, United States
We were visiting in Brooklin and were told what a treat it was to walk to the beach at Barred Island Preserve and to arrive for low tide. There were 3 of us -- myself, my daughter, and my 4 year old granddaughter. We arrived about two hours before low tide and were just about to pull into the last parking space in the lot when my granddaughter announced she needed the potty. We left and brought her to town. When we returned the lot was full and there were three cars parked along the road. Two were in clearly marked "No Parking" zones. The third vehicle was parked in a space that was not marked and there was room enough in front of them for our car. If this was an official "no parking" zone then it needed it better signage. You would think that the town would have a larger parking area at such a beautiful and popular place. My granddaughter has short little legs and stops often so the hike took about an hour each way. It was a wonderful adventure for a little one with the tree roots in the path, the steeper spots, the big rocks, and the "bridges" over the wetter areas. She loved getting to the beach then walking the short distance to the island that gets buried in deep water at high tide. (We own property in Southern Maine so she understands about the tides.) The walk back took a little longer as we were starting to flag. We had plans for dinner in Deer Isle before heading back to Brooklin for the night. As we approached the car, I heard my daughter say, "Oh, no." I looked up and saw that some "vandals" (not exactly the word I have in mind) had covered every glass surface of my car and each of the other 5 or 6 cars that were parked on the road. Our front, back, and side windows were covered with "no parking", "okay to tow", and the symbol for no parking. My granddaughter could see we were upset and wanted to know why those people were mean to us. We knew it was not something done by someone who represented the town or who had any sort of authority -- just some bully trying to scare us. Although we were able to clean it before leaving, it left us with a bad impression of Deer Isle residents and with the decision to head back to Brooklin for dinner where we felt more welcome.
3. Great Wass Archipelago
4. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By laurenprice2 - Philadelphia, United States
This was a beautiful little hike! Off the beaten path and not crowded. It was an easy hike despite some rocky terrain and exposed roots. No bathrooms near or on site so be sure to go before your hike. Some of it is shaded, but some of the trail is in full sun. Took about two hours with stopping for pictures along the way. We saw quite the variety of birds!
5. Bog Brook Cove Preserve
6. Great Wass Island Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 852philipg - Livingston, United States
We hiked the 5.5-mile loop consisting of the Little Cape Point Trail, shoreline, and the Mud Hole Trail. It was quite a workout, especially the 2-mile section up the shoreline, but it was very enjoyable.
7. Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge
8. 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.
9. Hamilton Cove Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By TravelsDP
Hamilton Cove has something for everyone. As you begin the trail you have 3 options. The trail to the left takes you up to a nice stopping point with lovely views looking out toward Grand Manan Island. The middle trail takes you directly to the water and the trail to the right takes you down through a pretty field to the water. The trail up is grassy so easy walking compared to other trails in the area.
10. 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.
