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  • Southwest Harbor, Maine

    Top Spots in and near Southwest Harbor

    • Sullivan, Maine

      Photograph Bass Harbor Lighthouse

      4.4
      The skill level can vary on photographing this picture perfect location but no matter your skill level be sure to arrive early to scout out your best composition and be prepared for the swarm of other photographers at sunset! All photos were taken the same day at different times throughout the da...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Explore Thuya Garden

      Thuya Garden is a separate portion of a larger preserve.  You can reach this garden by either parking on route 3 heading north a quarter mile past the main entrance or you can park in the actual Thuya Garden lot.  If you park on Route 3, you can enjoy a nice walk through the Maine forest on your ...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Explore Asticou Azalea Garden and Preserve

      Asticou Azalea Garden is a portion of 1400 acres managed by Land & Garden Preserve.  Here, you park at a small parking lot on the east side of 198 close to the intersection of Peabody Dr. and 198.  Parking is limited so if it is full come back in a bit! From the parking lot you can follow a ...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Hike Sargent Mountain via South Ridge Trail

      4.4 mi / 1400 ft gain
      This has been one of my favorite winter adventures that I have had in a long time. There were gorgeous views of Somes Sound, we saw three snowy owls and there is a gorgeous  frozen waterfall on the way up to the summit! Because much of the Park Loop Road is closed in winter, we started our hike ...
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    • Southwest Harbor, Maine

      Swim at Echo Lake

      Take a dip at Echo Lake in Acadia National Park! It's a small beach that's best driven to and easily park-able once you arrive. It's a refreshing stop for swimming that's right off of the beat and path. There are many campgrounds that rest upon the shores of Echo Lake if you want to be right on t...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Relax at Little Hunters Beach

      5.0
      Little Hunters Beach is a hidden gem in Acadia National Park.  It’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and listen to the crashing waves and the crackling of the cobblestones.  You might be tempted to venture in to the water, but beware – cool waters and strong currents do not make this...
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    • Bar Harbor, Maine

      Jordan Pond

      4.8
      3.24 mi / 108 ft gain
      If you ever find yourself in Acadia National Park, be sure to check out Jordan Pond. Jordan Pond is a 3.6 mile long pond sitting in the heart of Mt. Desert Island. The shoreline of the pond has amazing views of the The Bubbles, which are two similar mountains that resemble "bubbles". The pond has...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Hike Pemetic Mountain in Acadia NP

      5.0
      3.81 mi / 1000 ft gain
      Pemetic Mountain is a challenging hike in the Jordan Pond area of Acadia National Park.  There are several route options to the summit, with varying levels of difficulty.  The most common route is a loop hike starting from the Jordan Pond parking lot.  This option ascends the South Ridge Trail, w...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Hike Parkman Mountain

      4.0
      3.06 mi / 748 ft gain
      Parkman Mountain is already a lesser-hiked trail in the summer, and if you snowshoe it in the winter, it is very likely you’ll have the entire mountain to yourself. It offers exceptional views, a good amount of exposure, and solitude that is inspiring. From Parkman Mountain Parking area, walk pa...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Hike Acadia's 6 Peak Circuit

      6.26 mi / 1373 ft gain
      Park yourself at Parkman Mountain Parking Area, a small lot located off of Route 3.  Remember to arrive early as this parking lot fills up quickly.  Load up your pack, grab your water, and maneuver your way through the carriage roads until you reach the Bald Peak Trailhead.  After a mile climb up...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Camp at Blackwoods Campground in Bar Harbor

      5.0
      Blackwoods Campground is one of two campgrounds located within Acadia National Park. Since the park does not permit backcountry camping, options to stay outdoors in the actual park are limited to this campground and the Seawall Campground further south on Mt. Desert Island. There are places to ca...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Off-season Camp at Blackwoods Campground

      0.75 mi
      When we saw that the weather in Acadia was going to be mid 40's and sunny in March, we decided we had to go. However, when you go in March there are a lot of different things about Acadia National Park that are helpful to know.First of all, it is recommended that you camp at Blackwoods Campground...
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    • Bar Harbor, Maine

      Otter Point

      5.0
      1.09 mi / 92 ft gain
      If you only have an hour or so left to your day in Acadia, Otter Point offers some amazing views of the coastline, without being on a crowded beach. An easy mellow trail just inland from the shore allows you easy access to iconic places such as Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, and Monument Cove. Hike ...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Hike the Bubbles Divide Trail to Bubble Rock in Acadia NP

      4.7
      1.16 mi / 300 ft gain
      Bubble Rock is a well-known natural wonder in Acadia National Park.  This large boulder, which was carried by powerful glaciers, is resting precariously on the edge of the summit of South Bubble.  Due to its fairly accessible location, it is a common stop for visitors to the park. The trail begi...
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    • Mount Desert, Maine

      Otter Cliff

      4.5
      Otter Cliff – not to be confused with Otter Point – is a popular stop along the Ocean Path trail in Acadia National Park. This 110-foot cliff is one of the highest coastal headlands in North America and is a prime spot for rock climbing. If you don’t have your own gear, there are climbing tours a...
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    • Bar Harbor, Maine

      Gorham Mountain Trail

      4.7
      1.64 mi / 525 ft gain
      Gorham Mountain Trail is one of the relatively shorter and easy trails in Acadia National Park, and it's a perfect morning spot to catch a sunrise in Acadia (much less crowded than the highly-visited Cadillac Mountain). To access the trail head, you'll need to drive into the park and down the Pa...
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    Camping and Lodging in Southwest Harbor

    Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday
    Bar Harbor, Maine

    Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday

    Schoodic Woods Campground
    Winter Harbor, Maine

    Schoodic Woods Campground

    Duck Harbor Campground
    Isle au Haut, Maine

    Duck Harbor Campground

    Bucksport / Fort Knox KOA Holiday
    Orland, Maine

    Bucksport / Fort Knox KOA Holiday

    Bangor / Holden KOA Holiday
    Holden, Maine

    Bangor / Holden KOA Holiday

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Southwest Harbor

    Why You Should Visit Acadia National Park Anytime This Year

    Why You Should Visit Acadia National Park Anytime This Year

    Chris Mongeau

    Fall in Acadia National Park

    Fall in Acadia National Park

    Molly Mann