I'm no stranger to parks and beautiful natural places, but Acadia is like a dreamscape. There's…read morestunning ocean views from crumbling gorgeous cliff sides. There are lakes, streams, ponds, scenic lighthouses, boats, bikes, trails, gardens, crazy hikes with vertical iron rungs, rolling forest hikes, lighthouses, and more! The main issue you'll run into is crowds.. lots of people want to come here, especially in July and August. Best thing to do, go in as early as possible, do some things, take a break, go back again after 3. If you're early, you can get a parking spot then work from there. If you are flexible on time, take advantage of the shuttles, but be warned, they may be full, and they don't run every 10-15 minutes, so plan accordingly. I would be in the park by 7, have plans maybe on a tour in Bar Harbor late morning or early afternoon, then head back after 4, and I got to all the must-do's, ie hiked the Beehive, the Bubbles, Cadillac Mountain sunrise and sunset (reserve this early as spots sell out, I booked mine 3 months in advance the minute they released and they were sold out shortly later, especially sunrise tickets), Jordan Pond and popovers, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, as well as some boat tours in the area, including very successful whale and puffin watching. For more hints and tips, I watched some YouTube videos, there's great info out there, especially the videos from Ash, a former park ranger, who has loads of helpful tips to get around and not spend your trip sitting in traffic or waiting in a parking spot.

Did we go in a wrong entrance or something?!…read more I was underwhelmed for sure. We walked a few trails and took some photos but ??? Im very glad we hit Cadillac Mountain - that's where it's at!!!

Despite having done some research in advance, I had not been aware of this particular opportunity…read more There are many small islands in the region, but this one is notable for having a gravel walkway that sits above the tide for only a few hours a day. An appropriately timed hike yields an array of fantastic views that beggar belief. And this is despite the fact that walking to the end of the trail on the island from downtown, Bar Harbor takes maybe half an hour. Signage warns people not to get trapped on the island when the tide rises as getting a boat is expensive. I could imagine that if the weather is rough one could get into a bit of trouble here, but as long as you're smart about it, this is a fantastic place to visit.

Bar Island is a tidal island connected to Bar Harbor by a gravel and sand bar that is exposed at…read morelow tide and submerged at high tide. So interesting to be able to cross from Bar Harbor by foot and then hike to the top of the island for a view of historic Bar Harbor. The city of Gouldsboro still maintains jurisdiction over the island based on its 1798 articles of incorporation. Many families have tried to build a bridge to the island from Bar Harbor, however John D. Rockefeller, Jr. purchased the half of the island that has the sandbar which stopped the bridge from being constructed. Today, the island is part of Acadia National Park. If you visit, mind the times for the tides. People have been stranded and apparently cars have been washed away back in the days when they parked on the sandbar. Once high tide comes in, you will need to wait approximately nine hours for low tide or pay a hefty fine for being stranded on Bar Island. A unique experience in Acadia National Park.

This place is the former estate of a female ornithologist. You can walk on a wood boardwalk…read morethrough the forest and there are additional dirt trails. Use bug spray though as there are a ton of biting insects here! When you park you will notice a number of cages. These cages are housing injured raptors. You can really get to see them up close although it is a little sad that they are stuck in cages. There is a visitor center though I was there too early in the morning so I cannot comment about it.

Such a great find! Many people come to the region specifically to explore Acadia. But I highly…read morerecommend you take a little time to explore this gem just outside of Ellsworth. It is quiet and gentle and gorgeous. We walked the white trail -- the longest of 4 miles of intersecting walking trails through the picturesque and peaceful woods. Then we visited all the bird habitats with owls, hawks, ravens, vultures, and geese - all of which have been rescued and given a second chance in this lovely place. Be sure to take the time to read the placards about the birds and the venue to really appreciate what's going on here. Lovely!

I love this place! The attention to detail at this park is incredible. There's a big, well kept…read moreplayground, a sweet little mud kitchen, life sized Lincoln logs for getting creative, musical instruments (I particularly love these, haha), not to mention a little walking path, and a massive community garden. The garden is amazing, and I love the idea of providing the community with organic produce. This has been the place of many a play date, and will continue to be! Make sure to stop by the Crows Nest Cafe for your coffee treat before coming to the park!!

