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-=-=-= ACADIA NATIONAL PARK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -=-=-= Acadia Nat'l Park is an incredible combination of high cliffs and cobblestone beaches, glacier-carved mountains and dense forest. The third largest island on the eastern seaboard, Mt. Desert Island boasts an impressive 41,000 acres of land devoted to the Northeast's only National Park. Acadia is an amazing array of mountains and sea, cliffs and coastline. A hiker's paradise and a solitude lover's dream, Acadia has miles of carriage trails tucked beneath the shadows of pectacular mountain peaks. Freshwater lakes and rushing streams hide in the valleys, with marshes, meadows and dense, lush forests in between. Granite cliffs and cobblestone beaches line the coast, as white-capped waves and steel blue water highlight the rugged beauty of the land. Acadia is the result of thousands of years of natural occurrences, starting with glaciers that carved through the granite some 11,000 years ago, leaving an extraordinary display of mountains and valleys in their wake. Even today, the ocean continues to sculpt the island, as waves constantly reshape the shoreline. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the eastern seaboard north of Brazil, and is where the sun first rises in the United States. From its 1,532-foot summit, one is treated to the amazing transformation between night and day. As with any visit to Arcadia, no two sunrises or sunsets are ever the same. A true study in contrast, Acadia remains one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, mostly due to the variety of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. The glacier-formed mountains are accessible to novice and expert hikers alike, providing breath-taking views of the island and sea. Miles of carriage roads wind through the park for walking, biking, buggy rides and cross-country skiing throughout the seasons. The park offers an incredible variety of recreational activities for all ages and abilities. Rock and ice climbing, kayaking and biking are a few favorites for thrill- seekers on the island. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TRAILS & CARRIAGE ROADS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Some of Acadia's trails are not found in the mountains, instead they follow the Atlantic coastline from sandy beaches to oceanside cliffs, or meander through lush forest and flower-filled meadows. Hikers find trails ranging from gentle, wide paths to challenging climbs like the Precipice Trail, which, though short, rises almost 1,000 feet in just under a mile. Ladders, rungs and handrails are used to aid the hikers in their ascent up Precipice, but it still requires skill as well as endurance. Many other trails around the park meander laxily as they wind their way up the many peaks that make up the park, and are not as demanding but equally beautiful. For those who prefer driving, Park Loop Road is a 27-mile scenic route through the park's gardens. Or, you can leave your car behind and walk into Acadia from downtown Bar Harbor by way of Great Meadow Loop. The trail takes you to Acadia's "Great Meadow" and "Sieur de Monts." Walk one way and return on an Island Explorer bus, or bicycle from the Village Green located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. The Ocean Trail takes walkers from Sand Beach, past majestic Thunder Hole to the sea cliffs at Otter Point. The 3-mile round trip meanders along the coast, affording breath-taking views. Great Head Trail is more challenging. This 1.6 mile trail begins at the east end of Sand Beach or from Schooner Head Road, and leads to a rock outcropping with views of the ocean and Sand Beach. The Shore Path is an oceanside stroll starting at the Town Pier and offers stunning views of the Porcupine Islands, Egg Rock lighthouse and estates of the "Summercators." CARRIAGE ROADS Only in Acadia will you discover this unique national treasure. The Carriage Road system is considered the best example of Broken Stone roads in America. Construction was begun by John D. Rockerfeller, Jr., for his horse and carriage rides to escape the automobile being introduced in 1918. The system is designed with gentle slopes for maximum viewing of the park's interior, widing around glacial lakes, over hills and showcasing different examples of granite bridges. Connected with the hiking trail system, there are cedar signposts installed at all the intersections, the easy-to-read numbers corresponding to local maps and guidebooks to help visitors find their way through the miles of natural grandeur. There are 45 miles of walking, biking and cross-country ski paths, and over 120 miles of hiking trails here. No cars or motorcycles are allowed on the carriage paths, however, for those who prefer to drive, Park Loop Road runs along the rocky coastline, eventually plunging into the gardens and natural attractions. Park Loop Road is part of the Acadia Byway, a National Scenic Byway and one of only 10 All-American Roads to be protected for its national significance. Continued in Bar Harbor5 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= |