Maine: Acadia Multisport

Maine: Acadia Multisport Full Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Arrive at the Boathouse Way Cottages located on Mitchell Road in Bernard, Maine between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.  We’ll meet in the cottage named “Homeport” from which you will be shown to your room before dinner.  Each cabin will accommodate 3-4 people in two bedrooms.  Common areas of the cabins, such as the living room and kitchen, are shared.  As we relax by the evening campfire, we’ll talk about the excitement ahead and preparing for tomorrow’s hike. Dinner provided.

• Day 2

  After breakfast we’ll depart for a scenic hike on Beech Mountain that is rated easy to moderate. Our nearly six-mile loop gains less than 700 feet but offers many spectacular views of the ocean, mountains and Acadia’s ponds. We’ll have lunch on the open summit or other ridge vantage point overlooking southern Mt. Desert Island. There should be time for a refreshing freshwater swim at Echo Lake Beach before we return to our cottages to talk about the day’s adventures over a relaxing dinner. All meals included.

• Day 3

  This morning’s departure takes us to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. From there we will explore an ocean-side nature trail on foot.  After ample time to enjoy the area’s shore-side splendors we’ll enjoy an ocean-side BBQ at a picnic area called Seawall.  We’ve got several great choices this afternoon. People who want action can either head out for a 4-hour Southwest Harbor sea kayak tour or hike a 2.2-mile out-and-back hike over the summit of Acadia Mt. (530’ elevation gain). This hike affords the best views of 7-mile-long Somes Sound, the only fiord on the East Coast of the U.S. Just want to relax? Swim at Echo Lake or explore the island on your own using the Island Explorer free shuttle service. If you’re up for more action, use the shuttle to take advantage of the many opportunities for independent activities, including deep-sea fishing charters, horse-drawn carriage rides and ferry rides to outlying islands. All meals included.

• Day 4

  A century ago the well-to-do planned the day around tea and popovers with strawberry jam at the teahouse at Jordan Pond. We’ll do the same. This morning we browse around the Acadia National Park Visitor Center before cycling on carriage roads that were designed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., through the 1920’s. Rockefeller, who also donated about 11,000 acres or one third of what is Acadia National Park, built the crushed gravel roads so people could enjoy the island’s backcountry by horse-drawn carriage and never encounter an automobile. From the Visitor Center, we’ll meander to Eagle Lake, with possible side excursions to Bubble Pond and Connors Nubble.  As we enjoy a late lunch or tea and popover, we’ll relish the view from the lawn of the Jordan Pond House, which was rebuilt after a 1978 fire. The pond has nature and hiking trails along the shore. Biking distance is approximately 12 miles; 4 hours, mostly easy with some moderate riding. All meals included.

• Day 5

  We’ll spend the morning on a Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tour, where we may see humpback, finback and white-sided whales, puffins and more. Then we head to Sand Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, where we have options galore, including ocean-side sunbathing, swimming and a variety of ocean-side hikes. Tide pools brim with sea life. Those looking for more thrills (as well as an exceptionally gorgeous hike) are welcome to join one of the guides for a climb up the Beehive. We’ll visit Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs on our scenic drive back to the cottages. All meals included.

• Day 6

  No visit to Acadia would be complete without a trip to the area’s highest peak, Cadillac Mountain (1,532’), which offers spectacular 360° views of the green forested park, exposed granite ridges, neighboring islands, many harbors and the bright blue sea that is usually dotted with colorful lobster buoys. We’ll hike the North Ridge trail to the open summit, visit the gift shop and spend time enjoying the views before we return to our vehicles. This is a truly spectacular day of hiking. Tonight’s dinner is an East Coast treat, a lobster bake followed by our final evening campfire. Hiking 4.2-5 miles (moderate). All meals included.

• Day 7

  Trip members flying out of Bar Harbor today will need to be up early to catch the shuttle back to the airport; the last flight leaving Bar Harbor departs at 10:25 a.m. (subject to change).  Breakfast will be available as necessary to accommodate all travelers. Trip members not catching an early flight out need not depart the cottages until 10:00 a.m. Guests may wish to shop or browse on their own in the small coastal town of Bar Harbor, which is forever linked in spirit and commerce to the park, before leaving Mt. Desert Island. This trip ends in Bernard. Breakfast and lunch included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, such as weather and backcountry conditions.  The free Island Explorer shuttle service will not only get you from the airport to the meeting point and back, but can also take you to numerous attractions on the island that you may choose to substitute for any day’s activities.  Additional fees for optional activities will apply and vary depending on the activity.

There is no guarantee that a request for a single room will be accommodated, although we will attempt to honor any requests for a single room.  Single rooms will only be available in select cases.  We cannot honor requests for single cottages. Our cottages have rooms with queen beds and twin beds, as well as lofts with twin beds.

All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7; shared cottage accommodations; entrance fees; whale watching tour fees; all cycling and boating equipment; professional guides.

Breakfast and lunch on Day 1; dinner on Day 7; airfare to Bar Harbor, Maine; insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; alcoholic beverages; guide gratuities, fees for optional activities, and items of a personal nature. Transfers from Bar Harbor Airport to our cottages are provided by a free shuttle service operated by a third-party.

This trip is rated as Easy Active [2] and since this is an active travel vacation, we encourage you to arrive in fair physical condition or better. While our hikes are less than 5 miles in length, they do involve elevation gain/loss. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest occasionally walking or biking for 2-3 hours per week starting 3 months prior to departure. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills if possible! 

Daytime temperatures usually range between 75-85 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to 50s - 60s. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.

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. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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.

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