Valley Peak Trail

Take a dip at Echo Lake in Acadia National Park! It's a small beach that's best driven to and easily park-able once you arrive. It's a refreshing stop for swimming that's right off of the beat and path. There are many campgrounds that rest upon the shores of Echo Lake if you want to be right on the water! Parking is easy - just drive as far as you can and park in a space that is not affiliated ...

Asticou Azalea Garden is a portion of 1400 acres managed by Land & Garden Preserve.  Here, you park at a small parking lot on the east side of 198 close to the intersection of Peabody Dr. and 198.  Parking is limited so if it is full come back in a bit! From the parking lot you can follow a trail south winding through trees and ponds on a gradual walkway.  You can explore the moss garden, ...

This has been one of my favorite winter adventures that I have had in a long time. There were gorgeous views of Somes Sound, we saw three snowy owls and there is a gorgeous  frozen waterfall on the way up to the summit! Because much of the Park Loop Road is closed in winter, we started our hike from a Parking area off of Route 3 (It's the one just north of Upper Hadlock Pond and you have to cr...

Thuya Garden is a separate portion of a larger preserve.  You can reach this garden by either parking on route 3 heading north a quarter mile past the main entrance or you can park in the actual Thuya Garden lot.  If you park on Route 3, you can enjoy a nice walk through the Maine forest on your way to the Garden.  Do this by crossing the street and heading up a paved path that parallels the ro...

Park yourself at Parkman Mountain Parking Area, a small lot located off of Route 3.  Remember to arrive early as this parking lot fills up quickly.  Load up your pack, grab your water, and maneuver your way through the carriage roads until you reach the Bald Peak Trailhead.  After a mile climb up 974 feet, reward yourself with a sip of water at the Bald Peak summit. To continue on your six p...

Parkman Mountain is already a lesser-hiked trail in the summer, and if you snowshoe it in the winter, it is very likely you’ll have the entire mountain to yourself. It offers exceptional views, a good amount of exposure, and solitude that is inspiring. From Parkman Mountain Parking area, walk past the gate. Once on the carriage trail, take a right. About 100 yards later, you will see an inters...