Acadia National Park is one the most varied family destinations. In summer you can hike, swim, canoe, cycle, take carriage rides and hayrides, and go horseback riding. Winter visitors can cross-country ski and snow-shoe. The park encompasses more than 38,000 acres of Mount Desert Island, where lobster cookouts, hikes, and miles of dramatic coastline are all within easy reach.
Acadia has miles of hiking trails as well as bicycle and bridle paths. A trail of less than one mile leads to outstanding views from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the East Coast. There is also a Junior Ranger Program for kids; check with the visitor center. Life-guards are on duty in the summer at Echo Lake (fresh water) and Sand Beach (salt water). Tide pooling is a special way to experience Acadia; check a local tide chart and plan your visit as close to low tide as possible. Carriage and hay wagon rides can be arranged at Wildwood Stable (Park Loop Road, 207—276—3622).
The Mount Desert Oceanarium on Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor (207—244—7330) has touch tanks, a lobster room, a scallop tank, whale exhibits, and more. In Bar Harbor, the Abbe Museum features Maine Indian artifacts. Half- and full-day canoeing trips are a quiet and invigorating way to experience Acadia call National Park Canoe at 207— 244—5854. Coastal Sea Kayaking Tours glide across the clear waters leading eastward to Frenchman Bay or westward to Bluehill Bay. Half-day and full-day excursions as well as island camping outings are available; call 800—526—8615 or 207—288—9605. Inexpensive scenic cruises, including a daily nature cruise to the Cranberry Islands to watch seals, leave from Northeast Harbor; call the Islesford Ferry Company at 207—276— 3717. Whale-watching tours depart from Bar Harbor; call 207—288—9794 or 207—288—9776.
In addition to the lodgings listed here, families who enjoy camping can avoid the crowds by basing their stay in one of the five lean-tos on Isle au Haut, an island within the park accessible only by mail boat. Potential visitors must enter an annual lottery in the spring. Obtain an application before April 1 by calling Acadia Ranger Headquarters at 207—288—3338.
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