Afternoon hiking/park timing

Question

We are traveling to MDI in July and are not used to vacationing in busy Nat'l Parks. I know early is best but my teen and husband are not morning people, at all lol. I know 10 am is really busy so curious if we take a leasurely approach for our 4 days there and start early afternoon instead, if we would be further ahead than mid to late morning, to find parking and such? I am thinking eat a hearty lunch and then we can hike/sightsee into the evening and eat a late dinner. Looking for opinions, please.

Also,still trying to narrow down our hikes for the loop road and unsure if we wanna try beehive. We plan to combine downtown Bar Harbor with the Ocean Trail one one day.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a relaxed yet rewarding trip to Mount Desert Island (MDI) and Acadia National Park in July! While the mornings can be busy, starting your days in the afternoon can certainly work, especially if your family is not early risers. Let me share some thoughts on your plans and offer some suggestions for maximizing your time and enjoying your hikes!

Timing for Afternoon Hikes:
In July, Acadia can get quite busy, particularly around the mid-morning to early afternoon hours, when most visitors are heading into the park. However, the crowds do tend to thin out a bit later in the afternoon, especially if you're starting your hikes after lunch. Starting at around 1:00-2:00 PM can actually be a great idea for a more relaxed experience. While parking will still be somewhat challenging at popular trailheads, you'll have better luck than if you arrive around 10:00 AM, when many people are already out and about. Also, with a later start, you'll be hiking during a time when temperatures are generally warmer, which is ideal for avoiding the cool, early morning fog common to the park during the summer. Plus, you can take advantage of beautiful evening light during your hikes!

It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch and then explore the park without feeling rushed. While most hikes do take a few hours, many of them are fairly short, so you should be able to combine hikes and sightseeing in the late afternoon and evening. If you’re looking for a good spot to eat, Bar Harbor has several great options for lunch, and you can grab something light to pack with you if you prefer to picnic on the trail.

Hikes and Parking:
Here are a few tips on finding parking and enjoying hikes during the afternoon:

Popular Trailheads: Trails near popular areas like the Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and Beehive tend to fill up fast. If you're planning to hike at these trailheads, it's a good idea to aim for a bit later in the afternoon (after 2:00 PM). Parking will still be limited, but you’ll have a better chance of finding a spot than you would earlier in the day.
More Secluded Trails: If you want to avoid the crowds entirely, consider opting for less popular trails. Trails like the Great Head Trail (near Sand Beach) or Conners Nubble Trail (less crowded and offering great views) are excellent options. These may require a short drive from Bar Harbor, but parking should be easier.
Ocean Drive: Since you’re combining your day in Bar Harbor with the Ocean Drive Trail, this is a great plan. The Ocean Path offers stunning views of the coastline and the ocean and is relatively easy, with parking available at several spots along the way. If you’re planning to walk a portion of the Ocean Path during the afternoon, you can take your time, and since it’s a popular trail, parking may fill up, but there are several designated lots and pull-offs to use.

Beehive Trail:
The Beehive is one of the most popular (and thrilling) hikes in Acadia, but it’s also one of the more challenging ones. It’s a short, steep, and exposed trail with iron rungs and ladders to help you ascend. While it offers fantastic views at the top, it may be a bit too strenuous if you're looking for something more relaxing or if you're concerned about crowds. Since you're not used to the park's busy season, if you do decide to go for it, I’d recommend starting later in the afternoon, as the crowds will have thinned out. But be aware, it’s a shorter trail, so it may still be busy during peak hours.

Other Recommended Hikes:
If you prefer something less intense, here are a few other great hikes to consider:

Jordan Pond Path: This is a moderate, beautiful, and relatively flat trail with stunning views of the pond and surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent option if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery without the more difficult terrain of the Beehive.
Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail: If you want to experience Cadillac Mountain but avoid the crowds, consider hiking the Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail from the park entrance. It’s a relatively short and easy hike, and the views from the summit are breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon light.
Bar Island Trail: A hidden gem, this trail leads to Bar Island, and it’s accessible via a sandbar during low tide. It’s a fun adventure, and it’s a great way to see the Bar Harbor area from a unique perspective. The hike itself is fairly easy and scenic.

Summary:
Starting your hikes in the afternoon can definitely work to your advantage in Acadia, especially if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds. A more leisurely schedule with a hearty lunch followed by an afternoon/evening hike is a great way to balance exploring with relaxation. For your Beehive decision, I’d suggest considering other hikes if you’re looking for a less crowded experience, but if you're up for the challenge, it’s definitely worth doing later in the day. The Ocean Path and other more accessible trails will give you a great chance to enjoy Acadia’s beauty without feeling rushed. Happy hiking!

Afternoon hiking/park timing

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