Location: Southwest Harbor
Top Things to do in Southwest Harbor
Top 6 Nature & Parks in Southwest Harbor, Maine (ME)
Southwest Harbor is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. Located on Mount Desert Island, the population was 1,764 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Southwest Harbor
1. Beech Cliff Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Biotech91 - Hoboken, United States
Absolutely one of the best hikes in the park! Remember to look for the iron ladder on the way up and to rest at the beach on the lake on your way down ;)
2. Perpendicular Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By sheilaa1732017 - Mountain Dale, United States
Great hike with built in granite steps to the top, making it a little easier. Phenomenal lake and harbor views from the top!!
3. Mansell Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By mynameispaulie - Shelton, United States
First off I have never been to the main Acadia island, my wife and I stayed on the quiet side during our first visit as the Island shuttle bus was not running which hindered our plans. However, we covered pretty much all the trails on the quiet side during our 3 day stay (with the exception of Bernard Mountain). For this hike we started at the long pond parking area. We started along the Long Pond Trail before ascending up the Perpendicular Trail to Mansell Mountain, then came down the Mansell Mountain Trail. Next, we went along the Gilley Trail and up the Razorback Trail before a slight descent to Great Notch. Then we took a detour up to Knight Nubble and back to Great Notch before returning on the Great Notch Trail and the Gilley Trail. All the trails were great and had their own distinct features, the only one I didn't really enjoy was coming down the Great Notch Trail, perhaps I was just tired at this point but it was mostly rocks and roots and felt like being in a river bed with nothing really exciting to see, I just wanted it to be over. I think if I were to do it again I would continue from Knight Nubble to Little Notch and try coming down the Sluiceway Trail instead. The whole trip took about 5 hours. Anyway, the Mansell Mountain peak had some okay views to the east, and the Mansell Mountain Trail itself was a pretty steep decent over a string of domes. It was enjoyable without being too difficult. I was surprised by how steep some of the descent was. I also have a crippling fear of heights but I survived. Throughout the whole hike the only part that I struggled was some sections of the Razorback Trail (where you climb over a slippery dome), and going up to Knight Nubble and back has some hairy sections where you need to use roots and careful stepping and maneuvers, so I would say maybe skip that part (another reason to push on to Little Notch so not having to climb back down). Overall the Mansell Mountain Trail was an enjoyable section in order to connect going to the Perpendicular Trail and the Razorback Trail and it was different from anything else we had done.
4. Flying Mountain Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By NYCmusician - New York City, United States
A beautiful easy hike with gorgeous views and ending on a nice beach. We went in the afternoon and there were only a few other cars in the lot and we encountered only several other hikers. A great perch to watch boats on the sound and get away from the crowds.
5. Charlotte Rhoades Garden and Butterfly Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By P6703MIjenniferm - Chicago, United States
Talk about a hidden gem for people of all ages! This magnificently maintained spot is full of butterflies and beautiful plants and flowers. When the docents are there, they will help you release butterflies into the world and to learn about butterfly migration and eating habits. Really a wondrous place for everyone.
6. Wonderland Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By pamnicki
Here is one of two trails both nearby each other on the road to Bass Harbor light, that will give your family a true Acadia hiking experience even if you have toddlers. This easy walk moves through forest and open granite ledges on a mostly even path from the road and parking space to the sea. You won’t regret it. Nice place for some “forest bathing” if you get there before the crowds of families do.
