Any to-do list for anywhere on Mount Desert Island has to start with Acadia National Park
While the largest, and best known, parts of the park lie to the east of the island-dividing Somes Sound, many excellent hiking and nature trails can be found in the western portion of the park near Southwest Harbor.
Among the best climbing trails are:
- Acadia Mountain and Saint Saveaur Mountain
- Beech Mountain
- Mansell Mountain
For a different sort of walk, check out the Wonderland Trail and Ship Harbor Nature Trail -- they take you through quiet marshes to the edge of the sea.
Note: During wet weather, trails on heavily forested mountains (such as Mansell) and in marshes can be very buggy. Strong bug repellent can help, although some of the bugs here seem undeterred by anything.
Also near Southwest Harbor is the Seawall, which looks much like a man-made breakwater but was created by waves piling up stones. There's a picnic area here that offers great views of the ocean.
Sailing trips leave from several locations in Southwest for great views of the islands.
A rainy day?
Southwest Harbor has a set of shops ranging from hardware stores to art galleries, all within easy walking distance. And unlike Bar Harbor, finding a parking place won't take all day. Also, not far away in Somesville is the Port in a Storm Bookstore, which offers not only books but comfy couches with a dramatic view of Somes Sound, which is regarded as the only true fjord in North America.
