BLOG POST

BAR HARBOR ITINERARY:

​

This excursion is somewhat different and unique. It not only includes Acadia National Park but also Bar Harbor, Maine. Bar Harbor is a cute and quaint little seaside town that shares an island with Acadia National Park. 

​

If you have a few days to explore Acadia, this is the list for you.

​

First spend some time in Bar Harbor:

The town is the center of two parks Village Green and Agamont Park. It has some small little shops that you can go window shopping and explore the quirkiness and charm that the little town and businesses have. 

​

Schedule a whale watching tour:

You don't want to waste time doing this the last day, because it can cancel due to weather. Whale watching tour's go for several hours/ half a day. Main company that does tours is called "Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co." the main offices are located by the base of Agamont Park. Some of the animals you will see are Puffins, Seals, Fin Whale, Humpback Whales. Plus being on the tour you get to see a lighthouse on an island which is also pretty cool. Super recommended to do and not miss out on this one.

​

Visit Bar Island:

This is a small island across from north side of Bar Harbor, at low tide you can walk across the sandbar that appears.

​

Visit Shore Path:

In town you start at either Wayman Lane or Agamont Park. Take a stroll down this path that gives great views of the coast and islands and bay.

​

Rent a bike: a more luxurious and memorable experience to travel around town and get some fresh and air and experience the town at a much slower pace.

​

From Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park is just 10 minutes (driving). First hit the highlights of the Park which are:

​

Hiking Beehive:

Its not your everyday sort of hike, this is one of those hikes you've been waiting for. A real challenge. The trail is exposed and it uses granite boulders, ladders and iron rungs to travel on the trail. It takes about a couple hours but going to the top is worth the sweat. Would recommend going super early to beat the crowds and the hot sun. 

​

If you need more of a challenge, come back in the fall and hike "The Precipice" it is the ultimate iron rung trail. (Enough said)

​

Looking for a more calm hike but with spactacular views. Try the "Great Head Trail" its right by the Sand Beach and is mostly flat.

​

Park Loop Road:

Park Loop Road is a one-way road along the coast, with amazing scenery along the ocean path. 

Stop at Sand Beach | Thunder Hole | Otter Cliffs . Each one has a parking lot. There are other stops you can take but these are the highlights of the park.

​

Jordan Pond:

Hike Jordan Pond Path | Jordan Cliffs trail | trail to Bubble Rock

Jordan Pond Path is easy trail that loops back.

Jordan Cliffs trail is an iron rung trail that goes to Penobscot Mountain's Cliffs (Usually closed during the summer).

Top things to do is not to skip hiking Bubble Rock or you can just drive to it and park close by.

​

Places to eat and refuel would be at either Jordan Pond House (little pricey) or at the small convenience store above the gift shop.

​

Cadillac Mountain is beautiful in the morning, afternoon and at sunset. It has a small trail that loops which is paved and very easy hiking wise.  While driving up to small trail there are several stops on the side of the road that offer different view points that are fun to see. Don't want to rush through the experience, right?

​

If you have an extra day:

​

Don't miss out on Sea Kayaking or Climbing.

You can rent sea kayak's at either National Park Sea Kayak tours or Coastal Kayaking tours. The only difference is that they do different tours.

​

rock climbing with Acadia Mountain Guides at pebble beach and otter cliffs

​

Remember, renting a bike thing.

Biking the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park

​

​

If you want a more detailed checklist/ itinerary of Acadia National Park and have only a few hours, a day, or a week check out "Plan Your Trip to Acadia National Park"

​