Maine Hiking - Acadia National Park - Lodge Based

Name: Maine Hiking - Acadia National Park - Lodge Based
Brand: REI Adventures
SKU: ahl

Trip Length5 Days

Group Size4-12

Activity level

Enjoy 20% off this trip

Offer valid on select 2024 and 2025 departures booked from Nov 8–25, 2024.

Spend 5 days exploring the rocky shorelines and enchanting forests of Acadia National Park.

Often hailed as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic, Acadia is a place where the wild heart of the coast meets the serenity of the wilderness. Here, granite peaks rise above the thundering ocean waves and the landscape unfolds into a tapestry of pristine lakes, lush forests, and sweeping ocean vistas. This diverse and stunning park provides the perfect setting for a rejuvenating adventure reconnecting with nature.

Each day brings a fresh chance to immerse ourselves in some coastal Maine magic as our expert guide leads the way. Take in the stunning views from the summit of the tallest peak on the eastern seaboard. Listen to the waves crash at Thunder Hole along the iconic, Ocean Path. Watch the sunset over Bar Harbor on a boat cruise through Frenchman Bay. Savor the flavors of New England cuisine with friends who share your love for nature’s wonder. Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic from the balcony of your comfortable ocean-view hotel room.

From the dramatic coastline that stretches like a living canvas to the picturesque trails winding through ancient forests, this trip is a perfect blend of exploration and comfort—a true immersion in the soul-stirring beauty of one of America's most cherished national parks.

Acadia is stunning year-round, but the breathtaking explosion of color that sweeps through the park in the fall is truly beyond words.

Trip Highlights

Explore Acadia National Park’s web of trails alongside ponds and scenic coastal overlooksSummit
Summit Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the eastern seaboard
Take part in the delicious tradition of popovers and tea on the Jordan Pond House lawn
Enjoy a sunset boat cruise through Frenchman Bay
Spend four nights in Bar Harbor, a quintessential New England seaside town

Activities

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Participants should have experience hiking and be comfortable navigating some challenging terrain such as loose rocks, and roots. Hikes range from 3-6 miles with elevation gains/losses of up to 1,200', for multiple days in succession. Some trails have limited shade. Keep all these conditions in mind when training for this adventure. Our guides will brief participants on the details of each hike prior to setting out.

Hiking

What's Included

Four nights hotel accommodations; All meals as noted in the daily itinerary; Professional Guide(s); All vehicle transfers as noted in the daily itinerary; All park entry & permit fees;

Accommodations

Hotel, 4 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Maine Hiking - Acadia National Park - Lodge Based

Day 1

Scenic coastal drive from Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME and our first hike in Acadia

Our trip begins this morning in Portland, Maine where we meet our guide(s) and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, we begin the scenic drive to Bar Harbor along Highway 1. We pass through multiple quaint New England coastal towns stopping for lunch in one along the way. We arrive in Bar Harbor this afternoon and explore some of the park's famous carriage roads on foot. Acadia National Park is home to an impressive 45 miles of motor-free, rustic carriage roads that were designed and gifted to the park by philanthropist John D Rockefeller Jr. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner together in Bar Harbor and make ourselves at home in our cozy ocean view hotel rooms that we'll call home during our time together. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 2.5-5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: Up to 400’: Transfer: 3.5-4 hours

Day 2

A classic hike along Acadia’s spectacular rugged coastline

This morning we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant in Bar Harbor (we recommend the blueberry pancakes) before making our way to the trailhead. This morning's hike is the quintessential Acadia experience and provides incredible views of Maine's stunning coastline from multiple vantage points. Our loop hike begins at Sand Beach and includes a mixture of the mostly flat Ocean Path, a steady climb through a spruce-fir forest to the 525' summit of Gorham Mountain, and a modest scramble around the Great Head Peninsula. After lunch, we explore Sieur de Monts, the historic heart of Acadia, and have free time in downtown Bar Harbor. This evening we'll enjoy a traditional New England dinner at a local restaurant. All meals included.

