Acadia: The Gem of the East

Firstly, I want to say thank you to all who read this. This is my first story I will be sharing on the outbound, so hope everyone enjoys. Constructive feedback is always appreciated!

My girlfriend and I decided that during the last week of September, we'll pack up a car and head to Maine. One of our stops was a three day adventure in Acadia National Park. I've only heard about Acadia from others who have been, depicting an oceanic, mountainside paradise that is rarely seen anywhere in the country. I've heard it dubbed "gem of the east." Acadia certainly lived up to its reputation. 

Our First Viewpoint: South Bubble Mountain overlooking Jordan Pond. If only I had my fly rod.

We got to our campground and setup camp. Acadia does not allow overnight backpacking so we grabbed a spot at blackwoods campground. It wound up being a great central location to go see Mother Nature's wonders. 

Our first stop was Jordan Pond. A fly fisherman myself, don't miss the opportunity to catch Maine brook trout (like I did, sigh). Anyways, starting at the pond trail, we made a decent loop around the lake until it was time for the real deal; setting afoot on the south bubble trail. For those who don't know, the south bubble trail is a pretty demanding trail. Not a killer like the precipice (Acadia's toughest trail. absolute blast!) but you're doing more climbing over large boulders than just plain old hiking. South Bubble is probably just over half a mile to the top, and it sure is worth the hike up. Once you start on the pond trail, just keep moving along it. You will eventually run into the intersection for the bubble. 

Getting to the top of South Bubble, I can honestly say I never did see a more beautiful site. Mountains resting along the Atlantic, blue skies and wind driven peaks all formed together beautifully to make a serene setting. 

After a snack break and a couple of pictures, we pressed forward. We decided to skip out on the north bubble and make our way to Mount Penobscot. From the top of south bubble, head North, away from the pond. You will see the trail and markers and will, as before with the Pond and South Bubble Trail, come to the intersection where you can begin the hike up to Penobscot. 

Victoria and I atop Penobscot. This was our favorite view of Acadia. Get out there and enjoy!

The hike up to Penobscot wasn't as difficult as getting to South Bubble. Its longer for sure, but it is a very enjoyable hike. You're in some pretty thick forest on your way up; its quite impressive how the sunlight barely penetrates through this area. And just as the mountaintops here,the forests are equally as beautiful. 

Going slightly off track, if you make your way to Acadia, a couple of quick tips: You only need daypacks for Acadia as overnighting is not allowed. Also, use the cairns for your directions to get to trails from the top of the mountains. They are more helpful than the markers in my opinion.

Back on track. After a good 5 hours of hiking, it was getting that time where the sun starts to doze off and the sky gets darker. We made our way back, got a fire going, jumped into some comfy clothes and set up dinner. Backpacker pantry meals, the way to go for these kinds of trips. After warm food, some mead, and twenty minutes of staring into the flames dancing off the woods, it was time to call it a night. 

Morning came with lots of rain. For many a rude awakening but for us just a quick adjustment to our day. Being it was cloudy, our initial plan to hike up Cadillac Mountain got pushed to the next day and our third day plan of otter cliffs came now. Imagining the sounds of rough waves crashing into rugged coastline became a vivid reality here. What a place! Here, the large stone beaches and jagged mountainside blankets the coast line, where the cold North Atlantic makes its waves. The good news here is there is a nice open dirt path for all viewers, whether hikers or visiting tourists, can enjoy the beauty. 

Otter Cliffs: Beautifully Intimidating

Our morning hiking along the cliffs was a good preparation for the big boy trail. The grandaddy of em all in Acadia: Precipice. I wish I took a picture of the sign just before the start of the trail. Basically, if you are anything other than an experienced hiker with first aid skills, say bye bye to this trail unless you're one balsy human. About one mile of near vertical climbing and hiking, coupled with iron rungs, ladders, and lots of cliffside shuffling to make your way up to Champlain Mountain. Of all the hikes, this was undoubtedly out favorite. The combination of adrenaline, excitement and fear all mixed smoothly, making this one hell of an experience.

A little opening along the precipice allowed for a picture with big views

After getting to the top of Champlain, a peak top lunch was in order.Backpacker pantry, the 5 star of hike dining. Making our way back down, we finally made it to the car where we moved to our next spot; the beehive. If Precipice is number one for gnarliest trail, the beehive is number 2. Lots of bouldering, iron rungs and ladders, and that sweet mix of feelings made it hard deciding what our favorite trail really was. But I can assure all who get to it, be ready for thrills and awesome hiking. 

Getting to the top of beehive was difficult. Not like precipice, but close. We made it to the top and made our way to a little slice of paradise known as the bowl. The bowl is a pond nestled in Acadia behind beehive mountain. If you get there, its a little haven for swimming, fishing, relaxing, or whatever your adventurous heart desires to do there. 

As before, the day was coming to an end and we decided to call it quits. A similar night as before, and were back to day three.

Our last day. Cadillac was the keyword today. We wound up actually starting from the top for this one. Hiking down Cadillac, we worked our way up Dorr Mountain. This entire hike was a mountain crawl, and I mean entire. From crawling down to crawling up, it felt like we were searching for treasures in lord of the rings. If that gives you an idea of what this trip was like, you're in good shape. 

Nothing (besides precipice) was more satisfying than seeing the top of Cadillac. You can get the idea of the meat part of this hike; strenuous. Lots of up and down hill but well worth the route if you're up for it!

Very bummed at the moment as my computer won't load any more pictures. Womp. I guess all I can do now is leave Cadillac a mystery to you all. It's your move on finding out what it's about!

Overall, I would go back to Acadia in a second. For those who haven't gone yet. Get there. You will be glad you did. To all who read my first story on The Outbound I thank you. Hope this motivates some peeps to go explore! Till next time, best to all.

Cal