Top Things to do in Mount Desert Island
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What to do and see in Mount Desert Island, DownEast and Acadia Maine: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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.
Restaurants in Mount Desert Island
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. 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.
4. Great Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
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.
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. 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.
7. Eagle Lake Acadia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By suzannef795
Free parking and entrance! Just choose to walk or rent a bike. I walked because I love to stop and take pictures of the wildflowers, lake, and rock. The trees have such beauty with the sun reflecting off their leaves. It is truly tranquil and it's a level path around the lake but if 6 miles is too much for you then just walk or bike what you can.
8. Acadia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,883 reviews
Reviewed By emktraveller2018 - Richmond, United States
This was our second trip to Acadia and it didn't disappoint. We hiked for two days - the Great Head Loop Trail - Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, hike/walk around Jordan Pond, tea and popovers at Jordan Pond Restaurant, sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, the Beech Mountain trail and the Ship Harbor Nature Trail.
9. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By TomRIUSA - Providence, United States
Day 1. Had a 430 am slot to go up the mountain to see the sun rise. It did not rise until 630 am but you do need to get a good spot as the place is packed. Day 2, had a 11am slot but the view was fogged in and rain. Day 3, had a 11am slot and the view was great. Sunny day and worth it. This was when they started the, $2 per car make a reservation to get up the mountain. You need to be there 30 min before / 30 min after your slot time or you lose it. The time you spend up there is not limited. In all 3 trips up, Bring food and drinks . A jacket (wind gets you) For the 430 Sunrise. If you can bring a cushion to sit on, not a chair as y ou will be sitting on COLD rock for 2 hrs waiting for the Sun to rise. And bring gloves as it does get cold. Warm Jacket also. Bring a tripod for your camera if you are taking sunrise photos. We paid the $2 a day to go here had a 11am slot to go up, it was fogged in. had a 11am 2nd day it was great sights. Had a 430am sunrise and we were the 3rd car up there KIDS WILL BE BORED.
10. 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.
