A hike around Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park

Our vacation to Downeast Maine continues and lest you think I am some kind of hiking queen, I’ll have you know that I most certainly am not. I am always optimistic though, and when I told my husband I wanted to hike up the Sargent Mountain after reading a comment I received, he knew I may end up biting off more than I could chew.

So instead, when today dawned rainy and then changed to just thick gray fog on the mountains, we headed for the park, stopping at Jordan Pond for a much easier hike.

Visitors have been coming to this spot for a long time and it boasts one of the nicest restaurants on the island and a must stop on a beautiful day. They have the absolute best popovers with homemade strawberry jam.

On to the hike, though . . .

There are two trails we took today: The moderate-rated Jordan Pond Shore Trail and the easy-rated Jordan Pond Nature Trail. The loop totals 4.3 miles and I will say that by the end, my feet were hurtin’.

But everything hurts, truth be told. I have done a lot of hiking and kayaking this week.

We began with the Shore Path (above).

The trail turns into a plank path which winds along the western edge of the pond.

I’ve seen lots of people on this path in the past but today we only met a few. Even very small children seem to do fine on these planks.

And George had no trouble.

The fog was beginning to become more dense as we made our way around.

The plank path ends and you emerge into a rocky section.

But honestly, it’s extremely easy to navigate over these.

There’s even a picturesque, rustic little bridge at the half-way point.

This photo looks like it could have been taken in the 1800’s.

The trail along the other side of the lake is flat and has a couple more little bridges you will pass over.

Getting close to the ending point, it begins to rain gently.

After crossing this path, it’s a quick hike down the Nature Trail and if you like, a short stroll up the hill to the restaurant where, on a beautiful day, you have a gorgeous view of the pond and The Bubbles.

All in all, an easy fun hike.

Tomorrow is our last day and I don’t even want to think of returning back to my life. And so I will not.

Thanks for stopping by today.