SamAcadia National Park has so many treasures hidden within it. I definitely encourage exploring the popularly more ‘touristy’ destinations. But if you are looking to experience the less explored areas of the park, I highly suggest checking out some of Acadia’s hidden gems. There is so much to explore and so many places to see, so check out this list below for some of my favorite places in the area.
If you are in the beginning stages of your planning, check out my post detailing all the essential information you need to know before you go!
Bar Island
A secluded oasis here in Bar Harbor, and the namesake for the town, Bar Island is a great place to explore for a unique perspective of town. About 90 minutes before and after every low tide, a sturdy sand bar emerges from the water thanks to our 10+ ft tides. It allows visitors to walk across the sandbar and visit the beautiful Bar Island. Since there are only about 3 hours a day that this island is accessible via foot, it is definitely a sought after experience. It is also very fun to go back to the same area you walked across during high tide and see the difference. You would never believe that the tides can change a landscape so much!
A lot of people enjoy exploring the wonderful tidepools that emerge thanks to the drastic tides. You can find all sorts of marine life and pretty shells. But there is also a beautiful trail on the island itself. It is quite short and easy, but you are rewarded with beautiful views of the town and the mountain landscape once you reach the summit. I would note that part of the trail has fairly uneven terrain for those that are uncomfortable with lots of rocks and roots.
Fun Fact: The rich cottagers that used to live in Bar Harbor during the summer would often use Bar Island as their party grounds. They would go over at one low tide and party until the next. There were plans to develop the island to make it a better place for them to escape to, however Rockefeller wanted none of that. He thought the island was beautiful and should be preserved. So he bought it. It later became part of the National Park and continues to be preserved and protected.
Schoodic Peninsula
An often forgotten part of Acadia National Park, Schoodic Peninsula is an escape from the crowds with no sacrifice of beauty. About an hour drive from Bar Harbor, Schoodic is is the perfect place to enjoy quaint coastal beauty. The peninsula has it’s own version of a park loop road with so many beautiful stops along the way. And if you are feeling athletic, hop on a bike to explore the 6-mile loop road.
Some of my favorite stopping points along the road include Frazier Point, Raven’s Nest, Winter Harbor, and Schoodic Point. But there are so many beautiful cobblestone beaches all around the peninsula to explore, so take your time! I found a secluded beach to eat my lunch at and it was so serene.
Tidal Falls Preserve
This is by far my favorite hidden gem of Acadia area! With a nice picnic area, as well as stunning views of rapids, this is a great stopping point along a road trip. Only about 15 minutes from Ellsworth and on route to Schoodic Peninsula, it is easy to fit into your itinerary. You may even spot some white water kayakers catching some waves.
While this area is incredibly beautiful, I have to admit it’s beauty is not what makes me love it. If you visit during low tide you will be greeted by a bounty of intertidal marine life. And most excitingly, tons of north atlantic sea stars! I absolutely love these unique critters, and always enjoy my time at Tidal Falls observing them in their natural habitat.
Pro Tip: You can definitely handle the sea stars, but be sure to follow a few basic guidelines when doing so. Always put them back where you find them. Handle them gently (they are living animals). And make sure to not keep them out of water for too long. However, you will get the most movement from them if you hold them slightly underwater. Stick to these rules and you will have the best time exploring the world of sea stars!
Ship Harbor Nature Trail
Often overlooked by its charming neighbor, the Wonderland Trail, I personally think this trail is much more of a gem. It is a fairly short trail, which makes it easy to squeeze into any day’s itinerary. The trail integrates so many different perspectives of Maine’s natural landscape. From the beautiful rocky coastlines, to peaceful marshes, and boreal forests, there is so much diversity to be seen. And with this trail being on the western side of Mount Desert Island, it is often significantly less busy than other areas of the park. A true escape into nature!
Porcupine Islands
While part of Acadia National Park, the Porcupine Islands are visited a lot less frequently by visitors. Of course they are islands, so it is more difficult to access them. However, you can take an intimate sea kayaking tour to experience the beauty of the porcupine islands. Some of the islands are occasionally closed for wildlife nesting. However, you are still able to get a closer look from the seat of your kayak.
