by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut
Close your eyes. Think “beaches.” Quick – what comes to mind? Most people conjure up images of soft white sand beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast or turquoise waters lapping gently against honeyed sands on an exotic Caribbean island. Few would associate the word beaches with Maine, yet this most northern of states has one of the loveliest beaches in the nation.
On the eastern shore of Mount Dessert Island, in the center of Acadia National Park, is Sand Beach. Tucked between two rocky arms and backed by virgin pine forest, this crescent cove glitters like a pink diamond surrounded by emerald chips. Over eons, shore currents have deposited tons of sand that have eroded from the surrounding granite, mixed with broken bits of shells and the skeletons of crabs, mussels, sea urchins, and other marine life. The beach is ideal for sunning but only the heartiest of souls venture into the water, because it rarely exceeds 55 degrees, even on the hottest summer days.
Crystal clear emerald waters lap gently on the pinkish-tan sands of Sand Beach
Sand Beach is also a jumping off point for two of the park’s most popular hikes. On the far end of the beach a set of granite steps at the base of the cliff leads to the trail that loops around Great Head, a rocky monolith that forms one arm of the sheltering arms of Sand Beach. From the beach parking lot, another two-mile long trail leads along the coastal cliffs, passing Thunder Hole on the way to Otter Point. Other park visitors arrive at Sand Beach before dawn to witness the sunrise from this easternmost speck of land that enjoys uninterrupted views of the north Atlantic.
Looking back on Sand Beach from the coastal cliffs trail leading to Otter Point
The only access to Sand Beach is via the Loop Road of Acadia National Park, located near the famous seaside resort town of Bar Harbor, Maine. The per car entry fee is $20 between June 23 and early October, and $10 between May 1-June 22 and early October through October 31. The entrance fee is good for one vehicle for seven days, including the date of purchase. However, if you happen to be in the area in April, the fourth Sunday of that month each year is officially Car Free Day in Acadia.
Photos courtesy of Barbara Ann Weibel
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5 Responses
What a wonderful, wonderful post. I haven’t been to Bar Harbor in over a decade, and I’ve never been to Sand Beach. It sounds great; I love beaches that aren’t overcrowded, with hiking trails, like this one. Thanks!
By the way, the best lobster roll I’ve ever had in my life was in Bar Harbor.
Jennifers last blog post..Tomkats Grille in Old Koloa Town, Kauai – Casual Hawaii Restaurant
[...] for colorful fall foliage, with no idea where I would stay for the night. I had rolled into Bar Harbor, Maine late in the afternoon and decided to stick around for a couple of days to hike the trails of [...]
[...] located at the end of Lighthouse Road off route 102A in Bass Harbor, on land that is today part of Acadia National Park. The grounds are open all year, seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to [...]
US pop star Justin Timberlake is letting his golf obsession take over his home as has installed a putting green in his house. The pop superstar has been an avid golfer for many years and even owns his own golf course near Memphis, Tennessee.
He has reportedly spent $800,000 on converting the room in his mansion into an indoor golf course, which is complete with astro-turf, so he can practice his swing even when he?s not out on the fairway, reported jackzap..com.
I am a golf fanatic. My handicap is six and I play 18 holes a couple of times a week. I converted one of the bigger rooms in my house into a miniature green, I own a golf course near Memphis and I converted one of the bigger rooms in my house into a miniature green,? he said. Lets just hope his windows are made of reinforced glass?
Miley Cyrus
My family and I have visited Bar Harbor, for the last 3 years, I never tire of it. I scour the web looking for new things to do when I visit. This is a great addition to the many places I will try and visit when I go again next June. I stumbled aross a good starter guide tonight for any first timers out there at http://hoteltattler.com/content/visiting-bar-harbor-maine-things-do-places-stay
If anyone has any additional suggestions I would love to read them.