How to Find Adventure at Acadia National Park

Name your adventure sport; it's probably something that you can do at Acadia National Park. Located along the Atlantic Ocean on Mount Desert Island, near Bar Harbor, in Maine, Acadia has the highest peak on the eastern seacoast-Cadillac Mountain, elevation 1,530 feet above sea level. With mountains, cliffs, and ocean as your backdrop, there's plenty of adventure all around Acadia National Park.

Water sports are popular in the bays and coves of Mount Desert Island as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The carriage roads within the park make excellent hiking, equestrian and biking trails. Climbing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, are all part of the Acadia experience.

Read below to find out how to experience your favorite adventure sport at Acadia National Park.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Climbing and Bouldering
   The granite cliffs that line Acadia's shore offer adventures in bouldering for young adventurers and there are unique sea-cliff climbing routes to challenge experienced climbers.
   
   Much of the bouldering activity is found between Otter Cliffs and Sand Beach on the eastern side of the island. Here kids of all ages can scramble around the boulders while exploring life in the tidal pools. Experienced boulderers will find easy access to miles of fine granite to climb.
   
   Climbing routes can be found throughout the park including Precipice Wall, Otter Cliffs (60' foot sea cliff with rappelling access), Pinnacle at Dorr Mountain, Beech Cliffs, South Bubble (great beginner route) and Great Head. Pitches range from 1 to 3 on the routes and technical ratings are up to 5.12. Guidebooks describing the climbs are available, as well as local outfitters to escort you on guided climbing tours.
   
   Some cliffs are closed between mid-April and August to protect peregrine falcon nesting areas.

2. Hiking, Biking, and Horseback riding
   Before the automobile was allowed on Mount Desert Island an extensive 200-mile trail system was built. Many of these trails are now part of the hiking, biking, and horseback riding adventures in Acadia.
   
   The 45-miles of carriage roads, with a crushed stone surface, were built by the Rockefellers, and are shared use for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There are stables within the park for guided horseback rides. Bicycles can be rented in Bar Harbor. A Carriage Road Users Map is available to help you navigate the trails.
   
   Hiking on Mount Desert Island can range from a leisurely one-mile loop at the top of Cadillac Mountain, to various strenuous ascents up Door and Cadillac Mountains. One favorite route is the Beehive Trail, which features iron rungs and ladders along its one-mile accent and descent.
   
   For an easy adventure try the Bar Island hike. About 1.5 hours on either side of low tide a land bridge is accessible to walk from Bar Harbor to Bar Island. This is a great adventure for families.

3. Watersports
   Sea kayaking, sailing, and fishing adventures are all popular activities on Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor has various outfitters that will take you on guided sea kayaking trips to some of the islands in Frenchman Bay, such as Sheep Porcupine Island, Bald Porcupine Island, or Long Porcupine Island. Fishing and sailing charters can be found in many of the harbors such as Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Bar Harbor. There are opportunities to kayak in the lakes and ponds within the park too.

Tips & Warnings

• Please follow all safety guidelines for your chosen sport and the special safety warnings within the park at all times.

Resources

• Learn all about Acadia National Park at the National Park Service's website.
• Find outfitters and equipment rental companies through this link to the Mt. Desert Island Chamber of Commerce website.