Taking advantage of a little free time, I was recently able to travel up to Bar Harbor, Maine to explore Acadia National Park for the first time in the form of a solo day hike. If you are also thinking of doing so, I highly recommend that you start out by purchasing the more detailed Acadia National Park Hiking and Biking Trail Map 2nd Edition (published by Map Adventures, LLC) at the Visitor's Center. With no past experience hiking the park, I was able to map out a route within moments and ascertain where I was at all times throughout the day.
The manner in which I chose to explore the park (on foot) differs slightly from how I observed most sheeple traipsing from one point of interest to the next in their cars. Ironically, I was often able to reach landmark locations at the same time as the vehicular trekkers following the main Park Loop Road.
I commenced my hike from the Nature Center at the Sieur de Monts' entrance.
From there I followed the Emery Path, which leads to the Schiff Path. The Schiff Path will take you to the summit of Dorr Mountain, which has a peak elevation of 1270 feet.
 |
| View of the Harbor along the Schiff Path |
|
The climate of the day frequently alternated between a balmy Northern California sun bath to a mystical, mist laced breeze reminiscent of a Welsh mountainside. The summit of Dorr Mountain featured more of the latter. There was so much moisture in the air that the shelf-like ridge became a treacherous slide in some parts. I found myself wishing that I had trekking poles for the first time in my life. As it was, I was able to crest and descend the slippery slopes without falling. As I was hiking solo, an injury would have proved more unfortunate than usual.
 |
| At the summit of Dorr Mountain |
From the summit of Dorr, the Gorge Path leads directly to the popular Cadillac Mountain, which is notable for its 1530 feet elevation, the highest point on the Eastern sea board. I found this trail even more dangerous than the preceding path to Dorr, as it was comprised of more wet, steep descents. Always preferring to go up a mountain rather than down one, I was dismayed at how there was a lack of suitable footing on the descents. The views one encounters along the way, however, make up for the perceived sense of heightened injury risk.
 |
| View along the Gorge Path |
|
 |
| At the summit of Cadillac Mountain |
From the top of Cadillac Mountain, I proceeded to head out on the South Ridge Cadillac Mountain Trail. Following that for .7 miles, finding the views spectacular despite the mist. The mist only added to the ambiance I was feeling, and certainly did not detract from the experience at all. I remember feeling in awe of the sheer magnitude of the landscape I was experiencing- a timeless tribute to a bygone era. Taking in this visual stimuli gave me the impression that I was opening the garage doors of my mind and senses a little bit wider, and that I would never feel quite exactly the same after taking it all in. That sentiment has certainly proven to be true.
 |
| Along the Cadillac South Ridge Trail |
|
|
At the intersection of the Cadillac South Ridge Trail and the Jordan Ponds Path, I was treated to the oasis that is the Feather-Bed, which is a small little body of water framed by an equally small hill. The view beyond the pond stretches out for miles across the bay.
 |
| Feather-Bed | |
 |
| Overlooking the Feather-Bed |
|
From the Feather-Bed, the Jordan Ponds Path leads directly to Jordan Pond (which in other areas would certainly receive a "lake" classification. The path is an interlude from the sweeping vistas, but is extremely pleasant to walk on. One can relax and simply take in the surrounding views without worrying about slipping or engaging in extremely strenuous climbing. The green moss coating the granite rocks certainly added to the feeling that you were walking in an ancient environment.
 |
| Green moss made for a beautiful visual contrast |
 |
| Jordan Pond |
After walking for almost two miles on the Jordan Ponds path, suddenly the path opens up directly to the pond with no prior glimpses available. It is possible to circumnavigate the entire length of the pond, but as it was getting in the late day, I chose not to do this. I had my sights set on Pemetic Mountain (1248 feet), and I followed the Pemetic South Ridge Trail to get there. The sun frequently penetrated through the mist along this portion of the trail, and it would illuminate part of the foliage while leaving the other portions cloaked in mist. The view along the trail to Pemetic afforded views of Bubble Pond down below.
 |
| Overlooking Bubble Pond |
 |
| Pemetic Mountain Summit |
|
From Pemetic Mountain, I followed the main Park Loop Road all the way back to the Jesup Trail, which leads back to the Nature Center. The Jesup Trail is notable for its freshly constructed wooden walkway/foot bridge. I found that the over-engineered walkway detracts from the natural experience of the park. Otherwise, it is another beautiful, relaxing trail.
 |
| Bubble Pond |
|
 |
| Jesup Path elevated wooden walkway |
All together, I walked approximately 18 miles. My only regret was that I did not have enough time to explore all of the treasures that this national landmark of a park has to offer.
