The fine-grained granitic gem of the East Coast
Hugging US 1 up the Atlantic shoreline, head towards the rugged pink granite that buttresses the ocean at Acadia National Park. Along the way you’ll coast through freshened up former fishing towns while snagging sniffs of sea breeze and belting out summer jams.
Hiking in Acadia National Park
Acadia is a land of firsts: the first national park east of the Mississippi and for half the year, it’s one of the first places in the U.S. to catch the day’s rays. Fitting, because the place shines.
This is especially true for hiking in Acadia National Park. Comprised of a collection of islands harboring coves, ponds, lakes, “mountains”, marshes, and woodlands, you can navigate the undulating terrain by hiking trails, broken-stone carriage roads (open to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carriages), and historic motor roads. In all, there are nearly 50,000 acres to explore, but a few hikes stand above the rest for seeing the place.
Beehive Loop: Perhaps the most well known hike in the park, this 1.4 mile loop incorporates iron rungs and ladders to ascend the glacially-ground nubbin that rises 520-ft above sea level. This is a must-do hike.
Cadillac Mountain: There are several ways up to the summit—the highest point on the eastern seaboard—including the north and south ridges. These take you along granite ridgelines with uninterrupted views over the Atlantic. And then you get to the top, where there’s a parking lot. *Sigh*
Ocean Path: An out-and-back coastal trail that takes you to some of the most memorable features of Acadia, including Thunder Hole, a narrow channel that emits thunderous claps when struck by waves.
Westward, ho!
From Mount Desert Island to the mountains of the Rockies, let our road trip commence!