Of all the National Parks in America, possibly my favorite is Acadia.  Situated midway up the coast of Maine, I don't think there is anyplace in New England that I enjoy visiting more!

I've been lucky enough to get up there about a dozen times or so, and often for a week or two.  The camping in the park is to die for! There is also a very cool Youth Hostel in the town of Bar Harbor that I stay at a lot.  The sun setting on the pink granite cliffs in along the ocean is spectacular!

 Climbing at Otter Cliffs

Every Memorial Day Weekend the Climbers from throughout New England meet and camp in the park to enjoy some early season climbs.

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 Fog over Sand Beach, Otter Cliffs, while climbing. Summer '99

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There is so much to do in the park.  My favorites are;

• Hiking any of the trails
• Climbing at the sea cliffs at the beautiful Otter Cliffs
• Biking the Park Loop Road
• Mtn. Biking the Carriage Roads
• Swimming in the frigid ocean at Sand Beach (after a hike up the beehive and a dip in the mountain tarn called "The Bowl").
• Watching the fisherman at sunrise at Bah Haabah
• Strolling the tide pools at low tide
• Skinny-dipping at Lake Wood
• Eating Lobster out on one of the rocky outcrops

 I think I've hiked almost every trail in the park at least once, and some I go up every time I'm there. The Precipice is one of those trails not to be missed (if it's open). The place gets pretty crowded by July, so go early or late, but be sure to get there if you ever have the chance!

TELEPHONE (207)288-3338

Page created  by Tim D; February 1999 (ud3/00)