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Southwest Harbor, Maine

Looking for the best photography in Southwest Harbor? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Southwest Harbor. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography 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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  • 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 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

    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

    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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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Thunder Hole

    3.8
    0.17 mi / 29 ft gain
    A natural phenomenon caused by waves crashing into a narrow inlet, Thunder Hole is a sight worth seeing in Acadia National Park.  As the waves rush in and out of the small cavern at the end of the inlet, the water collides with trapped air, creating a loud thunderous sound.  The splash of the wat...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike the Great Head Trail in Acadia NP

    5.0
    1.9 mi / 275 ft gain
    To begin the Great Head Trail hike, you'll want to park at the parking lot for Sand Beach located on the Park Loop Road. From the parking lot, you will cross the beach entirely, which is a nice morning walk in itself, especially on the foggy days Acadia is famous for. When you reach the end of t...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Relax at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

    4.5
    Sand Beach is located off the Park Loop Road on the east side of Mt. Desert Island. Signs for the beach will make it difficult to miss.  Once there you can park your car and walk down some steps to the beach. There are restrooms and changing areas close by. On the beach you will be able to la...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike the Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park

    4.9
    1.35 mi / 512 ft gain
    This 1.6 mile round trip trail starts with a moderate grade as you leave the sand beach parking area. After a half a mile you will see a rock pile and you have the option of heading strait for the slower sloping (but less views) trail ahead of you or you can turn to the right and see the steep tr...
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