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trail cadillac mountain acadia

Acadia National Park Tour: 5 Days of Hiking, Kayaking & Glamping in Maine

5 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $3,657 ()
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Acadia packs a lot into one corner of the Maine coast: rocky shoreline, wooded trails, quiet carriage roads, and Cadillac Mountain rising above it all. This Acadia National Park tour shows us the park from every angle. We hike its coastal and forest trails, ride the carriage roads on e-bikes, kayak the harbor, and cruise offshore in search of puffins, seals, and whales. Nights are split between waterfront glamping and a hotel in downtown Bar Harbor, with chef-prepared meals and a lobster dinner along the way. Whether you’re new to national parks or have visited plenty, it’s a polished way to see Maine’s crown jewel. On the final morning, we watch the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain.

Matt
Matt

Adventure Highlights

  • Puffins, seals, and whales: A morning wildlife cruise takes us out to look for marine life, and a kayak tour shows us the coast from the water
  • Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain: We reach the summit before dawn to watch the sun rise from the first spot it touches in the US for much of the year
  • Waterfront glamping and Bar Harbor stays: We spend two nights glamping on the waterfront and two at a hotel in downtown Bar Harbor, with chef-prepared meals throughout
Duration
5 days
Season
June through August
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Glamping & hotel
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, hiking 5–8 mi (8–12.9 km) per day, plus about 3 hours of beginner-friendly kayaking
What's included
Guides, lodging, most meals, round-trip transport from Portland, bike, kayak & boat tours, park fees

The adventure, day by day

We start in Portland, where your guide meets you at the airport and drives the group up the coast to Acadia, stopping in small harbor towns along the way. The first two nights are spent glamping, with a full day of coastal hiking and e-biking the carriage roads in between. Day three brings a wildlife cruise, a hike on the island's quiet side, and a move to the hotel in Bar Harbor. We paddle the harbor on day four, then leave you free to wander town before a farewell dinner. The last morning is Cadillac Mountain at sunrise, then the transfer back to Portland.

Day 1: Arrive in Portland and transfer to Acadia
Wildlife cruise, quiet-side hike, and lobster dinner — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

Arrive in Portland and meet your guide by mid-morning for the transfer to Acadia National Park. Along the way, we stop to take in views of the rocky coastline, visit coastal towns, and collect any last-minute supplies. In the evening, we settle into our glamping accommodations outside Acadia, get to know one another over a welcome dinner, and review our full adventure.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Glamping in Bar Harbor

Day 2: Coastal hiking and e-biking the carriage roads
acadia forest guide

We head out on the trails of Acadia for a full day of exploring. The day starts with a morning tour and hike, with a chance to explore the park’s rocky coast and wooded trails. After a picnic lunch, we hop on e-bikes to explore the park’s carriage roads. Along the way, your guide shares their knowledge of the area’s fascinating wildlife and human history. We then head back to our glamping tents to relax before dinner and a good night’s rest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glamping in Bar Harbor

Day 3: Wildlife cruise, quiet-side hike, and lobster dinner
puffin in acadia, maine

In the morning, we head out on a wildlife cruise, with chances to spot puffins, seals, whales, and more. In the afternoon, we hike on the quiet side of the island. Later in the day, we transfer to our luxury accommodations in downtown Bar Harbor, stopping for a lobster dinner along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor

Day 4: Sea kayaking and free time in Bar Harbor
kayaking in acadia

This morning, we see the coast from a new vantage point on an ocean kayaking tour in the harbor. We enjoy lunch on the beach before heading back into Bar Harbor, where you’ll have the afternoon to shop and explore the charming town. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Kayaking: About 3 hours on the water
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor

Day 5: Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain and departure
sunrise in cadillac mountains

