Reasons You Need To Add Acadia National Park To Your Bucket List

Spending time in the wilderness is one of the best ways to cope better with stress, feel happier and have more self-esteem, according to science

Going on a hike or a camping trip in America's national treasures, which are its parks, may be one of the best ideas you'll have all year. The problem is which one.

You most likely don't have time to visit all of them, but if you are to visit just a few, don't miss out on the amazing relaxation and adventure opportunities Acadia National Park in Maine has to offer.  

Perfect for padding

Acadia has long been known for its stunningly rugged natural coastline and the best way to take it all in is from the water, making it a perfect location for paddling. Novice paddlers can hire a guide to take them along Frenchman Bay, while those more advanced might want to take their own excursion. There are public boat ramps in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, in addition to other access sites.

Hike the tough Precipice Trail

The trail is very popular on the East Coast but it's also one of the most dangerous in Acadia National Park. It's not technically difficult but the steep drops and open cliffs make the walk very tricky. Falls are a real concern. It's not a surprise that people under 5 feet and 2 inches are not recommended to try the hike. Don't ever take your hands off the metal rungs.

Hike and camp on Isle au Haut

Located just five miles south of Stonington, about half the island is a part of the national park. Isle au Haut, is one of the most remote places in the park but it's worth the trek. It's perfect for isolated camping; just make sure you make reservations. To access the area and its 18 miles of trails, you take a 45-minute ferry from Stonington. While you can make this a long day trip, you can also stay overnight for a more relaxed experience.  

Storm Watching on the Schoodic Peninsula

The busiest time for Acadia is in the summer, but the late fall offers some of the most spectacular conditions, including vibrant foliage and a series of huge storms that roll in over the Atlantic. During this time, strong winds whip up huge waves that break over the rocky shore. It's an incredible spectacle that's popular with the locals.

It's one of the most visited parks

More than 2.5 million people visit Acadia every year. Bike rides on quaint carriage paths, kayaking the rugged natural coastline and hiking the tallest mountain on America's Atlantic Coast—however you enjoy spending time outside Acadia National Park has a place for you to do it.

Cadillac Mountain

This is the tallest mountain on the U. S. Atlantic coast at 1,530 feet. You will see the sunrise before anyone else from there. The absolutely majestic views from there are another reason to make the climb – sunrise over Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland, the islands of Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine, Trenton, Islesford, Southwest Harbor, which is especially stunning in the evening as the lights come on.

More readings: 

Bats, Volcanos, Crocs: 15 Hair-Raising National Park Adventures

16 Most Spectacular National Parks to Visit this Spring

The Most Dangerous Places in National Parks