National Park Adventures: Acadia

            Located on Maine's Mount Desert Island, this national park is the oldest of its kind east of the mississippi.  With cliffs, mountains, forests, and ocean shoreline there is plenty to explore in Acadia National Park.  If you are thinking of making the trek up to the northern wilds of Maine, here are five adventures to consider in the east coast's most northern national park.





1.) Cadillac Mountain.

            Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the United State's eastern coast.  Various hiking trails, as well as a paved road, lead to the top of the mountain which is the perfect place in the park to watch a sunrise, especially in the fall and the winter when due to where the sun rises on the horizon Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see a sunrise.


2.) Rock Climbing.

            Imagine climbing up rocks with the ocean waves crashing behind you.  With spectacular views out to sea, you'll have an incentive to get to the top of your climbing route in Acadia.  Great Head and Otter Cliffs are popular routes and for novice climbers and people without equipment, several climbing guides are available in the park area.










3.) Bicycling the Park Loop Road.

            This scenic and winding 27 mile loop is the park's main thoroughway and perfect for a bike ride.  Much of the road is one way and strategically placed pull-over points showcase the scenic views the road was designed to take advantage of.  Worried about sharing the Park Loop Road with cars?  Check out the park's crushed rock carriage roads where you'll only be sharing the road with horses and pedestrians.






4.) Bee Hive Trail.

            Though less than a mile long, the beehive trail is a difficult and strenous trail not for those with a fear of heights.  The trail is often exposed and a sign at the begining of the trail warns of its dangers.  Iron rungs lead up cliffs to exposed and narrow ledges which hikers will have to traverse to reach the top.  For those brave enough to complete the trail the views from the top of the mountain are highly rewarding.













5.) Dog Sledding.

            When winter hits Mount Desert Island the park doesn't shut down, instead the activities change. This far north winter is as much fun as summer.  If you make the trip up to Maine while the snow is falling try dogsledding.  The park allows dogsledding on all closed motor roads and fire roads.