Description
The Wonderland Trail in Southwest Harbor, Maine is a short hike that offers some amazing views of Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, and beyond! Mount Desert Island is home to the iconic Acadia National Park which brings millions of people to the island each year. The large majority of these tourists stay in the Bar Harbor section of Acadia. If you are looking for a low-key place to relax and enjoy the views, Wonderland is your spot!
The Wonderland Trailhead can be found along Seawall Road on the southern tip of the Southwest Harbor Peninsula. About 10 cars can park at the trailhead parking lot, but dozens more can park along the roadside. Wonderland is officially part of Acadia National Park, so you will want to have an Acadia Pass to visit.
The trail itself is 1.4 miles out-and-back and it is super flat due to it actually being a road before being converted to a trail. The walk through the woods to the shore is extremely peaceful and you are bound to spot some wildflowers and birds. Once arriving at the shore, you will find the rocky shoreline complete with tidal pools and a pebble beach. There are also spectacular views of Mount Desert Island and the surrounding islands.
Be sure to visit the nearby Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse too, since it is just down the road from Wonderland!
Nate Zuver –
5/5