Wonderland Trail
It’s family friendly. It goes a bit on the coast of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park’s Wonderland Trail is great for spotting birds and checking out tide pools (when the tide is low).
This is one of the first mellow trails that young families who move here check out. It is not wheelchair accessible though part of it is a gravel fire road.
“When exploring this area, never turn your back on the water, explore as tide is going out, and be gentle with any creatures in the tidepools,” Acadia National Park writes of the 1.4 mile round trip walk.
There is barely any elevation change. The path is wide enough that you do not have to walk single file.
It’s located between Seawall Campground and the Ship Harbor Trail, which are both on Maine Route 102A.
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Terrain: gravel fire road, rocky sections, coastline
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Pets are okay on leashes.
You do not need reservations.
Hike Description from Acadia
“Start from the parking area and follow the trail along a old gravel fire road.
The road is mostly flat with minimal roots and rocks, leading through a spruce forest before opening up to Jack Pine.
The coastline access starts close to the end and opens up to a rocky shoreline. Use caution on the rocks, especially when wet. Views of the Duck Islands to the southeast and Great Cranberry Island to the northeast can be seen from the shore.
After seeing the coastline or tidepooling during low tide, return back the same way to reach the parking area.”
The cost of park passes varies.
To learn about where to purchase a park pass at www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/.
For information about the park, visit www.nps/gov/acad or call 288-3338.