What to do and see in DownEast and Acadia Maine, DownEast and Acadia Maine: The Best Outdoor Activities

April 19, 2022 Renato Branum

Discover the best top things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine, United States including Precipice Trail, Great Head Trail, Carriage Roads, Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail, Gorham Mountain Trail, Beech Cliff Loop, Perpendicular Trail, Great Wass Island Preserve, Schoodic National Scenic Byway, Blue Hill Mountain.
Restaurants in DownEast and Acadia Maine

1. Precipice Trail

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.nps.gov/acadia
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

Precipice Trail

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. Great Head Trail

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-288-3338 http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 214 reviews

Great Head Trail

Reviewed By JC-Meg - Baltimore, United States

We thoroughly enjoyed this hike! Fantastic views. Well maintained portion until you reach the section which brings you onto the beach. At this point, our our local friend returned to the parking lot and drove to the beach area lot to pick us up. We managed the decent to the beach without too much difficulty but would warn less steady hikers to consider if this portion is necessary. As mentioned, you can easily drive to the other side. Beach area has parking and restrooms.

3. Carriage Roads

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-288-3338 http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 539 reviews

Carriage Roads

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.

4. Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail

Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-0177 +1 207-288-3338 https://www.nps.gov/acad/contacts.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 564 reviews

Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail

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.

5. Gorham Mountain Trail

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hike-coast.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 303 reviews

Gorham Mountain Trail

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.

6. Beech Cliff Loop

Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.citrusmilo.com/acadiaguide/beechclifftrail.cfm
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Beech Cliff Loop

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 ;)

7. Perpendicular Trail

Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/upload/hiking_trails06.pdf
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54 reviews

Perpendicular Trail

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!!

8. Great Wass Island Preserve

Station Rd, Beals, ME +1 207-729-5181 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/maine/placesweprotect/great-wass-island.xml
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Great Wass Island Preserve

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.

9. Schoodic National Scenic Byway

Winter Harbor, ME 04693 +1 207-667-7131 [email protected] http://www.schoodicbyway.org/index.html
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Schoodic National Scenic Byway

A National Scenic Byway that starts in Hancock Maine and proceeds along US route 1 through Sullivan where scenic look outs are located. You than turn onto Route 186 in Gouldsboro and proceed into Winter Harbor where the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park is located. The byway ends in Prospect Harbor where the last Sardine factory in the US was located.

Reviewed By mainelywrappers - Wells, United States

Beautiful drive to take, many places to stop for photos, picnics, etc. You can drive, walk, hike or bike it.

10. Blue Hill Mountain

Mountain Road, Blue Hill, ME http://www.bluehillheritagetrust.org
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Blue Hill Mountain

Reviewed By MarcieB97 - Blue Hill, United States

Can’t go wrong with Blue Hill Mountain. Trails for any level of hiker and type of group. Good signage and stewardship. Dog friendly. Totally worth the trip to the top!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.