Our editor, Elizabeth Grimsley, got the opportunity to visit Acadia National Park for TomTom’s “Off the Beaten Path” initiative. Relive her trip as originally seen on Reserve America’s Instagram—plus see a few bonus pics exclusive to this gallery.
Follow Reserve America on Instagram for more stunning pictures.
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Acadia National Park Instagram Roundup
Written by
ACTIVE.com
Arrival
DFW > PHL > BGR — 6:14 p.m.
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After a long day of travel, which included flight delays, mechanical issues and getting to Maine a bit later than expected, Elizabeth finally made it to Bangor International Airport—just about an hour's drive to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
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Your Next AdventureMaking the Best of Setbacks
Thomas Island, Maine — 7:32 p.m.
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Sometimes you have to throw the plan out of the window. Originally, the goal was to head to Schoodic Point for sunset on the first day in Maine. However, because of delays, Elizabeth had to "settle" for a stop at Thomas Island before heading over the bridge to Desert Island, home of Acadia. However, not a shabby plan B, right?
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Your Next AdventureThe First Night
Bar Harbor, Maine — 8:47 p.m.
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While Bar Harbor is a big tourist destination in the summer, the majority of the town wasn't yet open for the season in early May when Elizabeth's trip took place. But that didn't mean the opportunity for some great photos wasn't there.
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Your Next AdventureUp Before the Birds
Otter Cliffs, Acadia National Park — 5:20 a.m.
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Elizabeth started her first full day at Acadia at 4 a.m., hoping to catch the sunrise. Despite looking like fog would be the spoiler, she lucked out with a brief flash of color and some great scenery. Sometimes it's worth getting up before the rest of the world!
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Your Next AdventureSunrise Continued
Otter Cliffs, Acadia National Park — 5:39 a.m.
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Just because there's fog doesn't mean the morning is ruined. As a photographer, there's always a great picture to be made.
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Your Next AdventureThe First Glimpse of Blue
Otter Cliffs, Acadia National Park — 6:22 a.m.
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After a morning of fog, the clouds finally began to break about 6:30 a.m. and the blue sky peeked through.
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Your Next AdventureNext Stop
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park — 10:39 a.m.
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Although things were beginning to clear up on the coast, the fog was still present at Jordan Pond in the heart of Acadia National Park. This shot was taken at the beginning of a hike around the water.
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Your Next AdventureThings Change Fast
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park — 12:04 p.m.
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It's crazy how quickly things can change in just about an hour and a half. By noon the Bubble Mountains in the distance—named for their bumpy, bubbly appearance—were clearly visible on the tail end of the hike.
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Your Next AdventureWhat's Maine without Lobster?
Bar Harbor — 2:12 p.m.
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Can you visit Maine without having lobster? The answer is no. And similarly, can a photographer visit Maine without taking a picture of the lobster boats in the harbor doing their thing?
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Your Next AdventureFinding Beauty in Little Things
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse — 4:37 p.m.
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Sometimes you have to look for great views where you least expect. On the trail to the lighthouse, Elizabeth got a peek of an orange buoy through the green trees, making a nice contrast with the bright blue water.
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Your Next AdventureGoing Off the Beaten Path with a Popular Destination
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse — 4:49 p.m.
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Elizabeth wrapped up another long day at Acadia at one of Maine's famous lighthouses. While the location is a popular destination for tourists, the trek down to the rocks for a view of the site is treacherous and not for the faint of heart. However, the view is worth the effort.
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Your Next AdventureOne Last Visit
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park — 7:27 a.m.
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When Elizabeth woke up and saw there was more fog on fog on fog, she knew where she wanted to go to take advantage of the weather. Jordan Pond, which yielded great, foggy results a day prior, didn't disappoint yet again.
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Your Next AdventureNot Alone
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park — 7:45 a.m.
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Even the ducks were out and about, enjoying the cool temperatures and the overcast skies.
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Your Next AdventureSurprise Views
Beaver Dam Pond, Acadia National Park — 8:34 a.m.
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Sometimes you're driving along and come across a scene that's too good to pass up, so you pull off on the side of the road because no one else is around and snap a pic that turns out pretty great.
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Your Next AdventureTaking a Chance
Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park — 8:11 a.m.
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You can't visit Acadia National Park without a trip to Cadillac Mountain, despite it not being off the beaten path. However, you can turn a popular location into something out of the ordinary with how you approach it.
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Your Next AdventureReaching the Summit
Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park — 8:15 a.m.
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Typically visited when the skies are clear, as its summit is known for being the first to see the sunrise in the U.S., Elizabeth decided to hike up in the fog to get this unusual perspective of the mountain on her last morning.
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Your Next AdventureAnother Hot Spot
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park — 8:46 a.m.
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One last place you don't want to miss when visiting Acadia National Park is Thunder Hole. Even on a relatively calm morning like this one, the water rushes into the hole and claps against the rocks, making a sound like thunder during a storm.
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Your Next AdventureThunder without the Storm
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park — 8:50 a.m.
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It's actually quite tranquil with just you, the coastline and the water crashing against the rocks. It's a moment to pause and really enjoy nature and what the world has to offer.
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Your Next AdventureSo Long!
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Thanks for following along with Elizabeth's trip to Acadia National Park for TomTom's Off the Beaten Path initiative. We hope it motivated you to head out to one of the country's national parks as well!