We spent the better part of the evening attempting to put together a plan for Sunday.
After much debate, we decided to park at the Bubble Rock Parking Area, and hike to the top of Bubble Rock. This hike would be approximately 1 mile, round trip. The Bubble Divide Trail is classified as ‘Moderate’, with some steep grades, and some level stretches. I’m not exactly what one would call ‘in shape’ these days, so the idea was that we’d start with a shorter moderate hike, and see how I felt afterwards. Next we could find another, easier hike, perhaps around Jordan Pond, or we could return to Bar Harbor, and relax there before checking out the Bar Harbor Shore Path- which is another 1 mile round trip trail, but it’s classified as ‘Very Easy’ terrain.
Of course, our plan didn’t get us too far… by the time we had gotten everyone dressed, fed, and out the door, the Bubble Rock Parking Area was full. We hadn’t counted on it being such a small lot (if you could even call it a lot!) In fact, according to one reviewer on Trip Advisor; ‘Finding a parking space at the trail head to Bubble Rock Trail is the hardest part of this hike.’
Interesting factoid of the day… more than 2 million visitors make their way to Acadia each year (2.8m in 2015!) The vast majority of those visitors came between June and August. I have to believe all of the congestion we saw wouldn’t have beem a problem if we had chosen a different weekend, and in particular a non-holiday weekend. Surprisingly, even though we were there during the most popular time, we were able to have a very relaxing, enjoyable time.
We were able to adapt fairly quickly, making our way to the Jordan Pond parking lot, just down the road. This lot was also quite packed, but a few laps later, we were successfully parked, and ready to start preparations. What’s that? You thought I was going to say we were ready to hit the trail? Did you forget we had a couple of toddlers tagging along? Nothing is that easy!
Once we were parked, it was time to apply sun screen, change diapers, load kids in the carriers, and stock the carriers with snacks & waters.
Did you know that stow and go seats leave you a wonderful little containment area for kids? We were able to keep them from running free through the parking lot while we were getting everything ready, by putting them in this little storage area. The area is deep enough that climbing out would have taken long enough for us to be able to grab them. They thought it was fun to stand in there, and watch us finish the prep. Win-Win!
Since we couldn’t find parking near Bubble Rock, we thought we’d just do the Jordan Pond loop, which was a nice and flat walk around the pond. Once we got closer to the pond, we came across a map, and noticed that there was a trail that led from Jordan Pond to Bubble Rock. Perfect! We could walk part way around the pond, then up to Bubble Rock, and then finish off the pond loop.
We set off on the trail, and turned off to follow the trail markers leading us to Bubble Rock. It didn’t take long before we met with a couple coming down the trail. They stopped and let us know there was another trail that may be a better choice for a couple of people with 25lb kids on their backs.
Thank goodness they decided to share that bit of knowledge with us. We doubled back, and found the trail we actually meant to try!
This was one of my favorite hikes. It wasn’t too difficult, allowing for TT Dad and I to enjoy the hike together. Talking and laughing as we went. The kids had a great time checking out all the nature around them, and charming all the other hikers on the trail.
At the top of Bubble Rock, we took a break, let the kids out of the packs for a heavy snack, and took advantage of a photo opportunity or three.
Even Marley had the time of his life.
The trek down was equally as enjoyable, as was the rest of the pond loop. It was a much longer hike than we had planned on for our first of the day, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
The weather was so beautiful that we enjoyed some frolicking on the green outside of the Jordan Pond House. If we were smart, we would have made reservations, and enjoyed some lemonade and popovers.
We had one more goal for the day- an early dinner from Mainely Meat BBQ, located at the Atlantic Brewing Company. We would highly recommend this gem. According to TT Dad, the beer was great, we were all impressed by the food, and as an added bonus, there was live music for the duo to boogie down to. The atmosphere was lovely, and the icing on the cake was the fenced in playground. The area had a playscape, along with other smaller toys for kids of all ages.
We will most definitely be back on our next trip to Acadia. Our goal is to stay closer to the park next time. Perhaps we’ll be brave enough to try camping with our duo!