Great Head Trail
This trail is always overlooked by the multitude of other things to see in the nearby area. Including the Beehive Trail and the entirety of the Ocean Path Trail. However, Great Head has such a charm of its own. With stunning views of the coast, and even overlooks of Sand Beach, this trail is a quick way to get beautiful views away from all of the crowds. It is a more easy trail, although the terrain is very rocky and uneven. Besides that, it only takes about an hour to complete. And with being along the coast a majority of the time, the views are spectacular.
Long Pond
Often overlooked by the charming neighbor Echo Lake, Long Pond is the place to go if you are interested in an easy freshwater paddle experience. The water is such a nice temperature, making it very enjoyable. And with the rental place just across the street, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of transporting the boats.
Long Pond is also home to some beautifully quaint trails that wander along the edge of the water. And if you wanna be a bit more adventurous, the trails branch off into areas of old growth forest. It is incredibly moody and feels like you’ve been transported to the Pacific North West. These trails are stunning but much less popular. You won’t come across many people out on these trails, so it is a great option for someone wanting to escape the crowds and really be in nature.
Jordan Cliffs Trail
This is one of my all time favorite hikes in all of Acadia, and it is incredibly underrated. The trail gains elevation very quickly as you head up Penobscot Mountain, and you are quickly rewarded with beautiful views overlooking the pond. Eventually the trail evens out as you walk along the cliffs edge. This is one of the most interesting trails I’ve ever experienced. Around every turn is something new, from beautiful trees, to unique rock scrambles, and fun ladders, this trail keeps you excited for what is next.
Once at the end of the trail you can make your way down towards Jordan Pond Path for a casual end to the hike. Or you can continue the 0.4 miles to the summit of Penobscot Mountain where you will get the most stunning 360 views! The hike down Penobscot’s Ridge towards Jordan Pond House is a fun one as well, with rock scrambling, cute bridges, and beautiful scenery.
I highly suggest this trail in the fall season. The views you get of the fall colors are absolutely magical! Jordan Pond is definitely one of the most vibrant areas in the park during the fall time, and seeing it from this perspective is unforgettable.
Abbe Museum
Located in downtown Bar Harbor, the Abbe Museum is one of the towns best assets. The museum is entirely focused on the Wabanaki People. But what makes it so special and amazing is that the Wabanaki themselves are the one’s that have created this museum for visitors to share their culture with us. It is really important to learn about indigenous peoples, but it is even more important to hear it from indigenous people themselves. This museum is full of fascinating stories, artifacts, telling’s of history, and beautiful pieces of artwork.
This museum is truly a treasure that Bar Harbor is lucky to have. And it is actually the only museum in the entire state of Maine to be affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute. It is well deserving of that title. There is no better way to learn about Maine’s Indigenous History than through the eyes of the Indigenous themselves. Given that this museum is indoors, it is a great activity for a rainy day, or if you want to escape the glaring heat of the summer.
Beech Cliffs
One of our underrated ladder trails on the island, Beech Cliffs is fun, quick, and incredibly rewarding. The cliffs trails begins in the Echo Lake parking area. Once on the trail, you quickly ascend the cliffs that tower over you. While it feels like the stairs are never ending, the atmosphere of the trail is so serene are beautiful. As you wind up the cliff side, the trail will eventually even out. You will have a drop off on one side of you, with a dramatic granite wall on the other side. Absolutely incredible. Shortly after this you will come to a series of long ladders that will have you quickly gaining elevation. Before you know it, you will have reached the summit.
The views from the summit are spectacular! But make sure to add on the 0.5 mile Beech Cliffs Loop once at the top to get the most jaw-dropping of all the views in the area. This little loop is actually accessible from the Beech Mountain Parking Area. It is a great option for those wanting to take in the stunning views, but aren’t comfortable with ladder trails.
And for those of you doing the full hike, do not go back down the ladder trail. Instead, circle around via the Canada Cliffs Trail which will end right at the Echo Lake where you started!
