August 24, 2012
On the day of our hike in Acadia National Park, we dinghied ashore in time to catch the 9:30 a.m. bus to Bar Harbor. Once in Bar Harbor we purchased a park pass at the park’s information building near Village Green. Since we were on foot, the pass cost $5/adult, the kids were free, and they were good for a week. With our passes in hand, we caught the South Beach bus to Sieur de Mont to begin our trek up the mountain.
The Acadia trails are the most impressive trails we’ve ever seen. We began our hike along a small lake. The path along the lake was constructed by creative placement of large boulders. There was a feeling of exploring an off-beaten path without a trail to follow, but yet we were on a trail.
Once to the end of the lake, the path turned upwards towards Dorr Mountain. This was the beginning of Ladder Trail. Again, much of the trail was of creative rock placement, this time in the form of steps leading us up the mountain. The steps were big, and our thighs were burning. We were getting the cardiovascular workout that we’ve all been missing for the past few years!
As we neared the top of Ladder Trail, we found the reason for the trail name. There was an iron ladder attached to the rock face, allowing hikers to briefly experience some rock climbing.
come on guys!
cute little frogs
Ladder Trail, here we come
narrow walkways
almost too narrow for some
the reason for Ladder Trail
only the beginning of many steps
more steps
As we got higher, the views became more vast. Once we reached the top, we had gorgeous views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and all the islands on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island. We found a rock face near the top where we ate our lunch while enjoying the beauty. We also each savored the long awaited candy bars which we had purchased in Bar Harbor. Without an income and having a tight budget, the candy bar treat was a special deal!
the last blueberry!
view of Bar Harbor from Dorr Mountain
After lunch, we crossed over the top and began our trek down the other side. Whoever said going down was easier than going up? At times it was a challenge to keep our downward momentum safely in check.
Maine's red squirrel
finally got that cone
We followed various trail names along the way, but Hemlock Trail was another trail named for exactly what it was. It was a path completely shaded by tall hemlock trees. It was like being in part of a spooky book or movie.
part of Jesup Path
natural beauty
At the day’s end, and with exhausted legs, we bused it back to Somes Harbor. It felt good to be back on the boat and relax with the feet up.
