Maine Vacation: Ocean, Mountains, and More

Maine Vacation Rentals

Having trouble deciding whether to do mountains or the ocean for vacation? Ever wanted to stay on an Island? How about all three at the same time? Come visit Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Enjoy beautiful views of mountains, cliffs, oceans, bays, islands, wildlife, carriage roads, ships, harbors, and lighthouses. Many can be seen from your car or lookout points a short distance from the car.   Scores of views are seen while hiking and exploring the island on foot.

There is something here for everyone. Enjoy walking, hiking, biking, swimming,  golfing, kayaking, rock-climbing, repelling, boating, bird watching, nature watching, gardens, museums, and viewing various habitats, just to name a few. See whales, seals, osprey, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, beavers, coyotes, deer, foxes, squirrels, and chipmunks. Not into nature? Then how about antiquing, shopping, or fine-dinning?  Maybe you like sight-seeing. Check out Cadillac Mountain (1,530 feet), the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast or Thunder Hole, a small crevice, naturally carved out of the rocks, where waves roll into. At the end of this crevice is a small cavern where the water rushes in trapping air which is forced out like a clap of thunder. Water may spout as high as 40 feet with a loud, booming sound!  This is truly a phenomenal sight to see.  Visit the quiet-side of the island and see Bass Harbor Light and/or Seawall, a natural seawall made up of cobble stones and granite rocks. Nearby picnic grove has Bar-B-Q grills. Got kids? Check out the Oceanariums, Diver Ed’s Dive-in-Theater, Jr. Ranger Programs, Amphitheater Programs, Tidal Pools, Pirates Cove Miniature Golf, or the Acadia Zoo.

Mount Desert Island was formed from volcano and glacier activities thousands of years ago. Glacier activity deposited many boulders on mountain tops, deepened or created many fresh water lakes running North and South on the island and also created the only fjord on the Atlantic Coast of the United States called Somes Sound . Acadia National Park was formed as a way to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the island from over development thanks to the foresight, planning, and donations of many people including Charles W. Eliot, George B. Dorr, John D. Rockefeller Jr.

The gift of forty-five miles of carriage roads was given by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his family. These horse and carriage roads were built between 1913 and 1940. The roads wander through the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park and have many spectacular, sweeping, panoramic views as well as close-up views of the countryside. Along these roads, you can see beautiful stone bridges and coping stones made from the stones of the area. One unique thing about these roads is no automobiles are allowed. They are used by horseback riders, horse-drawn carriages, bikers, hikers, and walkers.

So come to Acadia National Park and enjoy all its many beauties and wonders. It’s the best of all Worlds. You’ll be coming back year after year!

Robyn Simon
Maine Vacation Rentals