Just beyond Acadia National Park, Maine's coast unspools wild and untamed trails where ocean winds challenge every step. From the rocky Schoodic Peninsula to the rugged Bold Coast Trail, these day trips offer striking views combined with practical routes fit for all levels of adventurers.
Check Tide Schedules
Tides shift rapidly along Maine’s coast, affecting trail access near bays and tidal pools. Always plan your hike timeline around low tide for safer footing and better exploration opportunities.
Wear Slip-Resistant Footwear
Trails mix granite slabs and soil, often slick from ocean spray. Durable hiking shoes with good traction reduce the risk of slips, particularly on rocky ledges and tide pool areas.
Start Early in the Day
Ocean winds tend to strengthen in the afternoon. Beginning hikes before 9 a.m. helps you avoid the strongest gusts and offers calmer, cooler conditions.
Bring Adequate Water
Dry sea air can quickly dehydrate you. Carry at least two liters per person on day hikes, especially on longer routes like the Bold Coast Trail.
Beyond Acadia: Top Scenic Day Trips and Coastal Adventures in Maine
Acadia National Park draws adventurers from around the world, but just beyond its borders lie coastal landscapes equally fierce and inviting. North and east of Acadia, the Maine coast continues its rugged story with hidden bays, salt-sprayed cliffs, and trails where the wind dares you onward.
Begin with a 4.5-mile hike along the Schoodic Peninsula, where the rocky shoreline inks sharp contrasts against the Atlantic’s endless push. Expect moderate elevation gains of around 600 feet, with uneven granite stretches that test your footing but reward with vast ocean panoramas. The forested sections here press close, their pine and spruce limbs swaying as if whispering directions to follow the coastline.
Head south to the bold cliffs of Pemaquid Point. This compact loop trails about 2.3 miles over rugged, sometimes slippery rock surfaces. The beacon lighthouse stands vigilant, a firm presence against the relentless Atlantic. Tide pools here offer a chance to observe life stubbornly clinging to crevices—crabs, anemones, starfish—each a tiny actor in a larger coastal drama.
Farther east, the Bold Coast Trail demands respect. This 6-mile stretch features elevation shifts reaching 1,000 feet against challenging rocky terrain. The wind here is a steady challenger, pushing and pulling as you navigate narrow ledges and occasionally scramble over boulders. Views open to jagged bluffs dropping sharply to the crashing sea, where currents seem to have minds of their own.
Each day trip requires more than enthusiasm. Hydration is key—the salty air quickens thirst—and sturdy, grippy footwear will steady your steps on slick rock and loose soil. Begin hikes in the morning to catch softer light and avoid afternoon winds that rise in intensity. Check tides when near water’s edge; the ocean will not pause for your schedule.
Whether you’re tracing the coast under wind-sculpted trees or peering into tide-worn pools, these day trips push you to engage with a coastline fiercely itself. It’s not a place to tame but to understand, respecting the forces that shaped it and continue to shape each walk. Step off the beaten path here. The wild Atlantic is waiting—not always gentle, never predictable—an adventure poised to sharpen senses and steady resolve.
Nearby Trips
All Adventures
Boat Charters
Water Activities
Adventures near Ellsworth
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Ellsworth special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed on these coastal trails?
Most trails beyond Acadia, like those on Schoodic Peninsula, do allow leashed pets. However, rocky terrain and tide pools may challenge some dogs, so plan accordingly and keep pets safe from slippery rocks and rising tides.
Can these coastal day trips be done year-round?
While possible in every season, winter conditions bring ice and cold winds demanding proper gear and caution. Spring through fall offer the best balance of accessibility and weather.
What wildlife might I encounter aside from birds?
Besides seabirds, expect to see harbor seals offshore, small shore crabs in tidal pools, and occasionally deer wandering near the forest edges. Keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.
Is there cell phone reception on these routes?
Coverage is spotty along some coastal trails due to topography and sparse infrastructure. Prepare by downloading maps offline and informing someone of your route.
What local cultural or historical sites are nearby?
Pemaquid Point Light is an operational lighthouse with historical significance dating back to the 19th century. Nearby fishing villages still reflect Maine’s maritime heritage.
Are these trails good for families with children?
Shorter loops like Pemaquid Point are suitable for older children comfortable on uneven terrain. The more rugged Bold Coast is better suited to experienced hikers due to rocky paths and exposure.
Recommended Gear
Hiking Boots with Grippy Soles
Supports ankles and provides traction on mixed rocky and earthy terrain typical of the Maine coast paths.
Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Maintains hydration in dry, salty air that quickly drains energy.
Layered Clothing
Allows adjustments to temperature swings common near the coast, especially with early mornings and afternoon winds.
Trekking Poles
Optional but helpful for balance on uneven granite slabs and when crossing rocky sections.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Great Head Trail on the Schoodic Peninsula offers quieter views without the crowds typical of Acadia’s main hubs."
- "The tidal pools beneath Pemaquid Point Light harbor diverse marine life rarely crowded by visitors."
- "Bold Coast’s offshoot side trails reveal small coves where you might find colorful beach glass and unique rock formations."
Wildlife
- "Seabirds such as puffins and cormorants frequent the coastal cliffs during nesting seasons."
- "Harbor seals rest on offshore rocks, particularly visible in the early morning."
- "American eels and freshwater mussels inhabit some coastal streams feeding into tidal zones."
History
"The Pemaquid Peninsula is one of Maine’s oldest settled areas with sites dating back to early colonial fisheries and Native American habitation influencing trail routes."