The Underrated Natural Wonder Every Mainer Should See At Least Once

Maine has some incredibly interesting history. We've got cities dating back to the 1600s (Kittery!) and proof of indigenous people (The Red Paint People) in Maine between 2,000 and 6,000 years ago. It's fun to learn about the history of Maine's people, but with so much land it's the nature that holds some of the best clues to what was happening in Maine before we arrived. One of the coolest history lessons also happens to be a totally wacky natural wonder. Bubble Rock in Maine is marvelous to see, but it also offers a great way for friends and families to enjoy the outdoors in one of Maine's most popular parks.

Known by many as simply "The Bubbles," Bubble Mountain can be found in Acadia National Park towering over Jordan Pond.

North Bubble and South Bubble are beautiful to look at, but it's the teetering rock at the top that adds a level of mystery.

The rock sits atop South Bubble and just might be the best place to test your strength in all of Acadia.

First, some history! The rock is actually not a "rock" at all. At least not in the true sense of the word. From a geologic perspective it's known as a "glacial erratic."

This is the term given to debris left by ice age activity tens of thousands of years ago.

Geologists first knew this rock was different when they noticed that the color was nothing like that of the nearby Acadia rock.

By analyzing it geologists have determined that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its spot in Acadia all the way from Lucerne, Maine. That's 30 miles away!

While the trip for the rock took thousands and thousands of years, we can go see it near the summit of South Bubble via two different trails.

After entering the park, head about 2.3 miles south of the turnoff for the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road to reach the small roadside Bubbles Parking Lot.

From here you'll be going to the "Bubbles Divide" Trailhead.

This route is pretty easy, winding between North Bubble and South Bubble.

Pass up the route going towards North Bubble which will be on the right and eventually you'll come to the trail for South Bubble.

Soon enough you'll arrive at the summit to be rewarded with beautiful views of Jordon Pond and the surrounding area.

Take the side trail which will lead you straight to the rock.

If it's August you might be lucky enough to find some wild Maine blueberries.

Once you've tried your hardest to push the rock off the edge, take some time to enjoy the view!

For more natural wonders in Maine, consider taking the road trip we put together! Click here for maps, stops and directions.