By Henri Bauholz
Bar Harbor is part of Mount Desert Island in eastern Maine. It is a coastal town, located on the rocky shoreline of Frenchman's Bay. The small harbor is also a gateway to Nova Scotia and other parts of
Canada, accessible in recent years by a high-speed ferry that makes the trip in just a few hours. Nearby is the spectacular Acadia National Park, where 1,000-foot mountains come to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This town is busy in the summer---when tourists flock from all over---and also in the fall, when the autumn colors of the forest turn brilliant red, orange and yellow. At other times during the year, travelers will find that life in Bar Harbor moves at a more normal pace. Here are some things that the casual visitor to the area in and around Bar Harbor might enjoy.
Hiking
The best hiking trails are in the national park. For a $20 fee, tourists can drive down the toll road, which hugs the shoreline. Hiking trails are all along the paved road. Some of the more popular trails ascend right up the side of Cadillac Mountain (elevation 1500 feet) or Penobscot Mountain. Hikers might enjoy the walk around Nubble Pond, along the Otter Cliffs or up the Beehive, a steep and rocky precipice. Others might prefer a visit to Sand beach, where they can wade barefoot into the chilly surf of the North Atlantic.
Scenic Drive
The drive through the park can take just a few hours or all day long. The scenic seaside drive extends to the top of Cadillac Mountain for a view of the whole Acadian coastline. Thunder Hole is another popular stopping point. A large parking lot is located close to a small cove, where the surf roars in, hits the rocky shore and shoots spray high into the air. The name Thunder Hole comes from the loud roar that accompanies the spray of saltwater. Motorists should be aware that the popular toll road through the park becomes crowded in the summer and fall. During these times, it can be to a traveler's advantage to make the trip early in the morning or late in the day to avoid heavy traffic.
Water Cruise
Bar Harbor offers local boat cruises, kayak rentals and public ferry transportation. The boat cruises are sightseeing trips that venture around Frenchman's Bay on tours that feature lighthouses, scenic villages, and wildlife in and around the sea. Kayaks are popular here and guides are available. For travelers wishing to take a shortcut across the bay to the Schoodic Peninsula, there is a small ferry that makes the trip. Finally, for those journeying on to Canada, there is a high-speed "Cat" ferry that carries cars and passengers to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Strolling Around Town
The town of Bar Harbor has sidewalks and many shops, galleries and restaurants. A walk along the Shore Path, a gentle trail, follows the harbor shoreline for less than a mile. While strolling around town, tourists can stop in at the Abbe Museum, which is dedicated to the native arts and artisans of Maine. A grassy square near the center of town provides a good place to relax. Outdoor art show are often here in the summer.
Bicycling
Acadia National Park provides wide bike lanes as well as an old carriage road, which is closed to all motorized traffic. This meandering road runs for many miles through the park, providing a wide paved road where bicyclists can enjoy the quiet and solitude. For the avid bicyclists, there is the 1500-foot climb up Cadillac Mountain. It is a strenuous workout that offers a view upon reaching the top.
Overnight Accommodations
The national park service administers two campgrounds within the park. Since this park is so popular, advance reservations are almost always required. Closer to town, there are more private campgrounds and cabins available. The town itself is filled with a wide variety of motels, inns, B&B's and even a youth hostel that is located in the center of town and open for the summer season.
Resources
About the Author:
Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.
