Discover the Natural Beauty of Acadia National Park: A 3-Day Itinerary
Here is a 3-day itinerary for Acadia National Park, Maine:
Day 1:
Start your day by hiking up Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak in Acadia National Park. The hike takes around 2 hours roundtrip and offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding area.
After your hike, head to Jordan Pond House for lunch. This historic restaurant offers traditional Maine dishes like lobster rolls and blueberry pie.
Spend the afternoon exploring the carriage roads of Acadia National Park by bike or foot. The carriage roads are 45 miles of crushed stone paths that wind through the park's forests, meadows, and mountains.
End your day with a sunset picnic at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. This picturesque lighthouse is located on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island and offers breathtaking views of the sunset over the water.
Day 2:
Take a morning drive along the Park Loop Road, a scenic 27-mile drive that offers access to some of the park's most iconic sights, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.
After your drive, take a leisurely hike around Jordan Pond, a crystal-clear lake with a 3.3-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Enjoy lunch at one of Bar Harbor's many seafood restaurants. Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town just outside the park and offers plenty of dining and shopping options.
In the afternoon, take a sea kayaking tour to explore the park's coastline and see wildlife like seals, porpoises, and bald eagles up close.
Day 3:
Take a morning hike on the Precipice Trail, one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the park. The 2.5-mile trail climbs over 1,000 feet up the side of Champlain Mountain and offers stunning views of the park and the Atlantic Ocean.
After your hike, head to Somes Sound for a relaxing afternoon of sailing. Somes Sound is a narrow fjord located in the center of Mount Desert Island and offers calm waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
End your day with a dinner of Maine lobster and local craft beer at Beal's Lobster Pier. This classic Maine lobster shack is located on the waterfront in Southwest Harbor and offers fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor.