Acadia Hiking and Kayaking Adventure
Bangor, ME
Trip Highlights
- Iconic Acadia Summits
- Sea Kayak Tour
- Stunning Coastal Hikes
- Wonderful Maine Cuisine
- Quaint Bar Harbor Lodging
- Ocean Ferry to Peninsula
- Famous Ladder Trails
- Fascinating History
Description
On this Acadia adventure we tackle some of the most exciting and challenging hikes that Acadia has to offer (if you’d prefer a more moderate tour, check out our Acadia Summits to Oceans Hiking Tour.) Each evening we return to our cozy, historic Bar Harbor hotel to relax and head out on the town for fine Maine dining. On our hikes we will earn stunning summit views of rocky ocean shores and lush northeast coastal flora. We will head out on the water for a sea kayaking adventure and a ferry to an iconic Acadia peninsula, checking out the wealth of local marine and avian life. We will escape to the quieter sides of Acadia toward the end of the tour to hike and explore more off-the-beaten-path areas.
If you’re looking for an adventurous, tremendously scenic and diverse experience of the Northeast’s most spectacular national park, this is it! Email us or give us a ring at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more or book your spot today.
Please Note: this trip requires strong hiking and balance skills as well as competent upper body strength to ascend iron rung ladders. It is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights. Please click on “Details” next to the difficulty rating to learn more.
$670 Single Supplement
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip follows generally well maintained trails, and has mostly moderate hiking distances and elevation gains/losses. What makes this trip level 3 difficulty (vs. level 2 for most inn-based tours) is the nature of the routes we hike and climb. At times we are ascending iron rung ladders or shuffling across narrow ledges with extreme exposure.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 8 Miles
Backpack Weight:
8-12 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 1800 feet
Heights Exposure:
Extreme
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Walking across narrow ledges with extreme heights exposure
- Climbing on iron rung ladders with occasional, extreme heights exposure
- Paddling from a sitting position in a sea kayak for ~4 hours
SOLITUDE LEVEL 1
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Acadia National Park trip a solitude 1. You can expect to be around other hikers most of the time.
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
PRIVATE TRIPS
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
PRIVATE RATES FOR THIS TRIP
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle: 90 minutes
- Hiking Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 900 ft
Our adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Bangor, ME and a short drive to the visitors center in Acadia, where we will board the Island Explorer shuttle and enjoy a short but scenic ride to Sand Beach. We will begin our inaugural trek on rocky terrain descending toward the Great Head of Acadia. The views are unparalleled and provide sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Maine and surrounding peaks. As we continue on, we will make our way through pink granite cliffs and Birch forests looping back to the trailhead. From here, we will head south along the coast toward Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff, one of the most stunning overlooks along the Atlantic. Your guide will prepare a tasty trail lunch as we pause to take in the breathtaking views and watch for marine wildlife. After lunch we will embark on a last hike of the day to Jordan Pond. One of the most iconic hikes in the park, this glacially carved lake is surrounded by lush green mountains and is a perfect cap off to the day. We will enjoy a short drive to our lodging in Bar Harbor, get cleaned up and meet for a delicious, New England dinner.
Day 2
- Shuttle: 40 minutes
- Hiking Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,800 ft
Today we embark on a summit hike to the top of two of Acadia’s most iconic peaks, with sweeping vistas of coastal islands, Bar Harbor proper, spruce forests and dramatic granite cliffs. Our hike will start fairly gently before climbing (ladders included) to our first peak of the day. We will take some time to enjoy the quiet summit before ascending our second mountain. We will find a spot to enjoy the ocean views as the guide prepares lunch. After lunch we will loop back to our starting point and – if time allows – visit one of Bar Harbor’s museums or explore Bar Harbor before cleaning up for another dinner out on the town.
