a day / 40 miles / an hour 20 minutes
From craggy shorelines and granite-capped mountains to crystal lakes and spruce–fir forests, Acadia All American Road is perfect for exploring. Extensive carriage roads and hiking trails give access to Acadia National Park. See fishing and sailboats in Frenchman's Bay or go back in time to see the "cottages" of old Bar Harbor.
Day 1
9:00 - 3.2 miles / 6 minutes - 9:06
The Trenton Interior is a largely undeveloped block of land with few roads and a surprising diversity of wildlife. You will probably never see a moose on Mount Desert Island, but you might catch a glimpse of one in the Trenton woods. Follow nature trails through the region for an introduction to beavers, moose, and other Maine wildlife. In November, the area is frequented by deer hunters.
9:06 - 5.9 miles / 11 minutes - 9:18
Seal Harbor is home to a quaint, chic little village known as Mount Desert that offers peaceful views of the harbor. Adding to the seaside ambiance, many sailing vessels, both lobster boats and pleasure craft, anchor on the calm waters waiting for the morning fog to lift. Located on the southeastern part of Mount Desert Island, Seal Harbor has become the preferred summering place for many wealthy and famous people. Nearby Sand Beach, nestled between the mountains and stony shores, draws visitors daily. The beach is comprised of unique sand made up of shell fragments created by the pounding surf. The spray of the crashing surf may make the harbor look inviting, but the water rarely exceeds 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
9:18 - 13.0 miles / 25 minutes - 9:43
Bar Harbor is a township encompassing 28,800 acres (or 45 square miles) of beautiful land. The villages of Bar Harbor are wonderful places to visit. Each village district has its own distinctive charm; as you wander down the streets, you are likely to see homey antique houses and grand farms. Dotted across the area are quaint country churches, small shops and microbreweries, and charming restaurants.
Downtown Bar Harbor is an experience you won't want to miss. With four major streets and an enchanting assortment of side streets, you will not lack for fun things to do. The streets are overflowing with fascinating stores, galleries, and museums. Perhaps you'd like to take a little tour of the "Gilded Age" along the Shore Path. This area of Bar Harbor has some of the area's largest shore front "cottages" built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Many of these were homes to the rich and famous. The Village Green area offers a bus system, which runs June to mid-October.
The local piers offer chances for daily excursions out onto the water. You'll have the chance to explore the outer islands, lighthouses, and wildlife. A multitude of experiences are waiting to greet you with a wonderful time in delightful Bar Harbor.17:43 - 14.3 miles / 28 minutes - 18:12
Thunder Hole is an inlet carved naturally out of the rocky shoreline. Crashing waves travel down the channel, rumbling with the sound of dislodged basketball-sized rocks. Pockets of air get trapped at the end and, when forced out, produce loud claps of sound not unlike the distant crash of thunder. Loudest when the tide is approaching, visitors may also be able to see a spout of water as high as 40 feet accompany the roar of Thunder Hole.
Adjacent to the area is a ranger station built in the 1920s.
This location offers stunning panoramic views of Otter Cliff and
Sand Beach.19:12 - 3.9 miles / 7 minutes - 19:20