Coast of Maine: Camden & Acadia

Coast of Maine: Camden & Acadia

Introduction

Wildlife ConservationCoastal WalkingGourmet FoodArt ConnectionsLiterature and Film

There are only two places on the US East Coast where mountains flank the coast; Camden, Maine and Acadia National Park. So it's a natural for our Maine walk to focus on these two jewels.

Setting off in Camden, 'Jewel of the Coast', we discover the land and light of New England that inspired America's first great artists. We explore unspoiled Acadia National Park, trek through the pine trees of Cathedral Woods and encounter spectacular views from Ragged Mountain. At Beauchamp Point we meet Belted Galloway cattle and visit an open-air chapel.

Staying in Colonial inns, we sample Maine's famous seafood, and on car-free Monhegan Island we cast our eyes on dramatic cliffs and shady pine glades only an hour away by ferry.

Walk Summary

Dates

19-SEP-10 - 24-SEP-10

03-OCT-10 - 08-OCT-10

Trip

6 Days , 5 Nights

Terrain
Moderate

Walk Rating: Moderate. Easy walking on paved ways and good paths, occasionally rocky, with optional more challenging routes. 7-10 miles walking per day

Price

US$2695.00 per person double occupancy
(single supplement US$495.00)

Walk begins in Camden, with arrival at Portland International Airport and ends in Bar Harbor, with departure from Portland International Airport.

Walk Itinerary

Sunday

We meet at the Portland International Airport and transfer to Camden, “The Jewel of the Coast” by mid-afternoon. Before settling into our typical New England Inn we can browse Camden’s shops and galleries or take an early evening walk to Mt. Battie with wonderful views of the harbor.

Overnight: Camden

Monday

Our morning’s walk is to Maiden Cliff, partway up Mount Megunticook, where there is a choice to go to the top or take an easier route to Fernald’s Neck. After lunch, we offer an easy walk on the coast road from Rockport to Camden via Beauchamp Point and its open–air Vesper Chapel and Aldermere Farm, home to a herd of Belted Galloway cattle. Alternatively, follow the Leader on or a more challenging ascent of Ragged Mountain ~ both offer wonderful views of Penobscot Bay. Before we feast on lobster, we relax aboard a schooner for a sunset cruise.

Overnight: Camden

Tuesday

We take the morning ferry to car-free Monhegan Island where we walk paths beloved by generations of artists and nature lovers. We venture from the Village to Black Head a highpoint of the island where the great Atlantic waves crash below, returning on an easier route through the pine trees of Cathedral Woods. After lunch, we visit the lighthouse museum and gallery before a short walk to White Head and then return to the village for the evening ferry.

Overnight: Camden

Wednesday

We leave early for the drive to Acadia National Park and then enjoy a walk to Cadillac Mountain with a choice of easy or more energetic routes. At the top there are spectacular views of Down East and Nova Scotia. After lunch at Jordan Pond House, a landmark for over a century, you can choose an easy walk to Great Head or a more strenuous climb to the summit of Norumbega Mountain. We transfer to our hotel in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island.

Overnight: Bar Harbor

Thursday

We walk on the west side of Somes Sound, the only true fjord on the east coast, which divides Mt. Desert and Acadia. After a picnic lunch, we take an easy trail to The Bubbles above Jordan Pond or end on an invigorating note by completing the Pemetic Mountain Loop. The Farewell Dinner is at our hotel, the classic Bar Harbor Inn.

Overnight: Bar Harbor

Friday

After breakfast, we depart for Portland International Airport arriving early afternoon.

This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.

Hotels

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Bar Harbor Inn - Wednesday & Thursday

Bar Harbor Inn

Newport Drive
Bar Harbor
Maine 04609

T: +1 207-288-3351
E: reservations@barharborinn.com
W: www.barharborinn.com

What is now called the Bar Harbor Inn was once an "oasis" of culture for the likes of the Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, and Morgans. Situated directly on Frenchman Bay, near the heart of downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the Bar Harbor Inn has eight acres of lush lawns and gardens - embraced by a serene half mile shore path.
All rooms are tastefully decorated with modern amenities and have private luxury bathrooms, TV, telephone and hair dryers. The Inn's restaurant, The Reading Room, offers many fine examples of coastal seafood dishes and there is also a new full-service luxury spa.

This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.

Photo Gallery

Harbor Views Rest break. Lobster traps. On the trail. Fish House Fresh Seafood. The group. Hiking on Monhegan Island Wild Blueberries. Lobster bake. Buoys. Wonderful untamed coastline On the trail. Stop to admire the view. On the trail on Monhegan Island. Hiking Blackhead on Monhegan Island. Painters view. The old Boathouse. Harborside.

Travel Information

Before & After Your Walk:

  • A visit to the vast state of Maine before or after the walk provides many opportunities for exploration - a peaceful time to refresh your soul, an active time to take in boating, fishing, golf or adventure.
  • Guests arriving early could stay in Portland which has a charming old port.
  • Freeport, 20 minutes north of Portland, offers wonderful outlet shopping including a great LL Bean store.
  • Stay longer in Bar Harbor to enjoy the shops and galleries in town or plan to do a few more walks in Acadia National Park.
  • Venture further to Booth Bay Harbor or Kennebunkport

Weather:

The climate on the Coast of Maine is unpredictable at any time of year and if a “Nor’easter” is blowing there will be a nip in the air. However, you should enjoy some sunny days. July daytime temperatures range between 70ºF to 80ºF and evenings from the mid 50º’s to 60ºF. Late September and early October daytime temperatures will range between 60ºF to 70ºF and evening temperatures will drop into the lower 50º’s.

To see more Travel Information and a list of our recommended tips please register or sign in. Once you confirm a booking for this walk, as a registered website member, you will be able to access detailed Joining Instructions including exact arrival and departure points and times as part of the Travel Information.

FAQs

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  1. Are there any hidden costs?
    Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager.
  2. How large are the Groups?
    Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people.
  3. Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
    Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler.
  4. Can you accomodate special diets?
    Yes!
  5. How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
    If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.

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Scrapbook

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Betsy West Thanks to Nancy Eckert for sharing these great pictures of our Walk in Maine.

What's Next?

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