Category Archives: things to see and do

Cadillac reservations start in August for fall trial run of parking system

The pandemic has delayed openings at Acadia National Park and indefinitely postponed operation of shuttle buses, but leaders are forging ahead with plans for a trial run this fall of a parking reservation system for Cadillac Mountain and Ocean Drive, with people allowed to make online reservations in August. The dry run for parking at […]

Amazin’ Maine Virtual Race with medals a new way to socially distance

Giving a new meaning to social distancing, the Amazin’ Maine Virtual Race brings far-flung family and friends virtually near, alone together, on a magical virtual tour of Acadia to Katahdin and along the coast from Lubec to Ogunquit. With Acadia National Park closed until at least June 1 and the cancellation yesterday of what would […]

‘MegOMoose,’ ‘mustang,’ other virtual racers lining up in Acadia to aid charity

Ready, set, go! With fun names like “MuddyMom,” “SlowCrawl,” “BunnyButt” and “TheOtherButt,” virtual racers from around Maine and the rest of the country are heading out of the starting gate of the Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race today, to help raise funds for charity in Millinocket and Acadia. Join the fun no matter where in the world you log your walking, hiking or running miles. Everyone is a winner, whether you opt for a lobster- or moose-themed medal, or get an emailed milestone postcard after virtually climbing the 26 peaks of Acadia.

Virtual race marks 100th anniversary of Acadia peaks, Millinocket library

Virtually climb 26 Acadia peaks, run the MDI and Millinocket Marathons and scale Maine’s highest mountain in a new Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race that begins Aug. 2, to help raise funds for Friends of Acadia, Millinocket Memorial Library and Our Katahdin. The race celebrates the 100th anniversary of Acadia becoming the first eastern national park and the related effort of renaming mountains, such as Cadillac, as well as of the Millinocket library. Get a chance to earn a lobster or moose-themed medal, keep up with family and friends who join and log miles no matter where they are in the world, and see a virtual tour of parts of Maine you may not have seen in real life yet. Sign up now: https://racery.com/r/acadia-virtual-races/

Gary Stellpflug leads highly skilled Acadia hiking trails crew

If you’ve ever marveled at Acadia National Park’s hiking trails, here’s a chief reason they look so good: Gary Stellpflug, the Acadia trails foreman. In this Q&A with Stellpflug, find out what he revealed during a National Trails Day hike on the Valley Trail, and his updates of trail work throughout the park. There’s no better way to celebrate Acadia’s 103rd anniversary of being founded as a national monument on July 8, 1916, than to appreciate the work of the Acadia trails crew and volunteers.

Top 6 Acadia carriage road loop hikes for end of mud season

What better way to celebrate the end of mud season, than to hike the Acadia carriage roads, which recently opened to pedestrians, but not yet to bicyclists or horses? This special guide to the top 6 Acadia carriage road loop hikes of between 3 to 6 miles features interactive maps, elevation profiles and photos of some of the carriage road bridges and other sights to see. Thanks to reader Caroline, who posed this question as part of our “Ask Acadia on My Mind!” series.

Maine virtual race helps make new year resolutions, friends, and Stephen King connections

Get off to a good start with 2019 new year resolutions to get fit, do good and keep up with friends – join nearly 100 virtual racers and log miles from Acadia to Katahdin no matter where in the world you are. Earn a custom medal with a star for every 20-day streak of at least 1 mile a day, with a fifth big sequined star for 100 days in a row. Help raise funds for charity. And stop by and wave a virtual hello to Stephen King.

Hike Acadia’s 26 peaks – in real life, or virtually! – and earn this gold medal

The Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race Medals are in! Whether you love hiking Acadia’s 26 peaks or Katahdin, or are in training for the Mount Desert Island Marathon & Half or Millinocket Marathon & Half – or just love seeing a Google Street View photo of one of those real-life places pop up as you enter your walking, hiking or running miles in the virtual race course for the day – you, too, can earn this special medal. Made by the same company that makes the Boston and MDI Marathon medals, it features a raised profile of the Bubbles and Katahdin.

Hike Acadia’s 26 peaks, earn gold medal, aid charity

Have you ever hiked the 26 peaks of Acadia? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about it? Now there’s a way to earn a gold medal for bagging the peaks, or even for virtually “climbing” them, by signing up for the Acadia to Katahdin Virtual Race, which runs through Dec. 8, 2018. The virtual race helps raise funds for Acadia and Katahdin-area charities. We’re proud to co-sponsor the race with Mount Desert Island Marathon & Half and Millinocket Marathon & Half as the virtual edition of the Sea to Summit Series. Between now and Dec. 8, racers are virtually heading over the 26 peaks of Acadia, along the real-life MDI and Millinocket Marathon & Half routes, passing by the offices of the 3 charities benefiting from this virtual race, skirting by at least 6 sites associated with Stephen King, and finishing on Katahdin. Everyone’s a winner whether they complete the race route by Dec. 8 or not, because every participant gets a medal, helps charity and enters a giveaway of Acadia, Millinocket and Stephen King-themed gifts. You can log your hiking, running or walking miles anywhere in the world.

Hope springs eternal for springtime in Acadia National Park

Deep snow may still cover parts of Acadia National Park, but surely it can’t be long before birdsong fills the air, flowers and trees bud and the park rouses from its wintry slumber. Acadia in springtime is an uncrowded paradise, perfect for hikers, birders, plant aficionados, bicyclists, runners, photographers, or anyone who enjoys the outdoors […]