Highlights

  • Historic Bar Harbor.
  • Iconic fishing villages.
  • Scenic coastal hiking and historic carriage roads.
  • Highest coastal mountains north of Ria de Janeiro!
  • Great seafood.

We explore unspoiled Acadia National Park and encounter spectacular views of the many islands that dot this part of the Atlantic Ocean. The stunning scenes; mountains glacially rounded smooth, long glacially scoured bodies of fresh water all surrounded by the ocean as a perfect backdrop! Walk by sea birds and eagles, starfish and seals, and the ever important Lobster. From the Wabanaki Indians to a glamorous summer resort in the late 1800's with mansions abound, Mount Desert Island is both physically beautiful and culturally unique.

Sunday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Meet at Bangor airport for transfer to the Mira Monte Inn, or meet at the Inn. Welcome and Introductory Talk, before we walk to a favorite dinner spot in Bar Harbor.

Monday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Explore the quieter western side of the island, following a fascinating and easy coastal walk. Visit Ship Harbor, where a Yankee ship ran aground to escape a British gunboat during the Revolutionary War. Get a close look at the 15+ foot tide changes and the salt marsh. After lunch by the sea, we'll hike around Beech cliffs and on to Beech Mountain with many spectacular views of Echo Lake, Great Long Pond, and the Atlantic Ocean. A short uphill trail rises quickly to the top of the mountain, with great viewing spots to rest. Or opt for a gentler, longer route through a rocky glen with glacial boulders and rare rock ferns.

Tuesday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Today's hike begins with a visit to the beautiful and secluded Thuya Gardens, perched on the hillside of Elliot Mountain, just above serene Northeast Harbor. The gardens are a perfect gateway to the mountain trails and famed carriage roads of Acadia National Park. We'll follow them to lunch at Jordan Pond House. This Acadia jewel is known for its beautiful setting as well as its delicious popovers, served with butter and strawberry jam! After lunch, we will set our sights on Penobscot mountain, walking first along Jordon Pond, and then ascending a rocky brook bed up the ridgeline to the top. Great views of Jordon Pond and the southern shores of Mount Desert Island await!

Wednesday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Just a few miles from downtown Bar Harbor, we'll hike across Sand Beach via the rocky, rugged peninsula that is Great Head. The trail drops down to the beach, then follows the most famous part of Acadia's Ocean Trail, past 'Thunder Hole' (producing thunder-like claps during storms and high seas), and along the pink granite and cobble beaches to the cliffs of Otter Point. After a picnic on the cliffs, we'll hike up Gorham Mountain, following the ridge line with views of the spectacular shoreline, from Great Head to Otter Point! Farewell Dinner at The Reading Room at The Bar Harbor Inn tonight.

Thursday

Before we say goodbye, let's explore one of the park's most famous natural phenomena, 'The Bubbles'! Our woodland trail descends slightly to the carriage road along Eagle Lake, then ascends to the North Bubble Trail. This trail rises out of the woodlands to the smooth rocky slabs above, providing fine farewell views of Eagle Lake and Jordon Pond. After lunch the Wayfarers provide a shuttle to Bangor International Airport (BGR).
Moderate
"Maine is an especially good place to unplug. People have time for conversations."
Terrain: woodland, coastal and lakeside well marked and defined trails, and carriage roads. Trails are rocky (lots of smooth slabs too) and forest floor with some steep inclines/declines.
Up to 10 miles a day.

TRIP DETAILS

4 nights from
$2,395.00
Per Person, double occupancy
(Single Supplement $395.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is $2,275.00

Dates

26-AUG-18 - 30-AUG-18
16-SEP-18 - 20-SEP-18
Request booking
Arrival: Bangor airport
Departure: Bangor airport

Activities

Walk Classic
Maine Coast Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Mira Monte Inn

Mira Monte Inn

The Mira Monte Inn is a romantic Victorian home built in 1864 located just three blocks from the center of Bar Harbor Village and one mile from Acadia National Park. This two acre estate has beautiful gardens, a game lawn where guests can play crochet and bocce ball, and a violet lawn. The fifteen rooms are beautifully decorated in comfortably furnished in a period style. Each room has a private bath, flat screen TV, air-conditioning, telephone, hairdryer and free Wifi. Each morning a bounteous breakfast buffet and early riser coffee is served. This is smoke-free property.

Start planning your trip

What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation

  • Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
  • A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
  • Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
  • Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
  • Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
  • All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
  • Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
  • First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
  • All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
  • Wine with dinner
  • On-trail snacks and refreshments
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants