One Of The Best National Parks For Beginner Hikers Offers Captivating Coastal Views

Few rewards compare to the views and the clean air on a beautiful hike. While the U.S. has 63 national parks that are perfect for hiking or exploring the country's natural beauty, one of the best national parks for hiking, according to visitors – especially for beginners — is Acadia National Park. Mostly located on Mount Desert Island off the rocky and mountainous coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is noted for rewarding and accessible trails, as well as ranger-led activities. Those who are young or just young at heart can enjoy Acadia's trails as they're not too grueling. Most of them were purposefully constructed in the 1800s as works of art to access nature's beauty as well as commemorate local financiers, architects, and donors for the trails.

Acadia is an easy 8-mile drive from the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, served by Cape Air; another option is to fly into Bangor International Airport, an hour away. Both airports have rental car facilities. Acadia is one of the most popular national parks in the country, with the lion's share of visitors coming during the peak summer months and early fall. Expect to pay more for flights and rental cars during the busier summers. To enter the park, visitors are required to purchase a $35 vehicle entrance pass, valid for a week. Foreign visitors should be aware that there is a $100 surcharge for non-US residents at Acadia.

The 50,000-acre park has over 150 miles of trails for all to explore and enjoy the inspiring scenery. Less-strenuous routes in Acadia are a mix of hiking paths, boardwalks, and carriage roads that were used for horseback riding that provide access to scenic views of some of the park's natural gems, including Jordan Pond, Penobscot Mountain, and Sargent Mountain. Other popular beginner trails include the 1.5-mile-long Jesup Path Loop, a boardwalk running through Hemlock forests, as well as the 2.2-mile-long Ocean Path Trail. Jesup Path and a section of the Ocean Path Trail from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole (as well as the viewing platform) are wheelchair accessible. Plan to arrive before high tide to get the best experience and coastal views. For one of the best accessible and family-friendly hikes, make the drive up to Cadillac Loop, then take the half-mile hike to the lookout for a bird's eye view of the coast. You'll need to make a reservation on recreation.gov if you're visiting between May and October.

In case you're worried about getting lost or a long trek back to vehicle, many hikes in Acadia are known as "lollipops," or hiking loops that take you back to the trailhead. First-time visitors are recommended to take a trek up Bubbles Nubble Loop, where you'll get an assortment of the park's dramatic scenery and variable terrain. Visitors looking for a flatter, yet incredibly rewarding hike shouldn't miss trekking around Jordan Pond. On this hike, the National Park Service recommends hikers start on the eastern flank. The Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop trail is a bit more challenging, leading hikers through a forest to the summit. However, you'll likely be reenergized by the sight of your surroundings from the fire lookout, especially at sunset. 

Acadia National Park's boardwalks may be largely flat, and the mountains may not be as tall as the Rockies, but that doesn't mean hiking is a "walk in the park." At Acadia, falls are a very common injury, and you can lower your chances of getting hurt (or hurting the environment) by staying on trail. If possible, bring a hiking buddy not only for safety, but also to build fond memories and your friendship. When packing your bag, be sure to carry essentials such as a map, bug spray, a headlamp, and carry at least 1 liter of water. 

Although you can't predict the weather, you can prepare for it. Acadia has four distinct seasons, each with its own rewards and challenges. Before you set out on your hike, check the local air and weather conditions on the park's website, and keep in mind that the weather on the coast and in the mountains can be different, even though they are just a few miles away. In the spring and fall, when flowers and leaves burst with color, temperatures can swing 40 degrees. Wear layers, along with sturdy hiking boots, as the ground can be "wicked slick", according to the NPS. As weather conditions can change quickly, be sure to slip a rain jacket in your pack. Once you've finished your excursion, head over to Bar Harbor, the "Gateway to Acadia National Park," where you'll find a wide assortment of charming hotels, restaurants, and watering holes to rest, recover, and cap off your day.