Travel on a Budget: Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine

We may have less to spend on a vacation, but it is easy to find plenty of things to do on a tighter travel budget. A great resource for Americans: our National Parks. Already supported by tax dollars, our National Parks usually require only nominal entry fees and usually provide very inexpensive (if not free) camping, maps, and other resources.

In my opinion, one of the United States ' most beautiful National Parks is Acadia National Park , nestled near Bar Harbor, Maine, on an island called Mount Desert Island. Entrance fees to Acadia National Park vary, but are either $10, or $20 during peak times for a 7-day pass for one vehicle, or $5 for an individual (via motorcycle, bicycle or as a pedestrian). Be sure to check the website for other fees and waivers (if certain criteria are met).

Activities within Acadia are really unlimited, and it would be easy to spend the better part of a week exploring the various hiking and biking trails, as well as enjoying the ocean that surrounds the island. However, for those with less time to spend at the Park, here are some ideas of things to do:

For visitors new to the area, be sure to stop by the visitor center. Here, you can pick up a map and watch a 15-minute orientation video about the park.

Those who are disabled or otherwise opposed to hiking or biking should drive the 20-mile Park Loop Road , which yields exceptional views of many of Acadia 's highlights, including mountains and ocean! Continue your drive up to Cadillac Mountain (about 3.5 miles) and walk the 1/3 mile loop trail to enjoy incredible views of the area.

Beginning hikers shouldn't miss hiking "The Beehive". Though called a "strenuous" hike because of steep grades and a quick ascent (often via ladders built in to the rock face), any able-bodied adult should be able to complete the hike relatively easily, and the once at the top, the view is worth every second of the hike. On warm days, the 520-foot mountain is visited by hundreds of hikers, and the naked eye will be able to see people climbing back and forth across the southeastern face.

If time permits, explore the Park's 45 miles of carriage road system. This can be done on a bike or Acadia National Park also offers a horse-drawn carriage tour of the area. In addition to land tours, the Park offers sea tours. Check times dependent on the time of year you visit; most activities presented by rangers happen relatively regularly between May and October.

Visit the ocean! Mount Desert Island is surrounded by crystal blue water. Even in the warm summer months however, the water can be very cold!

After visiting Acadia National Park , be sure to stop in Bar Harbor . With lots of places to eat as well as beautiful scenery, Bar Harbor is a fun place to decompress and enjoy the scenery after a busy trip to Acadia.

Resources:

http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm