Acadia National Park's Loop Road
The 27 mile Park Loop road is the major sight seeing drive inside Acadia National Park. At the average speed limit it is quite possible to drive its entirety in just about one hour. Most groups like to stop multiple times. When we visit places along the way, you will have a bit of time to get out and take pictures and walk about to explore. Those who prefer less walking are able to see most of Acadia National Park's highlights right from the comfort of their seat.
The 27 mile Park Loop road is the major sight seeing drive inside Acadia National Park. At the average speed limit it is quite possible to drive its entirety in just about one hour. Most groups like to stop multiple times. When we visit places along the way, you will have a bit of time to get out and take pictures and walk about to explore. Those who prefer less walking are able to see most of Acadia National Park's highlights right from the comfort of their seat.
Sand Beach
A very cold water, Atlantic Ocean beach, Sand Beach is Acadia National Park's largest recreational beach for tourists. Many brave souls love a dip, usually in the hot months of July and August. Maybe Sand Beach is better for enjoying a book, or maybe working on your next landscape. The sound of the ocean waves might serenade you and become your muse! Putting your feet in the icy Atlantic Ocean waters is a great activity any time of year.
Sand Beach is comprised mostly of pulverized sea shells and other organic matter left behind by the mighty Atlantic. "Sand" is a bit of a misnomer as sand is not the major component. Sand Beach is protected by a huge formation of granite out in the water called "Old Soaker." Sand beach is also part of a pocket cove well protected by granite on either side. Most of the smooth sand, or pulverized shells are left behind on the beach. Cobblestone beaches are not so well protected like Sand Beach and the loose matter is washed out to sea, smoothing the bigger rocks in the process.
A very cold water, Atlantic Ocean beach, Sand Beach is Acadia National Park's largest recreational beach for tourists. Many brave souls love a dip, usually in the hot months of July and August. Maybe Sand Beach is better for enjoying a book, or maybe working on your next landscape. The sound of the ocean waves might serenade you and become your muse! Putting your feet in the icy Atlantic Ocean waters is a great activity any time of year.
Sand Beach is comprised mostly of pulverized sea shells and other organic matter left behind by the mighty Atlantic. "Sand" is a bit of a misnomer as sand is not the major component. Sand Beach is protected by a huge formation of granite out in the water called "Old Soaker." Sand beach is also part of a pocket cove well protected by granite on either side. Most of the smooth sand, or pulverized shells are left behind on the beach. Cobblestone beaches are not so well protected like Sand Beach and the loose matter is washed out to sea, smoothing the bigger rocks in the process.
Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is one of the most popular ocean-side attractions inside Acadia National Park. It is a significant formation of granite shoreline sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean's pounding waves and Mother Nature since the last Ice Age. At a few hours before the high tide, you have a chance of hearing the thunderous sound of the ocean pounding into Thunder Hole's cave. It is named "Thunder Cave" on some old maps. If you get too close you can get drenched. You will feel the granite shake underneath your feet if the wave is big enough. The granite has a beautiful salmon-pink color all along the shoreline nearby, and at Thunder Hole in particular. During most storms, Acadia National Park's rangers will restrict or shut down access to this attraction.
Thunder Hole is one of the most popular ocean-side attractions inside Acadia National Park. It is a significant formation of granite shoreline sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean's pounding waves and Mother Nature since the last Ice Age. At a few hours before the high tide, you have a chance of hearing the thunderous sound of the ocean pounding into Thunder Hole's cave. It is named "Thunder Cave" on some old maps. If you get too close you can get drenched. You will feel the granite shake underneath your feet if the wave is big enough. The granite has a beautiful salmon-pink color all along the shoreline nearby, and at Thunder Hole in particular. During most storms, Acadia National Park's rangers will restrict or shut down access to this attraction.
Cobblestone Beaches
You can also have a quick stop at Hunter's Beach and listen to the cobblestones click together as the waves go in and out. Most of this part of the coast of Maine is laden with jagged granite and lots of cobblestone beaches. Being so close to the Bay of Fundy, home to the most extreme tide shifts in the world, gives the Maine coast big tide changes from low to high, twice a day. Most coves are unprotected and the loose sand gets dragged out with every tide, smoothing and leaving behind the bigger rocks too heavy to dislodge. Hunter's Beach is a classic example of a cobblestone beach.
You can also have a quick stop at Hunter's Beach and listen to the cobblestones click together as the waves go in and out. Most of this part of the coast of Maine is laden with jagged granite and lots of cobblestone beaches. Being so close to the Bay of Fundy, home to the most extreme tide shifts in the world, gives the Maine coast big tide changes from low to high, twice a day. Most coves are unprotected and the loose sand gets dragged out with every tide, smoothing and leaving behind the bigger rocks too heavy to dislodge. Hunter's Beach is a classic example of a cobblestone beach.
Cadillac Mountain
The Park Loop road circles Cadillac Mountain and also provides access to the mountain via the Cadillac Summit mountain road. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point of land inside Acadia National Park measuring a quarter of a mile, 1530 ft., at peak elevation. The highest point of land on the eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain also marks the spot as the first place to see the sunrise in the contiguous United States. We are able to drive to Cadillac summit which has spectacular views of the tiny village of Bar Harbor, the Porcupine islands, cruise ships out in Frenchman's bay and the Atlantic Ocean for miles in most directions. The summit has a great granite & cement path that takes about 15 or 20 minutes to circle for those who want a little stretch or walk.
Reservations are required for Cadillac mountain for all Acadia National Park visitors from mid May until mid November. As a tour company we are able to access reservations even at the last minute. A reservation for Cadillac Mountain is included with our tour price.
The Park Loop road circles Cadillac Mountain and also provides access to the mountain via the Cadillac Summit mountain road. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point of land inside Acadia National Park measuring a quarter of a mile, 1530 ft., at peak elevation. The highest point of land on the eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain also marks the spot as the first place to see the sunrise in the contiguous United States. We are able to drive to Cadillac summit which has spectacular views of the tiny village of Bar Harbor, the Porcupine islands, cruise ships out in Frenchman's bay and the Atlantic Ocean for miles in most directions. The summit has a great granite & cement path that takes about 15 or 20 minutes to circle for those who want a little stretch or walk.
Reservations are required for Cadillac mountain for all Acadia National Park visitors from mid May until mid November. As a tour company we are able to access reservations even at the last minute. A reservation for Cadillac Mountain is included with our tour price.
For information please call 207 288 1222 or email tours@barharborcoastalcab.com. Thank you!
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