Milbridge Commons Wellness Park is an amazing community gathering place, play area for children and…read morecommunity gardens. There are signs as to what is ripe and ready so you can pick your own produce. The views of the Narruagusus Bay are beautiful with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs in this peaceful location. Well worth taking your book and pausing for a chapter or so!

Very quaint garden with a gorgeous view and variety of flowers and plants. The volunteers we met…read morewere informative and kind. Make sure to bring your lunch here for a nice little picnic at the tables. A great stop in the Acadia area!

Loved this little butterfly park. There are such beautiful signs and explanations of what a certain…read morecollection of bushes and trees support in the butterfly life cycle. The park has a Venmo and the suggested donation is $5. There is a small play area for children under 6. There is wonderful view of the water and a picnic area for those who want to enjoy an outdoor meal.

This is a great spot. Parking , bathrooms and a long empty beach. Lapping waves. Very cold water…read more Lots of sea birds This is a pay to park beach, honor system.

Nice sandy beach ! Nice view ! Nice picnic area across the street with out houses . Not a huge…read morebeach .

This is a nice little state park that we have driven but never stopped. Im so glad we stopped this…read moreday. Its on the water with a rocky beach. Lots of parking. The trail we walked went right along the ocean and had lots of picnic tables and benches to stop. Such a beautiful spot.

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? Kind of. Well marked signs? Not really. Element of surprise? No. For Cumberland County folks, Moose Point feels like a combination of Fort Williams Park and Mackworth Island. It's got grassy knolls to picnic on with views of Penobscot Bay, evergreen groves to meander through via wide and well maintained trails (some of which have benches, some of which have little staircases leading down to the pebbled water's edge), a gazebo for events, and during low tide there are tidal pools to explore (during high tide it's much more difficult to navigate because it's mostly just uneven rocks and not much of a shore). I think this is a beautiful spot in midcoast Maine, and I'm glad there are locations like it throughout the state. Personally, I don't necessarily feel the need to come back (except to get my Maine State Parks Passport Stamp!!!), just because we have something soooooooooooo similar so close. But I can see how it's a draw for so many!

Don't miss Agamont park if you are visiting Bar Harbor. This park has much to do and see. I'm not…read moremuch for the tourist shops so I enjoyed seeing the boats in the bay. You need to pay to park but not after 9:00 pm. There are restrooms conveniently located near the parking area. During the summer the sun rises at 4:00 am and sets around 8:00 pm. It provides for secular evening photos. The gazebo was so beautiful. I would like to do a family photo here next time.

if you are in the bar harbor area, you will cross this park multiple times, across the Geddy's. it…read moreis an urban park in bar harbor. green space offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands, with a full 180 degrees of natural beauty on show from the northwest right around to the southeast. It's probably the best view in Bar Harbor. it is a popular viewing point for tourists. locals say- it is a popular viewpoint to watch the Fourth of July fireworks each year. This is such a peaceful spot to look out at the ships anchored in Frenchman Bay as well as the many islands near Bar Harbor. Grab a space on the lawn to relax or have a picnic and enjoy the view.

Spectacular view of Penobscot Bay, the surrounding islands, and the Town of Camden. Well…read moremaintained and clean park, we walked a few of the trails on our visit today. $6 per person for non residents of Maine. That pretty much says it all, a short review, but this is a "must visit" if you are in the area.

I always try to visit a park when I'm traveling. Camden Hills State Park is a must see while…read morevisiting Maine. There is a small $6 fee for entry. You can camp, walk, bike or drive the park. The park guides are very helpful. We went straight to Mt Battie Rd for a beautiful scenic view of Camden Harbor. Penobscot Bay and Megunticook Lake. The views are out of the world! We spent 2 days going in and out of the park to see daytime versus sunset across the bay. We actually had a small picnic while visiting. This was a very calm relaxing experience. I highly recommend especially if you like wandering and hiking in parks. There is two sides to park, so dont forget to drive across the street.