Jordan Pond Path

Another weekday walk in Acadia National Park. Another walk along a path that’s very crowded in the summer. At this time of year it was easy to park near Jordan Pond House and we had at least some peace and quiet along the trail. I actually found it pleasant to meet and sometimes chat briefly with others along the path. One couple with a small boy were vacationing from West Virginia. Another couple from Connecticut – the man was very intent on making the point that the woman suffered from diabetes and they would hike as long as she felt well. One large family group with several small children was very loud and may have been responsible for the crying that we could hear from across the lake later.

There are really great views of “The Bubbles” from this circumambulation of Jordan Pond. Someday maybe we’ll hike up these peaks. I’ve heard it’s a strenuous climb and not great for those with fear of heights, but that might not be accurate. The path around the pond was easy enough. A bit wet in spots. Lots of boardwalk. We got sidetracked among boulders at one point and ended up negotiating our own way, a route I do not recommend.

The sun came out relatively strongly when we were hiking, and the clouds rolled in as we drove home. The sunshine sure felt good. I’m think we were on the western shore looking east when I took this photo. It’s very rocky and sparsely forested.

An azure butterfly along the trail! Sorry the resolution is so bad. I had to crop the photo a lot to distinguish the tiny butterfly. I was happy to observe its little shadow too! After doing some research, I think this is a Northern Azure, Celastrina lucia, (iNaturalist page). Although quite small, they are a lot more beautiful and eye-catching than the photo shows.

The water of Jordan Pond is so clear. There was an interpretive sign saying it was the clearest of all the lakes in the park. It is used for drinking water, so there is no swimming or wading allowed. I imagine the rangers must spend a lot of time keeping people out of the water on hot summer days. It was very inviting.

The way this tree is leaning out over the water’s edge!

These bright little cone-shaped buds will turn into more bell-like flowers and later blueberries if pollinated.

This peaceful spot was near the end of our walk. It has the contemplative feeling of a Japanese garden.