|
|
Maine is well known for its beautiful beaches, second to none and Stonington beach is just one of them. Celebrated author John Steinbeck wrote in 'Travels with Charley:' "Stonington, Deer Isle's chief town, does not look like an American town at all in place or in architecture. Its houses are layered down to the calm water of the bay." Let BBOnline show you to the best beaches and ocean sights in the area.
Sand Beach
Acadia National Park
Rte 233 Mcfarland Hill
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-3338
www.acadiamagic.com
The most famous Stonington beach is the gorgeous crescent-shaped Sand Beach in the Acadia National Park. Located on Mount Desert Island, it's about an hour's drive from the fishing village of Stonington. Rocky shores, virgin pine forests and mountains surround the beach. The pinkish sand is comprised largely from shells of marine creatures pounded to powder by the surf.
A crowd-free time to visit is the fourth Sunday in April when cars are not allowed into the park. Sunrise is breathtaking on this beach and worth getting up early for during your stay at your comfortable Deer Island Bed and Breakfast.
Hiking on the Beach
Besides swimming (if you like cold water!), sunbathing and beachcombing, you can hike the popular moderate level Great Head Trail which begins at the beach. It's a 1.4-mile hike looping around the small Great Head peninsula.
As you begin your ascent on this trail up steps etched into granite, you'll see beautiful pink granite cliffs. Following the blue lines will ensure that your hike up the steep incline is the easiest possible. Once you reach the summit, the hike gets really easy and from this vantage point you enjoy spectacular views of the rocky shoreline and Otter Cliff. It's a great spot for a picnic or just for soaking in the sights and the energy of this place.
An alternative to the hike is the Ocean Trail - a leisurely stroll along the magnificent pink granite shores beginning at the parking lot near the beach. This 2-mile path winds along the coast, going past the famous Thunder Hole to Otter Cliff.
The small inlet of Thunder Hole is the perfect place for experiencing the thunder of the waves. The "hole" is actually a small cavern where air and water mingle to produce a clap of thunder. You may see water spouting up to 40 feet. The views of Otter Cliff and Sand Beach are wonderful from here.
Hunter's Beach
On the southeastern side of Mount Desert Island, this little secluded Stonington beach nestled in a delightful cove can be accessed from the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. Something unique here is the sound made by the surf playing marbles with the rounded rocks on the shore. Swimming is not allowed here as there are strong undertows, but it's a beautiful experience.
Boat Trip to the Isle of Haut
Boat services to the nearby Isle of Haut depart from the Duck Harbor Landing in the park during the summer. The little island offers 18 miles of hiking trails traversing marsh, bog, forest and shoreline, which means you're bound to see yet another Stonington beach. Notice the ancient shell heaps along the shores - signs of Indian presence. The island is a great day trip from your Deer Island Inn.