We’ll gather on Day 1 in Bangor and depart immediately after breakfast for the one-hour drive to Acadia National Park, then proceed directly to the park’s visitor center. One of the many carriage roads will take us to Witch Hole Pond, where we will get views of Frenchman Bays and Hull’s Cove. After lunch, we will hike to Sieur de Monts Spring area. Then after a visit to the Tarn, (a mountain spring), we will walk a series of plank bridges to skirt the marshes and enjoy views of Champlain Mountain and Huguenot Head. Then it is off to our Inn in quaint Bar Harbor (7.4 miles)
On Day 2, after a wonderful breakfast in town, we will explore the harbor via a short hike on the Bar Harbor shore path. Then we head back to the Sieur de Monts Spring area for a strenuous hike with spectacular views, a narrow gorge and quiet forest path. The climb to Dorr Mountain will tax our legs, but the views make the effort worthwhile. We then descend through a picturesque gorge that separates Dorr from Cadillac. Don’t be fooled by the miles, as it will take us four to five hours to complete this section of the hike (5 miles).
Day 3 brings us to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the eastern seaboard. We will “bag” Cadillac Mountain and a great chance to see raptors soar at Eagles Crag, then for lunch we will stop along a mountain pond called Featherbed (7.4 miles).
We head to the ocean for Day 4, as our program turns to sea kayaking. There is no expertise in kayaking required, as our ecological sea kayak tour will be on the remote “Western Side” of Acadia in Blue Hill Bay or Western Bay, less boat traffic, no cruise ships, and no motels. A 20-minute van shuttle from Bar Harbor increases the chance of sighting wildlife, provides less exposure to open ocean, allows for many one-way (wind at your back) hours and gives you an off-the-beaten-path experience. After our morning ocean adventure, it is back to our Inn with plenty of time to relax and explore Bar Harbor. Alternatives to sea kayaking are abundant, so if you would prefer to relax and explore the fascinating town of Bar Harbor, or hike one of the many trails from town, it is entirely up to you.
Day 5 is off to Jordon Pond House where we will start our hike to Penobscot Mountain. On this historic trail we will cross a couple of carriage roads in quick succession then start a steep climb up Penobscot, while taking in the views of the Cranberry Isles. At the conclusion of the hike we will visit the Jordon Pond House for a snack to hold us until dinner (7 miles).
On Day 6 we start the day with a hike from the lovely Sand Beach up the “Beehive” and over Gorham Mountain. We then loop back along the scenic shoreline past Thunder Hole and return to Sand Beach. The trail features an exhilarating climb to the top of the Beehive that is assisted by iron rungs at the steepest points. After our hike, we enjoy lunch by the sea and drive back to Bangor and end our adventure (5 miles).
