Maine’s Acadia National Park

The East Coast of the United States is covered with breathtaking natural wonders along its historic, winding coastline. The union of the cold Atlantic and sharp rocky shores remind you of Mother Nature’s undeniable power and effortless beauty. The state of Maine is such a place along the Atlantic and proudly houses one of the USA’s most beautiful national parks: Acadia. 

Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is the only national park in the Northeast and was officially recognized by Congress in 1919. Over two million visitors and travelers make their way to this national treasure each year to enjoy a two-in-one mountain and ocean experience. 

Bar Harbor, the town located on the east of Mont Desert Island, is the heart of Acadia with a rich history of fishermen and artists. In 1947, it suffered a devastating ten-day fire destroying 17,000 acres of Bar Harbor and 8,000 of Acadia National Park. The town has since recovered and thrives today with its quaint streets, galleries, restaurants, and other attractions.

This summer was my second visit to Acadia, the first being in the summer of 2014 with Javi. This year, my friend Grace and I drove from Brunswick for a quick two-day excursion. Due to the prices of Bar Harbor and the summer crowds, we bunked down farther north in Trenton-in the same sketchy budget motel I stayed in with Javi. We both survived to tell the tale and to share the photos of our hikes and experiences. 

Snapshots of our walk around Jordan Pond.

Views from Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the East Coast).

One of our hikes. Look at that water!

Our 5am view of the sunrise. If you watch from Cadillac Mountain, you’ll be the first to see the sunrise in the entire USA!

Beautiful ocean trail views.

The most intense hike I’ve ever experienced. After rock climbing (literally), sweating, and dragging myself up the mountain, the view made it all worth it. Grace was a champ and practically danced her way to the top!

If I lived closer to Acadia National Park, I’d buy an annual pass and visit during each season. Despite the crowds, summer in Acadia is just as magical as I’m sure fall, winter and spring are. In my various years abroad, I’ve taken advantage of the natural and historic beauty the U.S. has to offer right here at home. I highly recommend a visit to Acadia with time to hike, reflect, and admire this carefully preserved natural area.

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