In 2009 my wife and I visited Acadia National Park in Maine for the first time. This is probably my favorite vacation we have ever been on. This trip introduced us to so much natural wonders and scenic views like nothing we have ever seen before.

As someone who mostly drives to vacation destinations I think it says a lot when you fall in love with a place so much that you are willing to make a 10 hour drive to visit the same place more than once. We have been back to Acadia National Park since our initial visit and often discuss returning again and again. We enjoyed our visit to Acadia National Park so much that it also inspired us to explore other locations on the Maine coast.

Acadia National Park has so much to offer. From tranquil and serene scenes. Places of calm and relaxation. All the way to the other extreme of chaotic waves smashing the coastline. Ocean waters pounding the rock encrusted shoreline so hard it can be heard from miles away. There is even a location where the winter strikes so loudly that it is named Thunder Hole because it sounds like a thunder clap.

We love to camp. And we have camped at the Blackwoods Campground. There are 3 reasons to absolutely love camping here. You have direct access to a hiking trail that allows you to traverse across the park up and over its highest elevation. It is only a short hike to the park road that circles the park. And there is a great location to sit and watch the sunset or sunrise just across the park road. And as an added bonus you can often hear the ocean waves at camp.

As I mentioned previously there is a park road that encircles the park. This park road is the perfect place for a scenic drive, a bike ride, a nice casual walk, or if you are a crazy runner like me a beautifully scenic run like you cannot get most places. There is also a shuttle service you can ride that will pick you up and drop you off at various location around the park.

If the park itself isn’t enough of a reason to visit. The entire island and surrounding area is beautiful. There are also several small towns to visit. Bar Harbor being one of them, is a great place to spend the days relaxing and enjoying some delicious food.

I am always dreaming of returning here despite my desire to see new places. This location has a permanent hold in my mind and in my heart.

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