Wonderland Trail, Acadia National Park

This trail is one of two relatively short and flat trails on the western side of the park that lead walkers out to beautiful seaside areas. The other is Ship Harbor Trail.

When I visited in late June, Wonderland was slightly less crowded than Ship Harbor, the walking was slightly easier along the wide, gravel path, and the views at the sea were slightly less grand, but still very pretty. You should try to time your walk to low tide, as the exposed pools are I believe what gave the trail its name. The park asks that children, no matter their level of excitement!, be gentle with with any creatures in the tide pools.

The walk to the shore and the 0.3-mile loop at the shore, is 0.6 miles, and there are several small side trails to explore.

Directions: Parking is on the south side of 102A. It can fill up quickly, in which case people park along the side of the road. Like with all Acadia trails, best to get there early if you’re visiting in the summer, or try to explore it in the off-season. It’s one mile west of Seawall Campground, and about 1 mile east of Lighthouse Road.