Description

Camden State Park has an incredible variety of climbing grades and types. The drive is an hour an a half from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ to a dirt parking lot that usually isn’t full. The Lost Valley crag at Camden offers 16 sport climbs that range from 5.7 to 5.12d. The approach can be a little tricky and long, but most of the time you’ll have the crag all to yourself. The views from the top of the cliff are spectacular and the wall gets plenty of sunshine.

If you’re looking for trad climbing, the Guide’s Wall has plenty of short climbs that range in grade from 5.4 to 5.9+. This cliff is southeast facing and has a mostly flat mile long approach :).

There is also plentiful ice climbing at Camden State Park!

Trailhead Location:

Maiden Cliff Trailhead, 321-415 Turnpike Dr, Camden, ME 04843

44°14’50.3″N 69°05’15.0″W

Description

Jordan Pond is a classic Acadia National Park destination. It’s located right off of the park loop road and can include an easy hike if desired. A mellow trail can be followed around the pond with incredible views. No swimming is allowed since this is the drinking water for Bar Harbor. The loop makes for a great mellow trail run which can be lengthened by following a trail on the far side of the pond leading up the Bubbles which are two small mountains with great views. From ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, Acadia is best enjoyed as an overnight trip since it takes about three hours to get there. There is reasonably priced camping at Blackwoods which is car camping located in the park (see Additional Notes below). After finishing the hike, check out Sand Beach and take a dip!

Jordan Pond with the Bubbles in the background

Directions

From the park entrance, follow the loop road and look for signs for Jordan Pond. Park at the lot in front of the Jordan Pond House and walk down past the Jordan Pond House towards the reach the waterfront. From here, an obvious trail can be followed in either direction around the pond. A large portion of the trail on the west side of the pond is comprised of boardwalks. The entire loop is about 3 miles of flat easy walking. The trail up the Bubbles is located on the far side of the pond.

Location:

Acadia National Park, 2928 Park Loop Rd, Seal Harbor, ME 04675

44.319839°N, 68.253624°W

Additional Notes

A great stop that is often linked with other activities along the park loop road. The boardwalks on the west side of the pond get slippery when wet so be careful if it’s raining. Consider spending the night at Blackwoods campground.

See also: Sand BeachÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý

Description

The Beehive is a classic easy hike located in Acadia National Park. There are two trails to the summit. The Beehive trail meanders up exposed ledges using ladder rungs and bridges. The Beehive trail is very straightforward but if you go this route you’ll want to have a descent head for heights and make sure the weather is good. A more mellow trail to the top curves around The Beehive and reaches the summit from the opposite side of the mountain. At the summit, you’ll have incredible views out over the Atlantic Ocean. From ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, Acadia is best enjoyed as an overnight trip since it takes about three hours to get there. There is reasonably priced camping at Blackwoods which is car camping located in the park (see Additional Notes below). After finishing the hike, check out Sand Beach and take a dip!

Directions

Park in the lot marked for Sand Beach on the left side of the Park Loop Rd. right after passing the park gate. From here, walk back towards the Park Loop Rd. and take a right. Walk along the Park Loop Rd for a few hundred feet until you reach a crosswalk. Follow this to the other side of the road. There should be a sign marking the trailhead. The steeper Beehive Trail breaks off right from the initial trail after about 0.5 miles. Stay straight to reach the summit via the less exposed route.

Location:

Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

44.329727°N, 68.183727°W

Additional Notes

A great stop that is often linked with a hike up the Beehive. Consider spending the night at Blackwoods campground.

See also: Sand BeachÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý

Description

Sand Beach is one of the iconic landmarks located in Acadia National Park. This sandy beach is tucked away in a small cove with views of otter cliffs and hiking opportunities. Chill on the beach or follow the Great Head Trail around the point. There is surfing here, but it is not allowed during the summer and early fall. The beach gets packed during the summer months. From ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, Acadia is best enjoyed as an overnight trip since it takes about three hours to get there. There is reasonably priced camping at Blackwoods which is car camping located in the park (see Additional Notes below)

Directions

Park in the lot marked for Sand Beach on the left side of the Park Loop Rd. right after passing the park gate. From here, walk down to the beach. The Great Head Trail can be found on the far end of the beach, and heads out right to the point of the cove.

Location:

Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

44.329727°N, 68.183727°W

Additional Notes

A great stop that is often linked with a hike up the Beehive. Consider spending the night at Blackwoods campground.

See also: The BeehiveÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý

Description

The Baldface Loop is located in Evan’s Notch, and offers an incredible amount of hiking above tree-line based on the relatively low elevation of the summits and Ridgeline. Once on the ridge, you’ll get views of the Carter Ridge and the Wild River Wilderness. The loop is about 10 miles and very well marked. The uphill sections are relatively mellow which makes for great trail running. The loop is best from south to north (hike up South Baldface first) to avoid hiking down the steep sections on South Baldface. About 2 miles into the loop you’ll pass by the South Baldface Shelter, which is located right below the tree-line and is a great place to spend the night. This also makes the Baldface Loop a great intro backpacking trip if broken up into two days, since most of the elevation is covered on the way up to the shelter. This hike also has an awesome swimming hole (the emerald pool) indicated by a sign at the first turn 3/4 mile into the hike where the loop splits. You should defiantly check it out on the way up or down and take a dip if it’s warm. The summit and ridge of this hike are almost always super windy so bring some warmer layers even if its warm and sunny.

Directions

Park in the parking lot on the east side of the road. Follow the road north for a couple hundred feet to reach the trailhead on the east side (there is a big sign indicating that it’s the boldface circle trail). Follow this for 3/4 of a mile until you reach a junction. Check out the emerald pool on your right, and then hike back to the junction and continue following the Baldface Circle Trail towards South Baldface. There is another junction shortly after, again stay on the Baldface Circle Trail. Continue for another 1.5 miles until you hit the lean-too. The trail continues behind the lean-too onto the exposed ledges. Follow blazes and cairns to the ridge, and follow the ridge to the top of South Baldface. Stay on the ridge and continue to North Baldface. About a mile after the North Baldface summit, follow the Baldface Circle Trail down to the start of the loop.

Trailhead Location:

2223 Main Rd, Chatham, NH 03813

44.237886°±·,Ìý71.015786°°Â

Additional Notes

Don’t forget some warmer clothes for the ridge! Defiantly the more physically challenging end of Intermediate, but well marked enough that you don’t need much hiking experience.

See also: South Baldface

Description

Little Concord Pond is reached by a 15 minute hike on a flat easy trail. Once you reach the pond, you can sit by the water or follow a trail all the way around. Although it would make the hike a bit more challenging, hiking a canoe in would definitely make for an excellent paddle. Given the easy hike, this is an excellent spot for a last minute overnight trip. There is a beautiful campsite located on a flat point in the lakeshore, which can be reached by hiking for a few minutes along the left side (facing the lake from the trail in) of the lake. Little Concord Pond is located below Bald Mountain (see link in additional notes below) The lake is stocked with trout and fly fishing is permitted.

Directions

The trail head appears shortly after passing Shagg Pond on the right. Drive up a steep hill and park at the pullout on the left as soon as you reach the top of the. The trailhead is immediately across from the pullout. Follow the trail until it reaches a large pond.

Trailhead Location:

272 Shagg Pond Rd. Bryant Pond, ME 04219

44.427222°N,  70.542033 °W

Additional Notes

I once saw a meteor land directly across from the campsite mentioned above. Could be worth some money. Good luck finding it

See also: Bald Mountain