Highlights

  • Historic Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor
  • Acadia National Park, Thuya Gardens, Jordan Pond House
  • Hike craggy coastal mountain trails and historic carriage roads
  • Fresh local lobster and other seafood
  • Cranberry Islands boat tour

There's nothing that compares to the rugged beauty of the Maine coast, and the jewel in the crown is Mount Desert (pronounced 'Dessert by locals) Island. Once the summer estate of the Rockefeller family, it is now home to Acadia National Park and hundreds of miles of footpaths and carriage roads, making it the perfect spot to enjoy mountain views and lush pine woodlands, with walks along rivers, ponds, and the craggy coast; not to mention some of the best seafood you'll ever have the chance to eat. It is a place defined by picture perfect small towns and snug harbors with lobster boats chugging in and out to sea. While we're there we stay in two wonderful towns : bustling Bar Harbor filled with museums, shops, and restaurants, and the quieter more exclusive Northeast Harbor, with bobbing sailboats moored just off shore. Days are spent enjoying the trails in Acadia and all over the island, with visits to its famous gardens, round glacier carved mountains, deep ravines and water holes, and beaches that offer splendid views of the shore as well as the sea. Speaking of the sea, we've planned a ferry ride to the Cranberry Islands Inlet -- just one of the many unexpected highlights of this wonderful 5-night Walk.

Sunday Overnight: Asticou Inn

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

Monday Overnight: Asticou Inn

From our hotel we'll ascend the remarkable Asticou Terraces to secluded Thuya Gardens, where a profusion of annuals and perennials are in bloom. We will then walk a small segment of the famed carriage roads of Acadia on our way to Lower Hadlock Pond, and serene Asticou Azalea Gardens before we lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon we'll sail aboard the Sea Princess for a narrated tour of Mount Desert Harbor and Somes Sound. We'll see nesting osprey, basking seals, and go ashore on Little Cranberry Island to explore an offshore island village.

Tuesday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Today we'll hike Acadia's historic carriage roads to the Jordan Pond House, renowned for its beautiful setting and freshly baked popovers. We'll savor them with lunch while enjoying the iconic views of the Bubbles reflected in the waters of Jordan Pond. After lunch we'll walk the length of Jordan Pond on a shoreline path and return after a short climb on a carriage road on the opposite shore, a three-mile loop of sublime splendor. We'll enjoy dinner tonight at a favorite Bar Harbor restaurant.

Wednesday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Walking from our inn, we'll cross Acadia's tallest carriage road bridge en route to Witch Hole Pond with its wonderful bogs and pitcher plants, then continue on to Eagle Lake, Acadia's largest lake. After lunch in downtown Bar Harbor, we'll visit Sand Beach, hike over Gorham Mountain and join the Ocean Path...with a stop at the unpredictable but always fun Thunder Hole, a rock formation that produces thunder-like claps during storms and high seas.

Thursday Overnight: Mira Monte Inn

Today our walk stays on the coast on the quiet western side of Mt. Desert Island. At Ship Harbor, we'll learn how a Yankee privateer escaped a British gunboat during the Revolutionary War. We'll examine tidal pools and sand bars if the 10 ft tides allow. A bit further along the coast, at Wonderland, we'll see oddly shaped trees and wonderful ocean views. After a picnic lunch by the sea, we'll get unforgettable views of mountains, lakes, ocean, and forest from Beech Cliff and atop Beech Mountain.

Friday

After breakfast, The Wayfarers will 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

5 nights from
$3,695.00
Per Person, double occupancy
(Single Supplement $595.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is $3,510.00

Dates

14-JUL-19 - 19-JUL-19
13-OCT-19 - 18-OCT-19
Request booking
Arrival: Bangor airport
Departure: Bangor airport
Maine Coast Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Asticou Inn

Asticou Inn

Overlooking the picturesque blue waters of Northeast Harbor, the Asticou Inn has been a tradition along the coast of Maine since 1883. The beautifully restored country inn has a restaurant, clay tennis court, and heated pool. Relax in the well-appointed guest rooms after a day of hiking in Acadia National Park.
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