Tag Archives: things-to-see-and-do

Maine quarantine order rocks Acadia vacations, life on MDI

For frequent Acadia visitors like Deni Farr and Mount Desert Island lodging operators like Kristin Hutchins, Maine’s 14-day quarantine order has upended life as usual. Acadia opened June 1 with rangers wearing face masks and providing info under an open-air tent, but visitors and business owners await Gov. Janet Mills’s final plan this week to boost tourism. Acadia amid COVID-19: Another in a series

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.

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.

Celebrating Acadia birds amid Year of the Bird, climate change worries

Enthusiastic birders flock to Mount Desert Island annually to celebrate the diversity of Acadia birds. Now, as the Acadia Birding Festival marks its 20th anniversary May 31-June 3, the gathering comes during a time of urgency: A new study identifies as many as 66 species of Acadia birds that could become locally extinct by the year 2050, if nothing is done to reduce carbon emissions. This is the Year of the Bird, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that protects birds, and also sound the alarm about climate change’s potential impact and other threats, with the hope of preventing species from becoming modern-day equivalents of the canary in a coal mine.

First history of Acadia island sheds light on Baker Island and keepers of lighthouse

A new book about Baker Island tells the fascinating history and lore of the Acadia island known for its lighthouse. Author Cornelia J. Cesari is president of the board of directors of the nonprofit Keepers of Baker Island, which helps preserve a place that so many visitors to Acadia National Park have cherished.

Wanted: Acadia camping with a view, or in the backcountry

Planning an Acadia camping trip and want to know what sites offer views, or a backcountry experience? Find out about how to avoid crowds if camping in Blackwoods in August, and where to get a lobster to have by the campfire. And learn the latest about online reservations for all park campgrounds, including Duck Harbor for the first time this year.

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 […]

Acadia’s Ship Harbor ideal for hiking Maine coast in all four seasons

Whether in winter, spring, summer or fall, Ship Harbor Trail in Acadia National Park offers easy access to great views. Plus there’s the mystery of the shipwreck, the unusual tree stump, the tide pools that can be explored and plentiful birdlife, to keep you coming back. You can also follow in the footsteps of President Obama by hiking this trail.

Acadia in winter like a picture-perfect postcard

With a recent foot of snow, and possibly more on the way, Acadia National Park should be ideal for snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing this weekend. Recent rains also mean there is likely plenty of thick ice under the fresh snow to possibly make winter hiking risky in spots, even with MICROspikes(R) or snowshoes. It […]