Day 3
- Shuttle: 60 minutes
- Ferry: 45 minutes
- Hiking Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 880 ft
Our hike today takes us to the quieter side of Acadia, the Schoodic Peninsula. We will enjoy a short ferry from Bar Harbor east across Winter Harbor to reach our destination. From here we will drive the loop road, stopping at vistas to take in the stunning surf along the Atlantic Coast. We will head out to Blueberry Hill to start our hike of the day, ascending “the “Anvil” and Schoodic Head. We will take as much time as we desire at the rocky outcropping above the peninsula, looking out at the expanse of ocean as we eat a tasty picnic lunch. We descend down a gentle, wooded slope to finish the loop. From here we will explore Winter Harbor before returning to our hotel.
Day 4
- Shuttle: 35 minutes
- Hiking Distance: 4.3 miles
- Sea Kayaking: ~4 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,050 ft
This morning we will begin our adventure early, and head into the park as soon as it opens. We will scramble the Beehive Trail, Acadia’s most famous hike, climbing on iron rungs at the edge of rocky bluffs. After a short summit we will descend down the easier side and stop by a scenic pond. After a quick moment to rest we will hike a much more gentle path to a second summit of the day and enjoy a snack and breathtaking views. We will return to the van, completing our loop, and head back to our hotel to enjoy a bit of down time.
This afternoon is our sea kayaking adventure! Our four-hour tour, led by a local company we contract with, explores the Porcupine Islands, arguably the most breathtaking paddling venue on Maine’s coast. We will kayak approximately 5 miles of Frenchman Bay’s coastline, and punctuate our tour with a stop at an island to comb and explore the beach. The local guides will provide professional instruction in fundamental paddling technique and will point out wildlife, which can include harbor seals, porpoises and other marine and bird life. Today’s paddle is in tandem kayaks, and guests must be 12 or older to participate.
Day 5
- Shuttle: 60 minutes
- Hiking Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 850 ft
Today we will begin with a scenic shuttle toward Bass Harbor on the quieter, southwest side of Mount Desert Island. We will check out an iconic lighthouse rising above the rugged, rocky coastline. From here we will drive to the start a spectacular loop hike. We will ascend immediately on rocky steps and finally some ladders before arriving at the top of steep, rocky cliffs that offer views across western Acadia, freshwater lakes and beyond to the ocean. We will have an easier ascent up the next peak, Beech Mountain, climbing through beech forest on a gentle trail before a final scramble to the peak’s summit. After a snack and some time to enjoy this second view, we will zig-zag back down the other side of the mountain to our vehicle. After a packed full morning and early afternoon, we will have one last lunch together. Then your guide will transport you back to Bangor, ME for the conclusion of our tour. What a week it’s been!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Four nights of double occupancy lodging in Bar Harbor(single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Use of trekking poles and a day pack
- All meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Sea kayaking tour provided by a third party
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
We provide all your meals from lunch the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. Some specialty diets may require an additional fee.
For dinners, we’ve hand-picked local restaurants you’re sure to enjoy! We made our decisions based on the quality of their food, their charm, and how much local color and character they have.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your hiking guide and group the morning of Day 1 in Bangor, ME. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip to coordinate the exact time and location of the rendezvous, which will depend on guest accommodations, current weather and other conditions.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Bangor, ME
This tour originates in Bangor, ME. Bangor International Airport is serviced by most major airlines and from many large airports around the United States, and even the world.
Start/End Times
Your guide will coordinate the first day’s rendezvous time approximately 2 weeks before the trip. Generally, you can expect it to be between 7 and 9 a.m., although the exact time will depend on current conditions. We will be back to Bangor on the last day normally before 5 PM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Shifts
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
- For the kayaking portion, guests must be 12 or older and an adult must be on every tandem kayak
Accommodations
The Central House
Constructed in the late 19th century, Central House provides guests with modern amenities yet has maintained its wonderful, historic charm. It puts us right in the action for perfect access to our daily hikes and evening dinners. (wifi, A/C, cable)
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
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