COASTAL ADVENTURES
Discovery Awaits on the DownEast Coast
Whether you prefer to travel by bike , on foot , or in a sea kayak , we guarantee a spectacular adventure as you travel along our coast from one end of the region to the other . You ’ ll discover some new favorite places and rediscover a few old favorites that you ’ ll want to come back to enjoy again and again .
Sea kayaking is an exhilarating way to discover the hidden charms of the tiny harbors , islands , and coastal villages of DownEast Acadia . It is important that visitors hire an outfitter or Registered Maine Guide ; they can be found in many harbor towns . More experienced coastal paddlers can explore the Maine Island Trail and even plan for an overnight stay on one of their public access sites .
There may be nothing more exhilarating than hiking our coast . With a salty summery breeze in the air , take a hike through an ancient conifer forest dripping with the earthy scent of moss and mushrooms . Why not summit Cadillac Mountain on foot or test your skills on the Precipice Trail . Explore the Schoodic Peninsula , the majestic forests and bogs that turn a brilliant crimson in the autumn , or the bold coastal ledges in Cutler and Lubec . From an island hike on Great Wass to the steep climbs up Pigeon Hill or Blue Hill , there are hundreds of miles of coastal trails for your enjoyment .
See the region from the saddle of a bike . Hop the ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor to ride the Bold Coast Scenic Bikeway . The 211-mile Bikeway takes riders from the Schoodic Peninsula through the historically and culturally diverse communities that line our Bold Coast to its eastern terminus in Calais . The East Coast Greenway and US Bike Route 1 are primarily on-road bicycling routes while the Down East Sunrise Trail offers 87 miles of multi-use gravel for hybrid , mountain and fat bikes . Fifteen miles of packed gravel trails await the international traveler on Campobello Island * .
Surf casting and saltwater fishing offer a great way to enjoy the water and the views without having to dip into the chillier-than-you-might-expect waters . The town dock is a perfect place to drop a line and shoot the breeze with some of the local commercial fishermen . They may even give you some tips on where to do some surf casting when the stripers are running .
All coastal adventures do not need to be active . Stroll through charming towns and villages , then when the tide is low , comb the beach for sea glass and shells . Grab a book by a Maine author then find a bench with a view to read the afternoon away .
* Passport required , and check in advance for any travel restrictions to Canada .
Acadia National Park @ Buterbaugh
Bold Coast Scenic Bikeway Granite Quarry , Little Black Island
Seaglass in Lubec