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| MAINE - The Pine Tree State |
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| Acadia National Park - a rugged coastline
of stunning beauty around Mt Desert and the national park, Bar Harbor
and beyond. We have a Victorian inn in Bar
Harbor, a hotel overlooking Frenchman's
Bay and a sea captain's home in South
West Harbor. |
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| Acadia is the only national park in the north east of America, located on the coast of Maine, about 5 hours drive from Boston, and covers part of Mount Desert Island, part of the Schoodic peninsula and Isle au Haut. The serene island of Mount Desert has been a favourite haunt of the rich and famous for over 100 years. They left behind a legacy of large houses, a network of over 44 miles of broken-stone carriage roads, a 20 mile loop road with stunning views, a web of hiking trails and a road ascending the summit of Mount Cadillac - the highest point. The fishing town names read like a pirates' treasure map - South West Harbor, North East Harbor, Bass Harbor, Seal Harbor, Otter Cove and Bar Harbor - and reflect hidden coves and safe havens. |
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  In the early 1900s the Rockefellers and their friends flocked to Mount Desert Island, by train and steamer, to their 'summer cottages' to enjoy horse drawn carriage rides around the island and sailing regattas in Frenchman's Bay. Today, schooner sailing has returned and the four-masted 'Margaret Todd' delights both onlookers and passengers on three trips each day, including a stunning sunset cruise from Bar Harbor. The historic carriage roads are beautifully maintained and provide a wonderful car free way for hikers, bikers and horse drawn carriages to explore. In winter they turn into excellent snow shoe and cross country skiing trails. |
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| You will gradually feel the pace of life slowing down when you turn off Route 3 and visit the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Here you can find out about the free bus timetables into the park and the ranger led hiking trips, the natural history of Acadia and much more. A seven-day entry pass to the park and the Loop Road costs $10 per car. The Loop Road connects Acadia's inland lakes, mountains and seashore, and there is a speed limit of between 25 and 35 miles per hour. Occasional roadside lay-bys reveal views of islands dotting the bay with mountains in the distance or a serene lake with a tree studded granite hillside as a backdrop. There are picnic areas, information and small hidden car parks at the beginning of some of the hiking trails. Sandy beaches are a rarity and the golden grains on Sand Beach are very popular, more for sunbathing than swimming (the early June sea temperature is around 48 degrees F). The Great Head Trail follows along the beach and rises quickly to reveal the rugged and tree lined coastline stretching away to Otter Point and distant views of the Cranberry Islands. The cliffs on Great Head are worth a visit and would be most spectacular in rough seas. There are a number of cross over points where the Loop and carriage roads intersect, the most notable being near Jordan Pond at the Gate House. Riding horses and carriages can be hired from the Wildwood Stables near Jordan Pond. |
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 An unforgettable trip up Cadillac Mountain will reveal 360-degree panoramic views of the coast, island studded bays and most stunning sunsets (sunrise is also brilliant but in the summer at around 4 am attracts only keen voyeurs). A trip to Mount Desert Island would not be complete without a visit to the Harbor towns, all of which are involved with fishing, lobsters and boating. Bar Harbor is the largest and has a vibrant atmosphere, shops, boat trips, canoe, kayak and bike hire, gardens, museums and galleries. North East Harbor and South West Harbor reflect a gentler pace of life. Although outside the park, each has an idyllic setting around an enclosed bay, forming a natural marina. There are over 100 restaurants on the island to suit all tastes and pockets. |
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| Another easy to get to trail is the Wonderland Trail. Located near the southern tip of the island, you will pass the magical Somesville reflecting bridge on your way. About half a mile from the road the trail leads through stunted pine and beach woodland, over glacier polished granite and beside the occasional bog. All you hear is the wind rustling the leaves, bird song and an increasing sound of the surf. The atmosphere is warm and pine scented, with the sun playing shadows through the trees. A rocky cove and shingle bank on the right and ahead a blue sky and a blue sea with a broken fringe of multi-coloured granite boulders in reds, muddy browns and green that remind you of the power of the ocean. It is a place to sit in solitude, mesmerised by the surroundings and lose yourself for a while. |
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| If you don't want to drive from Boston you can fly from Boston to Hancock airport, Bar Harbor, and you can rent a car from there. Alternatively, you could fly to Bangor. |
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