Come on! Where are the Secret Spots?

OK, OK. I’ve strung this out long enough. For the adventurous souls who  want to find destinations beyond those featured on the standard issue Acadia National Park map..here you go:

1. The Unsettling Ruins of George Dorr’s Estate. Just outside of Bar Harbor in Compass Harbor lies the remains of George Dorr‘s once glamorous estate. Although John D. Rockefeller rightfully associated with the park’s expansion in the early 20th century,  Dorr devoted a sizable chunk of his life and family fortune to the curation of Acadia.  When he passed away in 1944, his home, Old Farm, was given to the National Park Service. The NPS decided to demolish the once-grand 30 room house. However, the foundation and impressive stonework remain and await your visit. Stone steps line a path leading down to Mr. Dorr’s private beach.

Take caution, though. Some people claim Mr. Dorr and his groundskeeper still roam his beloved estate and the surrounding areas. 

Directions

There are no signs identifying the location in Compass Harbor. To get there travel East on Route 3 towards Otter Creek. As you pass mailbox 399 you will see an old path going North. Follow the path. You’ll pass an unmarked parking lot. Continue on the path and you will see what’s left of the Dorr estate on the left hand side of the path.  To see and tour the home virtually from the comfort of your smartphone, download “Old Farm” on the App store.

2. The Rockefeller Boathouse. In March of 2017, David Rockefeller, Sr. passed away at the impressive age of 101. His net worth was approximately 3.3 billion US dollars. He generously donated/bequeathed both land and money to Acadia area  organizations. His family has a generations-long connection to Acadia.  Why not check out the tucked away place where the Rockefeller family parked their boats  when they rolled into town? 

Directions

It is located on Little Long Pond, on a carriage road that can be reached by horseback or walking – no bikes allowed in this area. From Seal Harbor, head west on Peabody Drive.

After passing Seal Harbor Public Beach, look for a small white gate with a sign warning cars not to enter or block the gate. Park in the small lot. Head North on the carriage trail East of the pond . Keep heading North as you pass a carriage trail on the left. Then, take the next left heading toward the pond. You’ll see a path leading to the pond. Take the path down toward the water to behold the Rockefeller’s boathouse.

3. The Circular Hanging Steps of the Orange and Black Trail. This  rock-slide path is for experienced adventurous types  who are sure on their feet and not fearful of heights. The Orange and Black Trail got its name from school colors of Princeton University. Ernst Brünnow, the man who created this path, along with many others including Precipice Trail, in the early 1900’s was a Princeton University professor. 

This particular path is not maintained by the park anymore and if falcons are nesting (usually from April to August) you may not be able to access the area. Check the park website before heading out to this one. 

Directions

Go to the Precipice parking lot. Follow the granite wall. Turn right past a large birch tree where a very large boulder jets out into the trail. Pass the boulder and you will see stone steps. From there, the trail is obvious. An alternative way to get there is to start in the Precipice Trail parking lot. From there, head East on Murphy Lane for 1/30 mile. Then take the Schooner Head Path north for 3/4 of a mile. It is a popular area with rock climbers. Please note that the the stone steps do not have hand rails so if you are not steady on your feet you may want to sit this one out. 12 year old Lucreatia Douglas fell to her death from this area of the park. She is buried in the cemetery on Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor. You can read all about it on her headstone.  

4. The Stone Barn. This hidden gem is a great place to take pictures. not obvious so it does not get a lot of visitor traffic. Behind the barn in the wooded area is a hiking trail which leads to a lupine field.

Directions

The Stone Barn can be found at the corner of Norway Drive and the Crooked Road.  The Stone Barn Farm is one of the last farm properties on MDI.  The farmhouse itself was built sometime in the mid 1800’s. Fans of Greek Revival architecture should definitely check this out.

5. Mitchel Cove at Lopaus Point. Looking for a secluded beach in a private area? Everyone is. However, only you and the locals know about this one. There are homes in the area but no signs to lead you (or anyone else) to the beach.

Directions

To get there drive South on Lopaus Point Rd. Keep an eye out for a dirt road on the left hand side which will take you straight into Mitchell Cove. There is a very small parking lot in the woods, however, it is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. On a side note, celebrity chef Julia Child‘s longtime summer home is in Lopaus Point.

6. Abandoned Ski Lift. There is no ski lift in Acadia! At least not an active one.If you would like to rummage through the remains of what was once McFarland Mountain Ski Slope, have at it. On second thought, please do not rummage through anything but feel free to check it out. Lots of old cables and metal parts that once hoisted joyful skiers to the top of McFarland Mountain.  

Directions

To get there from Bar Harbor drive west on route 233.  Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor runs right out to route 233. Keep driving till you arrive at Acadia National Park Eagle Lake Headquarters. Then, on your right, take the unpaved road that heads toward the Weather Station. Then head North across the field to arrive at the abandoned ski area.