Acadia National Park
Jordan Pond
I am that florida girl who grew up never seeing the seasons. Seasons for us are warm, hot, hotter and really hot. I always dreamed of seeing seasons and especially seeing the fall and fall leaves. Maine was a really easy pick since it is tucked way up in the northeast and is known for the fall foliage. I quickly booked our flights and Accommodations because we tried to go the year before and everything booked up quick and was super expensive! I highly suggest booking your flights and accommodations about six months out. We had one day to explore acadia and i think it was doable since it is a small park, but if you could add another day that would be even better!
we decided to stay in Bar Harbor, Maine because it is at the base of the entrance to Acadia National Park. On our way into Bar Harbor we stopped at the most amazing lobster pound that our friends from Maine suggested. It is this little hole in the wall restaurant but is so worth the stop and the long line. We had lobster rolls and i can say with 100% certainty that was the best lobster i have ever had! Do yourself a favor and stop here on your way in.
Lobster Roll-Trenton Lobster Pound
After enjoying a fantastic lobster meal, we made our way to Bar Harbor. Arriving late, we quickly checked in, did some shopping, and then called it a night as we had an early start planned for the park. Witnessing the beautiful sunrise in Bar Harbor was truly worth getting up early for!
Bar harbor sunrise
On our first day, we woke up early to ensure we made it to Cadillac Mountain for our scheduled entry time. A ticket is required to enter Acadia National Park, especially to access Cadillac Mountain. Securing a sunrise ticket for Cadillac Mountain is extremely challenging (unfortunately, we were unable to get one), but we did manage to visit shortly after sunrise. The breathtaking views included Frenchman Bay & Porcupine Islands to the east, Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island to the south, and Schoodic Peninsula and the mainland to the west.
Cadillac Mountain-Acadia
After exploring Cadillac Mountain, we made our way to Thunder Hole. This carved inlet is located on the rugged eastern coast of Mount Desert Island. When a storm approaches or the changing tide directs waves into the narrow channel, it produces a thunderous sound.
thunder hole-acadia
After exploring Thunder Hole, we headed to meet our friends at Jordan Pond. My advice is to arrive early as this spot tends to get crowded, making it challenging to find parking. Jordan Pond is renowned for its crystal-clear lake and breathtaking mountain views, offering a straightforward 3.1-mile hike. Once you complete the hike, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Jordan Pond House for souvenir shopping and indulge in one of the delicious popovers at the Jordan Pond Restaurant.
Jordan Pond-Fall
After exploring Jordan Pond, our next stop was the Bass Harbor Lighthouse. I first saw a photo of this lighthouse while researching Acadia National Park. When we arrived later in the day, the parking lot was crowded, so we had to wait for about 30 minutes to find a spot as it's a popular destination for tourists and photographers. The wait was definitely worth it to witness the beauty of this historic lighthouse situated in Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Built in 1858, the lighthouse holds a significant place in Acadia National Park's history.
bass harbor lighthouse-acadia
We were eager to admire more of the stunning autumn foliage, and luckily, our friends guided us to the ideal location. The area we went to was the historic carriage roads, constructed between 1913 and 1940 and funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Initially intended for horse-drawn carriages, these paths now function as versatile trails. As we strolled along some of the trails, enveloped by a kaleidoscope of colorful leaves and picturesque scenery, I was like a kid in a candy store.
carriage roads-acadia
Exploring Acadia National Park was an unforgettable experience for us. It's an ideal choice for a first-time national park visit due to its manageable size and easy navigation. If you're pressed for time, don't miss out on seeing Jordan Pond and trying a popover!
For those curious about our Acadia trip plan, check out our custom curated travel templates in PDF format. Additionally, you can collaborate with me to create a personalized itinerary exclusively tailored to your vacation.
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Happy Travels!
Mandy
