Hikes in Acadia National Park, Maine

Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll or a full on adventure to get the adrenaline pounding, Acadia National Park in 'Down East' Maine is the perfect place to come. There is a hike for everyone here in this beautiful natural playground, so strap on your boots or walking shoes and get on out there to explore. Here are a few trails to give you a taste of the hiking you can expect to find in Acadia National Park: Precipice Trail This is one of the most difficult hikes in the park, and one of the best known. This is a near-vertical hike in exposed conditions on which you must climb up a 1000 ft precipice using iron rungs and ladders. This ascent should only be attempted by those with good fitness levels and a good head for heights. If you would like to attempt this climb then you must check that it is open before you make the journey. This trail is sometimes shut between late spring and mid-August to protect the rare and endangered peregrine falcons who nest here. Acadia Mountain Trail This is another of the best known and most popular hiking trails in the park. This route is rather steep in sections, though in summer it is often possible to be led up Acadia Mountain by National Park Rangers, who include hikes on this trail in their regular summer program. There are spectacular views from this route of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor. Mansell Mountain A great rocky staircase will take you up to the 946 ft summit of this peak. Mansell Mountain is situated on the western side of Mount Desert Island and it has fantastic views out over the Great Long Pond. To complete this picturesque ascent, park near the south end of the Great Long Pond near to Southwest Harbour. The loop is strenuous in the climb, though the loop is only a couple of miles long. Cadillac Mountain There are several hikes to choose from on Cadillac Mountain. The most challenging of the hiking routes on the peak is the South Ridge Trail. The ascent is long but fairly gentle, 7.4 miles of forest then granite slopes. The North Ridge Trail, of around 4.4 miles, is an open ascent with stunning views out over Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Alternatively, you can park up and take the very easy circular path round the 1,530 ft summit, for stunning panoramic views without much effort. Jordan Pond At the scenic spot of Jordan pond you can choose to take the gentle one mile nature trail or by the forest and pond, or alternatively you could take the 3.3 mile route around the Shore Trail, following the waterline. Start from Jordan Pond parking area, not the Jordan Pond House Restaurant parking area. These are just some of the many beautiful trails to choose from in the spectacular Acadia National Park. If you are considering a hiking holiday in Maine, http://www.traveleze.co.uk/ can help you out. We're a specialist holiday company providing customers with affordable dream holidays. The team of travel experts are dedicated to providing outstanding service to customers helping them with flights, accommodation, holiday deals and Great Offers. The company's website http://www.traveleze.co.uk/ is brimming with valuable information and great deals, exceeding customers' expectations daily. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8993999