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 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