While many visitors come to Bar Harbor, Maine for the great seafood, there are also plenty of exciting activities for the active vacationer.. Adventurous souls will see that there are many cool things to discover in Bar Harbor, Maine, especially the scenery!
Acadia National Park
Many of Bar Harbor’s most pristine sights are found in Acadia National Park. Start your morning by watching the sunrise before anyone else in the US, on Cadillac Mountain. This peak is the highest point on the Atlantic seashore and is often the first place the sun touches each morning, on American soil. Access is via Summit Road, a looping 3.5-mile roadway with numerous scenic turnouts offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
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Otter Cliff
Climb the rocks at Otter Cliff! The peak season is just beginning for this popular climbing spot. You rope in using permanent steel anchors at the top, and climb or rappel down this 110 foot face. This is an excellent spot for beginners, and classes are frequently held here, so arrive early to get ahead of the crowd.
Ship Harbor Nature Trail
There are many options for nature walks and hiking as well. To keep things simple, try the Ship Harbor Nature Trail, a 1.3-mile loop along the shoreline, or when the tides are out, you can walk across the sand bar to Bar Island, an uninhabited wildland. Just keep an eye on the tide tables to make sure you are not stuck waiting for the next appearance of the path.
Precipice Trail
Looking for a challenging hike? Tackle the aptly named Precipice Trail, a rugged 1.8-mile trail complete with rungs and railings. This sometimes treacherous path is not for the faint of heart. Although, those who make the climb are rewarded with spectacular views of Acadia and the coastline. The Trail is closed some summer months to protect falcon nesting grounds, as a result Beehive Hike as a good alternative.
There are also numerous campgrounds in this area for both RV and tent campers, some with sites right on the water’s edge. With lakes, seashores, mountains and hiking, outdoorsman, won’t run out of things to discover in Bar Harbor, Maine!
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Featured Image from Wei Zeng/Unsplash
