Mountains & Beaches
The highlight of the North Atlantic Coast and one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the U.S.!
The perfect combination of stunning ocean views and breathtaking mountain landscapes and foliage. For adventure-seekers to amateaur photographers, there’s something that everyone will love. Drive up Cadillac Mountain for a 360 degree view of the sunset, or find yourself hiking, biking, walking, swimming, kayaking, and so much more!
How to get there:
The main area of the Park is on Mt. Desert Island. From Ellsworth head on Route 3 South following the signs for BarHarbor. Stay on Rte 3 to the signs for Hulls Cove Park Entrance, about 15 miles.
From Hancock and Downeast Maine: The quicker, back-road way to get there is to head towards Ellsworth on Route 1. After about a ½ mile, go left on Mud Creek Road. When that road ends in a T, go right on Pinkham’s Flats. When that road ends in a T, go left for a few hundred feet, then a quick right onto 204 (Jordan River Rd.). When that ends in a T, go left on Route 3 for miles, until you see Park entrance signs on the outskirts of Bar Harbor. There are lots of hiking trails, plus biking on the Carriage Trail system, gorgeous Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, and more.
OR
The other part of ANP Schoodic Point is reached by going left/northeast on Route 1. Continue for about 10-15 minutes until you see signs for the Park on your right. You’ll follow signs for another 10 minutes or so, taking you through Winter Harbor. This part of the Park is smaller and doesn’t have the extensive hiking and biking trails like the main part on Mt. Desert, but it has gorgeous ocean views and a massive promontory of volcanic rock that juts out into deep water. It also has many fewer people.
The highest point on the East Coast in the U.S. Gorgeous views and sunsets. Remember to buy your park pass, and reserve a time to travel to the top.
Hiking Trails
Frenchman Bay Conservancy – 30 miles of free public hiking trails
Donnell Pond Public Land Preserve – Schoodic Mountain and Beach trails: hiking, swimming, boating, fishing in fresh water
Eagle Hill Institute – hiking trails, ecological habitats, fascinating natural history seminars
Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge – Hollingsworth Trail and Birch Point Trail
Pigeon Hill – panoramic views and a great spot to see hawks and birds
Hancock Point
Carter’s Beach: go to the end of Point Road, and take a left on to Bay Avenue. Go the the end on to Carters Beach Road. Sunbathe, swim, and search for seaglass
Hancock Town Dock: toward the end of Bay Ave for sailing lessons, moorings, kayaking, fishing, swimming
Hancock Point Kayak Tours and Rentals: 58 Point Road, Hancock (207-266-4449)
Reversing falls that admit ocean water into Taunton Bay. Take in the sights and have a picnic at the rapids! Head on Route 1 and follow the signs to the right just before you get to the big bridge over to the town of Sullivan.
There are many hikes, ponds, and some wonderful fishing in the area, but don’t forget that you do need a state-issued fishing license found here.
Other Lakes and Beaches
Lamoine Beach, Marlboro Beach, Sand Beach and Bar Island in Sorrento.
There are also some great beaches on the lakes and ponds…. Flanders Pond, Beech Hill Pond, and Long pond have water access, and water sports!
