Acadia National Park Tour

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 5.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 375 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 110 feet

We’ll gather on Day 1 in Bangor and depart 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 have several options, including the historic Sieur de Monts Spring area, a jaunt up Huguenot Head, or one of the many Coastline paths along the heads or around the marshes. Then it is off to our Inn in quaint Bar Harbor, where we will stay for all 5 nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,560 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,170 feet

Day 2 brings us to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the eastern seaboard. We hike this mountain as a point to point, walking along a ridgeline allowing for unending views of the Mt. Desert Narrows. Watch for raptors soaring nearby, and seals out in the ocean.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 820 feet

We head to the "Heart of Acadia" area for a challenging hike with spectacular views. The climb to Dorr Mountain is up the ladders trail, a slow but fun ascent, with views that make the effort worthwhile. We then descend along the South Ridge Trail above a picturesque gorge that separates Dorr from Cadillac.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 5.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,270 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 900 feet

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, a historic tea house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Distance: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 810 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 475 feet

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 and walks along several rock ledges with views of the Mount Desert Narrows. Alternative options are available.. After our hike, we enjoy lunch by the sea and drive back to Bangor for the end of our adventure.