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

Androscoggin Riverlands is a free State Park located in about 10 miles from campus in Turner. The park has relatively flat open trails that travel near a beautiful stretch of the Androscoggin River. While the trails are well kept, there are often not well marked, so printing out a map to bring or doing an out and back might not be a bad idea. There is a north and south entrance to the park. The north entrance is further from campus, but the trail reaches the river quicker. The south entrance is about 10 miles closer to campus, however you’ll be running or hiking in the woods for a while before you hit the river.

In addition, there is an excellent boat launch slightly east of the north entrance to the park. The stretch of the androscoggin this gives you access to is excellent paddling and offers access to many islands which can be explored. Some of these islands are great for an overnight trip as well!

Directions

The south entrance is a small pullout off of Conant Rd. The North entrance is a larger pullout off of Center Bridge Rd. The boat launch is a small pullout located either right before or after the north entrance (depending on the route you take) on a small island. Both entrances have maps posted at the trailhead.

Location:

South Entrance: 273 Conant Rd, Turner, ME 04282

44.1856°N, 70.2225°W

North Entrance: 1005 Center Bridge Rd, Turner, ME 04282

44.2617°N, 70.1885°W

Boat Launch: 408 Center Bridge Rd, Turner, ME 04282

44.2571°N, 70.1825°W

Additional Notes

Riverlands is open to snowmobiles and ATVs so be careful and get out of the way if you hear one coming.

See also: 

Thorncrag is a bird sanctuary located less than two miles from campus! There is an extensive trail network managed by the stanton bird club, which crisscrosses throughout this beautiful protected area. Throncrag is a favorite among runners since it can be reached from campus via a relatively short road run. It’s also perfect for a quick hike if you’re pressed for time or don’t have a car! There are many different landmarks and on a clear it’s possible to see Mt Washington from a lookout indicated on the map (see addition notes below). You can also follow the green trail (see map below) out past whale rock onto some trails outside of Thorncrag.

Directions

Head up East Ave and take a right on Montello St. You’ll see a sign form Thorncrag on your left and a parking lot elevated above the street. Park here and explore!

Location:

Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, Lewiston, ME 04240

44.106801°N, 70.178282°W

Additional Notes

There are several activities restricted in Thorncrag, including mountain biking and dog walking. All of the restrictions are listed in the map below!

See also: 

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

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

Higgins beach is located just south of Portland in Scarborough. The beach itself is great for chillin and taking in the sun during fall or short term. Higgins is also one of the most popular surf spots in southern Maine. The beach faces southeast and has an awesome break. A super easy trip to do during the week before or after class. Also probably the closest beach to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

Directions

Park at the lot off of Ocean Avenue and walk down to the beach from there. The lot has a bathroom and showers which are open year round. There is a fee to park in the summer.

Location:

98 Pearl St Exd, Scarborough, ME 04074

43.562848°±·,Ìý70.28132°°Â

Additional Notes

Higgins gets crazy busy when the surf is good so be prepared.

See also: Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý

Popham is an incredible  beach and home to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Outing Club annual fall clam bake. At low tide, several islands become reachable from the main land and are easy to explore. For all you surfers the best break faces West. A super easy trip that can be done in an afternoon.

Directions

Very easy to get to from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. Park in the large parking lot after the state park gate and explore the beach!

Location:

10 Perkins Farm Ln, Phippsburg, ME 04562

43.737171°±·,Ìý69.796925°°Â

Additional Notes

The fee for out of state residents (Based on drivers license) is $8/person. The outing club has vehicle park passes which allow you to get an entire car in for free. Come grab one!

See also:

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