Just a two-hour drive from Camden, ME lies one of America's premier natural environments, Acadia National Park. Boasting numerous ecosystems and enchanting seaside vistas, this park has beckoned travelers for generations. With a little planning, you can enjoy a day's adventure in Acadia during your stay with us at the Captain Swift Inn.
Check
out our five must-sees for a day trip to Acadia. Pack a sturdy pair of hiking
boots, fill your water bottle, and stock up on snacks before heading off to the
park. You may also want to rent a bike from Maine Sport before leaving Camden.
Start
your day with our 8 a.m. candlelit breakfast seating so that you can maximize your time
in the park. Then head out along Atlantic Highway (Rt. 1) through the towns of Belfast,
Bangor, and Ellsworth, winding your way through Maine's famed pine forests. You
should reach the park before 11 a.m. If you choose to drive through the park,
consider that parking is at a premium. The Island Explorer Bus runs free
throughout Acadia, hitting all the major destinations.
Sand Beach
With
the sun high in the sky, you may want to head first to the aptly named Sand
Beach. Changing rooms and restrooms are available so you can dress to hit the
waves. Be mindful that water temperatures rarely rise above 55F/13C – prepare
for a brisk swim! If the cold waters are too much, sunbathing is a reliable
alternative. Lifeguard service is provided on a part-time basis.
Thunder Hole
A
half-hour hike from Sand Beach, or a mere five minutes by car, Thunder Hole
offers an unparalleled glimpse of the power of the Atlantic. The waves crash
into this unique rock formation, creating the illusion of distant thunder. Walk
right down the stairs to the shore, where the water can splash up to 40 feet
high!
Jordan Pond
Jordan
Pond lies inland about a 20-minute drive from Sand Beach. Hiking trails
of varying difficulty encircle this idyllic body of water. Plan on a
circuit of anywhere from one to four hours depending on your chosen route.
Also, consider whether you would like to dine before or after your hike
at Jordan Pond House, Acadia's only restaurant. (Note: business is
lightest after 4 p.m.) Famous for its afternoon teas accompanied by fresh
popovers, Jordan Pond House also features iconic Maine dishes like lobster stew
and blueberry sorbet.
Cadillac Mountain
At
a height of 1,530 feet (466 meters), Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on
the Atlantic seaboard. Through fall and winter, the mountain is the first place
in the U.S. to see the sunrise. A trip up the mountain requires extra
precautions. Obtain registration for your car before your trip, and stick
to designated pathways to preserve the numerous endangered plant species found
here. It is worth the extra effort to enjoy one of the most majestic panoramas
in New England.
Carriage Roads
These
century-old broken-stone roads meander throughout Acadia. Forty-five miles'
worth of biking and hiking await you, taking you to most major sites in the
park. Cycling enthusiasts can easily ditch their car at the park entrance and
spend the day exploring the wonders of Acadia through pedal power.
The Captain Swift Inn in Camden, ME makes the perfect "base
camp" for your adventures to Acadia and other parts of the great state of
Maine. Contact us today!
