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    Home » Travel » Park + Trail Guides

    The Wild Gardens of Acadia

    Published: Sep 20, 2021 · Updated: Apr 13, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Visiting Acadia National Park? Make sure to take a stroll through the Wild Gardens of Acadia for gorgeous views of native trees, ferns and wildflowers.

    Ground Ferns and Trees in the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

    On our latest getaway to Acadia National Park, a lot of our time was spent on challenging hikes or cycling trails.

    We conquered the Beehive Trail, the Bubble Mountains, the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, and the Schoodic Peninsula!

    But every trip also needs a little breathing room.

    So we also made time for sightseeing at a more relaxed pace. The Wild Gardens of Acadia was just such an opportunity, and it’s one of my top 10 things to do in Acadia.

    Wild Gardens of Acadia sign.
    Wild Gardens of Acadia

    Located in the Sieur de Monts area of the park, this is not a formal garden. Instead, it presents a condensed view of all the native habitats to be found throughout Acadia.

    The garden can be an educational resource if you want to learn more about the plants and landscape of Acadia. Or it can be a relaxing walk through the greenery. Or it can be both!

    Plants + Trees in the Wild Gardens of Acadia Area.
    Plants + Trees in the Wild Gardens of Acadia Area

    Another easy but popular walk in Acadia is the Jordan Pond Path!

    Finding Your Way at The Wild Gardens of Acadia

    The main parking area at the gardens was full when we arrived, but we easily found parking on the street nearby. Admission is free.

    There’s a nature center by the entrance.

    Nature Center at the Wild Gardens of Acadia
    Nature Center

    Inside the gardens, you’ll find areas divided off to represent different ecosystems within the park.

    Wild Gardens of Acadia Entrance.
    Wild Gardens of Acadia Entrance
    Meadow Plants in the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
    Meadow Plants in the Wild Gardens of Acadia

    There are areas for plants from the meadows, mountain, beaches, brookside, bogs, and more.

    Inside the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
    Inside the Wild Gardens of Acadia

    It’s true we were there outside of peak season, but while other areas in Acadia remained a little crowded, this area wasn’t crowded at all, even in the middle of the day.

    Wildflowers inside the Wild Gardens of Acadia
    Wildflowers

    The Jesup Path

    Just outside the gardens, you’ll find the Jesup Path, which is part of an easy loop trail.

    Jessup Path Information Board.
    Jesup Path Information Board

    The Jesup Path includes a long boardwalk that runs through a forest of white birches.

    Jessup Path Boardwalk.
    Jesup Path Boardwalk
    Birch Tree.
    Birch Tree

    The Jesup Path is level and wide enough to be mostly accessible for different levels of mobility.

    Jessup Path Boardwalk.
    Jesup Path Boardwalk

    When we were there in September, the Wild Gardens of Acadia weren’t exactly full of flowers, but the whole area was a gorgeous spot to watch the leaves change!

    And in some places the ground ferns made for a beautiful layer beneath the trees.

    Leaves Changing along the Jessup Path.
    Leaves Changing along the Jesup Path
    Trees Changing Color on the Jessup Path.
    Trees Changing Color on the Jesup Path
    Creek Along the Jessup Path.
    Creek Along the Jesup Path

    The boardwalk on the Jesup Path was only one-way, but it had small observation platforms for resting or passing.

    Bench on the Jessup Path Boardwalk.
    Bench on the Jesup Path Boardwalk
    Jessup Path Continues.
    Jesup Path Continues

    Other Attractions Near the Wild Gardens of Acadia

    The trailside Abbe Museum highlights Native American culture and history spanning thousands of years. (This is the museum’s original location, but it has also expanded into a larger facility in Bar Harbor.)

    Museum Sign.
    Museum Sign

    To get a glimpse at early Acadia park history, take a look at Sieur de Monts Spring itself.

    It was named after a French explorer who traveled in this part of North America during the 1600’s.

    Sieur de Monts Spring Sign.
    Sieur de Monts Spring Sign

    You’ll see an attractive little octagonal house built over the Sieur de Monts Spring. “The Sweet Waters of Acadia” is carved into a nearby rock.

    Sweet Waters of Acadia.
    Sweet Waters of Acadia

    The first superintendent of Acadia was responsible for both the spring house and the rock carving in 1909. Today that location serves as a sort of monument to the people who made it their life’s work to establish Acadia National Park.

    The Wild Gardens of Acadia was a really nice, quiet area. If you’re looking for a break from a hectic pace, or to do some gentle walking instead of hiking, this is your spot!

    Leaves Changing along the Jessup Path.
    Leaves Changing Along the Jesup Path

    Finish off a day of sightseeing with some delicious Maine seafood! Check out The Travelin’ Lobster in nearby Bar Harbor or Abel’s Lobster on the waterfront.

    « Beehive Trail (Acadia National Park)
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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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