Maine: Acadia National Park

Arrive this afternoon in Acadia National Park. Share the great outdoors with red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, porcupine, muskrats, and foxes as you pitch your tent in a fully-equipped campground located less than a 10-minute walk from the beach.

Acadia is a hiker’s paradise. Within the park, 125 miles of trails offer choices for all abilities and interests. From flat rambles across meadows to challenging climbs up iron rungs, you can find it here. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods to open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. For those who prefer more level footing, 45 miles of carriage roads are excellent for walking. This evening, after making camp, take an evening hike over a few miles of one of the many trails that wind through the mountains.

From the stonewall-lined and tree-covered road leading you into the village, to the sweeping vistas from atop Cadillac Mountain, there is a special mystique to Bar Harbor. The village has a wide array of wonderful restaurants. Whether you are in the mood for lobster, seafood, pasta, homemade desserts, breakfast, or any other favorites, there is sure to be a home cooked meal here that you will savor and enjoy. Of course, seafood is at the top of the menu in many establishments, with the omnipotent lobster at the head of the tide. With the fishing fleet often landing your entree at the dock that day, you would be hard pressed to find fresher seafood anywhere than on the Maine coast. Tonight, dine as a group in one of the area’s many notable restaurants.

Wake up to the smell of bacon sizzling over a campfire. Stretch your muscles and ready yourself for day of exploration through Acadia National Park. Start with a hike up Cadillac Mountain. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is not only the tallest mountain in the park, but also the tallest mountain along the eastern coast of the United States. Rising high above the town of Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain offers magnificent views of the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. Today, explore the summit of this granite mountain along a short trail as the sun rises over the water.

Tonight, gather around the campfire for a home-cooked meal and some much deserved wine and rest.

This morning, explore five miles of Maine’s coastline by sea kayak. Tour either the east side or west side of Mount Desert Island: the spectacular Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay near Bar Harbor, or the more remote Blue Hill Bay, on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert. Mid-way through the trip, row up to the beach for a little beachcombing and exploration. Our Registered Maine Guides will provide excellent instruction in basic paddling technique and will help you watch for harbor seals, porpoises and other marine and bird life, including bald eagles.

Seize the day! This is your chance to explore Acadia the way you choose. Take a cruise around the gulf to spot whales; test your rock climbing limits on Acadia’s great shoreline; or explore what charming Bar Harbor has to offer. Your Outdoor Bound guide will help you arrange your perfect day. Relax tonight aboard a classic schooner on a sunset cruise.

Whale Watching

Board a boat for an incredible whale and puffin watching tour of the gulf of Maine. Comprised of a cluster of islands on the Maine coast, Acadia is the perfect place to sail around the gulf spotting a variety of whale species as well as seals, eagles, porpoises, dolphins, offshore birds, lighthouses and North Atlantic Puffins. Your guides will give you a full natural and historical tour of the area. The vessel also offers galley and bar service, indoor cabins, restrooms and plenty of outdoor viewing space.

Along the way, sail through Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge. Within the refuge is the island of Petit Manan, one of several islands along the Maine coast, which hosts a large breeding colony of Atlantic Puffins. These colorful birds spend most of their lives in the ocean, using land only to raise their young.

The island is also home to common eiders (sea duck), common arctic and roseate tern colonies. In addition, Maine’s second tallest lighthouse is located on Petit Manan. After viewing the wildlife and lighthouse, proceed to the whale grounds to see humpback, finback and Minke whales.
This activity is $56 out of pocket.

Rock Climbing

With its varied climbing terrain and unique sea cliffs, Acadia is an ideal location for the first-time climber or the experienced veteran. Although there are certainly bigger cliffs to climb in many other areas across the country, none can match the singularly unique beauty of Acadia’s sea cliffs. From the idyllic seaside location of Otter Cliffs, the granite slabs of the South Bubble overlooking Jordan Pond, the longer climbs found on the South Wall, or the drama of Great Head – the most imposing sea cliff in the US – Acadia offers a truly diverse range of climbing terrain.

This morning, climb Acadia’s small cliffs, which were created during the last continental glaciation. Most of these cliffs are composed of solid coarse-grained pink granite and overlook the ocean, providing a spectacular setting for climbing not commonly available elsewhere in the U.S. Your guides will provide a safe, positive and enjoyable introduction to acquaint you with the art of climbing movement and provide you with a basic foundation of skills and knowledge to build upon. Learn the safety systems of knots, belaying and rappelling along with climbing techniques.
This activity is $80 out of pocket for a full day of climbing.

Bar Harbor

Take the afternoon off to explore the museums, restaurants and nightlife of Bar Harbor. Bars and clubs host a range of bands and solo artists every night of the week. Movies have never seemed more enjoyable than when seen in Bar Harbor’s art-deco theater, and the scope of Bar Harbor’s museums belie the small size of the town. Here you can learn about Bar Harbor’s “Gilded Age”, the island’s Native American heritage, the Gulf of Maine’s unique eco-systems and species, the town’s award winning micro-brews, and the natural wonder of Acadia National Park. It is also worth noting that Bar Harbor is home to the USA’s eighth oldest golf course, which wraps itself between the mountains and the shore.

For a different view, hop on a trolley tour. Local companies are experts in the wildlife and the history of the area. There are also walking tours of downtown that can tell you, for example, which industrial magnate died from the complications of dropping a pair of scissors.

This evening, we will all enjoy a sunset cruise around the stunning coastline (included in package).

Awake early this morning to catch one more beautiful Acadia sunrise. After a short hike and some final photos, we will pack our bags and head back to New York refreshed and renewed.