Ocean Path, Acadia National Park

While a good part of this 2.2-mile-long gravel path is wheelchair accessible, the most consistently smooth and flat section is the 0.7-mile stretch between Sand Beach and Thunder Hole. After that, short sections are probably passable via wheelchair but there are rocky and uneven moments. The trail is tucked between the sea and Park Loop Road, offering gorgeous views the whole way, as well as many rougher side paths where you can explore the blocky pink granite shore, towering cliffs, and cobblestone beaches.

The southern end, on Otter Point and near Otter Cliff, is a bit wilder, the path a bit more rugged, and there tend to be fewer people around.

You can pick up the path at many points along Park Loop Road, as there are something like nine parking lots between Sand Beach and Otter Point. The path is also accessible year-round since it is on the section of Park Loop Road that is plowed throughout the winter.

When we walked the path recently in late April, lots of walkers had found places by the ocean to sit in silence, chat with a friend, picnic, play guitar, or sketch. The trail also includes the always popular destination, Thunder Hole, where the waves make a loud booming noise as they hit the cavern and splash up.

Directions: You can pick up the trail at Sand Beach, or at multiple places along Park Loop Road for its 2.2-mile length.