We looked at the swim and we jumped right in part three
Echo Lake Beach, Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a gift that keeps on giving. Just when you think you have the place wired you discover something new and exciting. While perusing my handy National Park Service map one night around the campfire I noticed that there were two officially sanctioned swim spots in the park. The first one is, of course, the glorious and always chilly Sand Beach. But if you take a look at the eastern half of your map of M.D.I you will see a cozy little lake to the left of Somes Sound. If you listen closely you will hear Echo Lake inviting you in for a swim.
Echo lake is not situated off of the highly visited Park Loop Road so it is not nearly as famous as Sand Beach. Dont get me wrong here. I am not trying to say we discovered some hidden gem. The place was definitely jamming. The swim at Echo Lake was fundamentally restorative (coming as it did on the heels of the aforementioned six-mile hike). Crystal clear and temperatures in the upper sixties. Probably close to 15 degrees warmer than Sand Beach. The incline was gradual and the boys were able to swim and play without giving me heart palpitations.
Our trip to Echo Lake was a short one--we stayed for a few hours at the end of a busy day. But next time we head up to Acadia this place will get our full attention. There are hikes nearby and the beach is a nice place for a picnic. I think I experienced another moment of pure zen-camping here. If I close my eyes I can still hear the boys splashing and laughing.
Our trip to Echo Lake was a short one--we stayed for a few hours at the end of a busy day. But next time we head up to Acadia this place will get our full attention. There are hikes nearby and the beach is a nice place for a picnic. I think I experienced another moment of pure zen-camping here. If I close my eyes I can still hear the boys splashing and laughing.
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