Many people who come visit are looking for more things to do while on the island.  We love being “guides, both on and off the water” and like recommending other wonderful things to do while here.   See my earlier blog for some of these ideas, like Nervous Nellies and some of the delightful restaurants.

How about hiking spots?  I get that question a lot.   There is no doubt that Acadia National Park provides wonderful choices for hiking.  Some of these are on Mount Desert Island (MDI), but most people don’t realize that Acadia National Park is bigger than Mount Desert Island. If you want to experience Mount Desert Island, consider the “quiet side” of the island.  Much less busy than the east side where Bar Harbor is located. For example, Schoodic Peninsula is beautiful and largely undiscovered, just a little northeast of MDI. The other choice is Isle au Haut. This beautiful and isolated island has a good deal of unspoiled Acadia hiking choices. The one important thing to consider is that the only way to reach Isle au Haut is via the “mail boat” operated by Isle au Haut Boat Services that leaves from Stonington.   You can do a day trip there and back (the boat ride is about 45 minutes) if you plan it properly. Or you can book the ever popular Duck Harbor Campground, although this campground does book well in advance.

There are also some very nice hikes on Deer Isle.  They are not as extensive as the ones across Acadia National Park, but they are beautiful, accessible and local, if you are staying on or near the island. You can get (for a small fee) a copy of the Island Heritage Trust (IHT) hikes map from their office on the island.  Here are a few that we highly recommend.

1. Barred Island Preserve – located on the west side of Stonington, near Goose Cove. There are two small parking lots and the trail goes through the woods to the water where you will see Barred Island. The island is reachable on foot during low tide, so plan accordingly. Here is a link for tide charts, we recommend hiking within two hours of low tide ti get across. Know that this hike is popular so if you are going during the high season you may see some other folks.  Also be aware that they don’t permit dogs on these trails. It’s a very pretty walk through the woods, though.

2. Tennis Preserve – this is probably our favorite hike on the island.  Named after Edgar Tennis (nothing to do with a racquet sport), the hike goes mostly along the water.  You can reach it via Sunshine Road, just before you get to Nervous Nellies (combining a visit to Nellies with a hike at Tennis is a good afternoon!).  We take our dogs on this hike regularly and they love to swim as we go.

Edgar M. Tennis Preserve

3. Church Land’s preserve – this hike goes through the wood in the center of the island, accessed from King Row street near Deer Isle village.  You can hike this circuitous route and arrive at the Lily Pond…not many people know about this hike, but the Lily Pond is popular for a fresh water swim.   This hike is Dale’s favorite.

4. Pine Hill and Lisa Tolman preserves – these hikes are located on Little Deer Isle (LDI) and provide some elevation.  Well worth a look. Pine Hill preserve also has a very unique geological history.

5. Settlement Quarry – this is a short hike up the hill to where the granite quarry used to be located.  Once you get to the top, there are glorious views across Webb Cove and out into the archipelago as far as Cadillac mountain on a clear day.   My dogs also love this hike.

There are a few other hikes on Deer Isle, and also in the surrounding area.  These highlighted above should appease your appetite, though. P.s.  Will has probably done every hike in Acadia National Park, so call him for advice on those options!