Wild Gardens of Acadia simulate a variety of ecosystems found in Acadia, from mountain summits to fresh meadows and shoreline to bogs. With over 400 indigenous plant species represented, the gardens serve as a living field guide and educational resource to familiarize one with native vegetation.
Short paths meander through the represented ecosytems, with signage labeling the various habitats and plant species. The paths themselves are hard-packed gravel. They are of a flat grade, and vary in width, with the primary paths at about 4 feet wide. Near the center of the gardens is a rock feature that makes for a narrower path to go around it on either side.
There is a wooden bridge near the north end of the garden, which is about three and a half feet wide, with a smooth transition to the paths on both sides, a very slight rise in the middle.
There is also a bridge to the bog habitat, but this bridge is narrow and made of uneven stone masonry. The path around the bog is also large stones with gravel filler that could potentially present a tripping hazard for those who feel less stable on uneven surfaces.
The best season to visit the Gardens is May through October, when habitat signs and plant labels are in place. The rest of the year, there may be snow in the gardens and the gates may be locked. Admission to the Gardens is free, however as it is located in Acadia National Park, visitors must have a park pass.
Please follow the rules posted at the main entrance to the Gardens, including:
Visit Friends of Acadia online for more information or contact:
From the Village Green in the center of Bar Harbor, head south on Main Street / ME-03, and go 2 miles to the well-marked entrance to Sieur de Monts Springs. The gardens are to the right of the parking area; the entrance to the gardens is across from the Nature Center to the right.
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