![acadia national park tidal pools acadia national park tidal pools](https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/medium/wood-print/images-medium-5/acadia-tidal-pools-patrick-downey.jpg)
#ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TIDAL POOLS PATCH#
Its brown fur was matted with sea water, and it had a white patch on its chin. It ducked and darted under a rock, then it was up again, stretching its long neck, so close that I couldn’t focus on it with my 400mm camera lens. Where’d it go? Its head popped up out of the seaweed, closer this time. “All I saw was the pointy nose,” he replied. “That’s not a seal,” I said, creeping forward to take a picture. “I don’t see it anymore,” he said, staring at a jumble of rocks and seaweed nearby. I was pouring water into Oreo’s bowl when Derek said, “Is that a seal?” He raised his head and sniffed the breeze, checked out a lobster trap washed ashore and (sigh) rolled in the sand. Oreo waded in the water and trotted over mounds of glistening seaweed with confidence. Gulls cried and chattered on a nearby sandbar. I looked up to take in the view - nearby islands, covered with evergreens, and in between, ocean, as far as the eye could see. Shrimp-like creatures swam past mussels half-buried in sand. Giant strands of kelp waved in the shallows. Periwinkles rolled underfoot, then slippery sea weed, then soft sand. There were rocks of all shapes and patterns, spotted and striped, and bits of sea glass, shining in the sun. Seaweed swayed in the shallows - reds, greens and browns. I looked down as I walked, peering into tidal pools filled with color and scanning the sand for treasures to photograph. I bent down to pick up a white slipper shell, then examined the sand, which appeared to be made up entirely of crushed sea shells.
![acadia national park tidal pools acadia national park tidal pools](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xa1dwwAURLs/maxresdefault.jpg)
“There’s so much to see,” I said as we navigated through seaweed and rocks to a sandy section of the beach. At low tide, rocks, seaweed and sand stretched out before us, so naturally, we went exploring.
![acadia national park tidal pools acadia national park tidal pools](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/tidal-pools-acadia-national-park-near-bar-harbor-maine-89147805.jpg)
But that’s the thing with trails - they appear differently to each hiker. Of all the beautiful sights along the Wonderland Trail, it was an unusual feature to point out. The tree was tilted on its side, one branch touching the ground then bending - like an elbow - as if to support it. “Maybe it tipped over a long time ago and just grew like that.”
![acadia national park tidal pools acadia national park tidal pools](https://www.virtualkamper.com/wp-content/uploads/tidepool-hikes-acadia-national-park-1-300x172.jpg)
“It looks like it’s leaning on its elbow. “The tree,” I said pointing to a stunted pitch pine beside the trail. “What?” Derek asked, turning around with a confused look on his face. Personal note: “Look! It’s leaning on its elbow,” I said as I walked behind my fiance, Derek, and our dog Oreo on Sunday. Signs are posted along the way designating it a “restoration area.” This part of the trail is roped off on both sides to encouraging hikers to stay on trail. The first section of trail is fairly shaded with tall evergreens, but the terrain soon opens up to an interesting habitat of exposed bedrock, stunted pitch pines and low-lying bushes.
#ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TIDAL POOLS FULL#
The trail leaves directly from the parking area, entering a woods full of moss and lichen. It’s also important that dog owners bring fresh water for their canine companions, which may try to drink the salt water when thirsty. The Wonderland Trail is fairly smooth and wide enough for two people to walk side by side, so it’s a great option for families with small children, as well as dog walkers.ĭogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times, and owners are expected to pick up after them. In addition to families, Wonderland attracts artists, wildlife watchers, picnickers and people who are simply looking for an easy walk in the state’s most popular park. This scenic spot on Mount Desert Island is a place for exploration and relaxation.