Hiking: 4-6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 900’: Transfer: 1 hour

Day 3

Summit Cadillac Mountain and explore the Schoodic Peninsula

This morning we'll hike to the summit of the tallest point on the United States’ eastern seaboard. This is our most challenging and rewarding hike in Acadia. Our trail climbs a steady ascent through a forest of birch and evergreen as we're rewarded with plenty of scenic overlooks along the way. 1.2 miles into our hike, we clear the tree line and find ourselves traversing large, exposed granite ledges leading for another mile before reaching the summit of Cadillac Mountain. From the top of the 1,530' peak, we take in the unparalleled, expansive views that include Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, and the Porcupine Islands. We have time to relax and enjoy the views before retracing our steps back down to our trailhead. This afternoon, we’ll leave the crowds behind and explore some of the quieter trails on the Schoodic Peninsula for great views of pounding waves and Cadillac Mountain, where we were standing just this morning! We return to Bar Harbor this evening for another delicious meal at a local favorite restaurant. All meals included.

Hiking: 4.5-6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,200’, Terrain: Rocky with granite slopes & stairs. Transfers: 3 hours

Day 4

Hike in Southwest Harbor and take a sunset boat cruise of Frenchman Bay

Today we'll explore the west side of Mount Desert Island. Our morning hike takes us to the summit of the 681' Acadia Mountain. Our trail gradually climbs through a pine and cedar forest over occasional sections of granite slab leading to a spectacular view of the Somes Sound. We'll explore some other short trails on this side of the island before returning to Bar Harbor to get ready for our final evening together. Tonight, we enjoy a celebratory dinner in Bar Harbor and a sunset boat cruise through Frenchman Bay, the perfect way to spend our last night on Mount Desert Island. All meals included.

Hiking: 2.5-5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: Up to 650: Transfer: 1.5 hours

Day 5

Hike Jordan Pond and return to Portland, ME

Our final adventure together takes us to Jordan Pond, a picturesque, glacially fed lake nestled between towering granite peaks. We will explore some of the 3.26 mile shoreline with a side trip that involves a little rock scrambling and leads to incredible views of the lake below. We return to our trailhead just in time to enjoy lunch at Jordan Pond House and of course try some of their famous popovers (a park tradition since 1893). After lunch, we bid farewell to Acadia and begin the return drive to Portland as we share our favorite memories from the week and solidify plans for our next adventure together. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3-5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: Up to 823’: Transfer: 3.5-4 hours

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

Trekking Poles

What to pack

Required gear

Travel documents

Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)
Photo Identification

Recommended gear

You might also consider

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 800-426-4840 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Call 1 (800) 622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; guide gratuities; and items of a personal nature.

Consider as you sign up

Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.

Get a $50 annual statement credit towards future Experiences - With the REI Co-op Mastercard, members get a $50 statement credit for our classes, day trips, and multiday outings. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. See details & sign up.

Additional Information

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:

91+ days prior to departure = $0
61 to 90 days = $400
31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:

61+ days prior to departure = $0
31 to 60 days = $400
0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If a transferred reservation is later cancelled, the original applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
See the cancellation and transfer policy details page for more information.
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Weather

Summer highs in Acadia typically range between the mid 70s to low 80s (Fahrenheit) with lows dropping into the 40s-50s. Late spring & early fall daytime temperatures are in the 60s and 70's with lows in the 30s and 40s. Make sure to check the weather closer to your trip. The best advice is to be prepared for any type of weather and follow the recommendations on the trip's Gear List to ensure you arrive properly equipped.

Single Travelers

There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations with a same-gender roommate. If you are willing to share but we are unable to pair you with a same-gender roommate, you will not be charged the single supplement fee. If you do not wish to share and request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.

Single supplement 2025 - $1,049

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Meet your guides
Milly
Emily (or Milly) grew up on the South Shore of MA. Emily loves spending time outside, with family and friends, doing yoga, hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, and paddling. Prior to guiding for REI, Emily was a high school teacher before switching to outdoor ed to guide paddling trips. She is hyped to be guiding trips for REI and cannot wait to meet you!
Meet your guides
Sarah
A seasoned guide with years of experience leading adventures across the country, from majestic Yosemite to charming New England, Sarah is passionate about the outdoors and sharing its beauty with others. Sarah specializes in empowering individuals to feel confident and comfortable in natural environments. An avid outdoorswoman herself, Sarah enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, sailing, kayaking, skiing, and exploring new destinations. She holds a Wilderness First Responder certification, ensuring your safety is always top priority.

Adventure Expert

Aya

From the dramatic cliffs along the coastline to the tranquil forests and lakes, Acadia’s scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.