Tags
acadia national park, Bar Harbor, bar harbor maine, bar island, champlain mountain, free shuttles, hiking, otter point, park loop road, poor boy's gourmet, precipice trail, sheer rock face, travel, vacation
On our second day, we woke up to a bright, crisp morning and headed into the park to continue the Park Loop Road and hike the Precipice Trail. Though short, only a little over one mile in length, the Precipice Trail climbs over 1,000 feet on the east face of the Champlain Mountain. Signs warn visitors that the Precipice Trail is not a hiking trail, rather it is a non-technical climb and that those with a fear of hights should consider taking one of the other routes to the summit. The most challenging hike in Acadia? – We’re so there!
I would recommend the Precipice Trail to anyone in decent shape. The views were stunning and for someone who doesn’t rock climb, the experience was unforgettable.
Though there are more “free” climb areas on the trail, where I would have to use the rocks to hoist myself up, the park rangers installed iron-rung ladders to assist us climbers on the more difficult portions.
The summit offered 360 degree views of the surrounding area as well as alternative routes to climbing down. Climbing the Precipice Trail up the mountain was one thing, but none of us were looking forward to the descent on the sheer rock face. So, we took one of the alternate routes back to the Park Loop Trail, hopped on one of the park’s free shuttles to the Precipice Trail parking lot, and headed back to Bar Harbor for lunch. In town, we enjoyed yet another delicious lobster roll at a centrally located restaurant, Cherrystone’s, and explored the local craft fair in the main plaza.
Determined to finish the Park Loop Road, we drove back into the park and followed the loop around to all the sites at the park.
We saw the Sand Beach …
and Otter Point, among other sites, such as the Thunder Hole.
But, our excursions for the day did not end there. After completing the Park Loop Road, we were just in time for low tide. At low tide in Bar Harbor, the water recedes to reveal a sand bar that visitors can use to cross onto Bar Island. From this alternative vantage point, we could see the island and homes that would otherwise be obscured from the mainland visitor.
Walking across a passages that is usually underwater also offers a glimpse into Bar Harbor’s underwater habitat. All the rocks were covered in seaweed and snails.
After our second “hike” of the day, we were too weary and hungry from our day to put much effort into finding a place for dinner and we ended up dining at Poor Boy’s Gourmet, which was across the street from our hotel. I would not recommend this restaurant. Both the food and service were bad, portions were huge, and none of the components of the dishes worked together. You selected an entree and were offered the same choices of sides: roasted vegetables, a baked potato, or pasta. In all, I was disappointed and felt as though I had wasted an opportunity to eat well in Bar Harbor.
More to come soon!