2 Best Sights in Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island, Maine

A quiet lake surrounded by woods in the shadow of Beech Mountain, Echo Lake is one of Acadia’s few swimming beaches. The water is considerably warmer, if muckier, than nearby ocean beaches, and dogs are allowed in the off-season. The surrounding trail network skirts the lake and ascends the mountain. A boat ramp is north of here along Route 102 at Ikes Point. Amenities: lifeguards (at times); parking; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; solitude. 

At this 290-yard-long pocket beach, hugged by picturesque rocky outcroppings, the combination of crashing waves and chilly water (normal range is 50--60°F) keeps most people on the beach. You'll find some swimmers at the height of summer, when lifeguards may be on duty, but the rest of the year this is a place for strolling and snapping photos. In fact, when the official swimming season (mid-June to early September) ends, more activities are allowed, from fishing and surfing to dog walking and boat launching/landing. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; sunrise; walking.