2020 was a challenging year to make any travel plans. At the time, we were living in the North East, and travel restrictions were abundant. After months of staying put and finding local adventures to go one, Thanksgiving was quickly approaching and we decided we needed to continue our annual tradition of taking a trip. So we checked on any local travel restrictions, booked accommodations and pointed the car towards Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

Bass Harbor Light House, Acadia National Park

Acadia sits on the Atlantic coast of Maine. It’s geographic location makes it unique as it is the only national park in that part of the country. National Parks often spur thoughts of the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or one of the other many famous parks in the American West. As you drive around Mount Desert Island, I pondered how you could come up with such a name when it is heavily forested with pines and hardwoods, mixed with inland water ways and an ocean. But once I made it on top one of the many granite domes in the park I began to understand. The solid rock formations had sparse vegetation with some trees and shrubs growing from the cracks, and it immediately reminded me of the desert slick rock found in Moab, UT.

The desert like features from the top of Cadillac Mountain

Traversing steep granite cliffs on the Precipice Trail

The beauty here is unmatched, where the cold North Atlantic crashes into tall granite cliffs that give way to evergreen forests and granite domes that provide views. Jordan Pond is an inland body of water surrounded by coastal mountains including the rock formation called “The Bubbles”, which is one of the highlights of the park. The other major point of interest is Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the east coast, and the first part of the contiguous United States to get sunlight every day.

The cliffs along the north shore of Mount Desert Island

Jordan Pond and The Bubbles at the other end

First light from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the first land in the lower 48 states to get sunlight daily

Another feature that sets Acadia apart from other national parks is the carriage road system. It is an old web of gravel paths that are traveled by foot or bicycle to explore the sites around the park. Most national parks are not very bike friendly, so having infrastructure designated to foot traffic and bikes is a major plus. Many parks that I have visited are easily viewed through window of a car. While I have nothing major against cars, being able to set out on two wheels, feel the breeze, and smell the pines with out fear of motorized traffic was a such an enjoyable experience. I wish more destinations like Acadia were bike friendly in this way.

Intersections are well marked if you are directionally challenged

A colorful creek that runs under one of the carriage roads

The weather on Mount Desert Island is unpredictable, where a clear sunny day will give way to dense fog and rain in the snap of a finger. The proximity to the ocean, and the steep topography keep the clouds moving fast. While it makes visibility poor and travel challenging, it makes for a dramatic visual effect on the landscape.

A pair of ducks glide through the fog on a glassy pond

The fog that roles through the coastal islands making for a spooky scene

Acadia is one of the prettiest places that I have ever seen, and I am excited to revisit the park again, hopefully during a different season. Even during late fall, I can’t recommend enough making the visit. You won’t be disappointed.

A Look Back at a Trip To Acadia National Park

My Favorite Photos of 2021

Moab 2021 : Continuing A Thanksgiving Tradition