Today is designed for early birds. We wake up well before the sun and head to Cadillac Mountain, making our way up to the summit as the sky turns a myriad of colors, just in time to see the sun peek above the horizon. For much of the year, this is the first spot in the United States the sun touches. After sunrise, we stop at Jordan Pond House before the crowds arrive. After packing up, we transfer to Portland for your departing flight.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Matt
5.00
Matt
Matt grew up in Indiana with a love for geology and the outdoors, but the West—with its varied terrain and vast wilderness—soon caught his attention. At 23, he moved to Flagstaff to study geology at Northern Arizona University. Today he uses that background to help guests read the landscape and understand how its formations came to be. He’s spent years exploring remote corners of the Southwest by backpacking, canyoneering, climbing, and peak bagging. Along the way he also became an avid landscape and adventure photographer, and he loves capturing guests’ experiences on the trail. Guiding hikes lets Matt bring all of these passions together and show guests what makes the Southwest such a great place to explore.
Megan
5.00
Megan
Founder, Chief Adventure Office, and Senior Guide
Megan got her start in the travel industry as a kayak guide at an eco-lodge in Wales. After returning to the States, she continued leading day hikes for adventurous New Yorkers, which soon turned into adventures around the world. During this time, she also began working on the logistics side of travel and creating itineraries. After completing her Master’s in Outdoor Education, Megan headed to Montana to guide. She is a passionate environmentalist who uses her experience to run a more sustainable and inclusive outdoor travel company.
Jason
5.00
Jason
Operations Assistant & Lead Guide
Jason grew up in New York State, spending most of his childhood exploring the outdoors (barefoot!) and camping with his family. He got more into backpacking and the outdoors while on an extended adventure in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Since then, Jason has worked for NOLS and Outward Bound leading wilderness expeditions in the Everglades, Wind River Range, Bears Ears National Monument, and Blue Ridge Mountains. He has hiked all over the world: from the tall peaks of Mexico’s volcanoes to the deep canyons of Namibia. Jason is passionate about bringing folks outside and helping them to develop a sense of wonder towards nature and outdoor activities.
Sydney
5.00
Sydney
Sydney discovered the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. She’s biased, but she still thinks the Cascades are the most beautiful peaks in the world. For the past three years, she’s guided in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Tennessee’s Great Smokies. Guiding lets this lifelong educator combine her two favorite things, getting outside and teaching, and she works to make everyone feel they belong outdoors. The Southeast is also where she fell in love with climbing. Hiking gives her time to think, while climbing pulls her into the moment. Off the trail, you’ll find her curled up with her black lab, Alpine, and her cats, Moose and Lobo.
Jarrod
5.00
Jarrod
Jarrod grew up on the coast of southeastern Massachusetts, exploring rocky shores and skipping stones across the bay. After years in the Northeast’s hospitality and tourism industry, he downsized his life, moved into an RV, and headed west in search of adventure. While working in Yellowstone National Park, he fell in love with hiking, backpacking, and the solitude of remote wilderness. Seven years on the road eventually led him to Utah’s Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, where he now divides his time between alpine trails and the desert landscapes of the Southwest. Yellowstone remains his first love, and he’s always eager to share his passion for nature and the national parks with others.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (5 reviews)
T
T B

Our tour of Acadia National Park was absolute perfection, all thanks to our fabulous guide, Hannah! Her deep knowledge of the park was evident as she knew exactly where to position us for the most breathtaking views. When unexpected weather threatened to block the sight, she seamlessly adjusted our scheduling ahead of time to ensure we completely avoided any overcast skies. Witnessing the fantastic sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain was a magical, unforgettable experience. What made it truly special, however, was Hannah’s incredibly thoughtful gesture of serving us hot tea to keep warm against the morning chill—a delightful, super clean, and welcoming touch. If you want a seamless, majestic Acadia experience, you absolutely must request Hannah!

M
Melinda F.

Our trip to Acadia was a transformational experience and an exhilarating adventure. Our guide was an expert in the local flora, fauna, and natural history. He also shared the Indigenous perspectives of the region. He knew the best, non-touristy restaurants, when to visit the highlights to avoid crowds, and where to explore off-the-beaten-path surprises. The days were jam-packed with adventure, yet still had chill time. Two thumbs up! Would do again! Looking into our next trip.

p
philip t.

We recently had the pleasure of going on two hikes in Acadia with this company, and I can’t speak highly enough of the experience. Our guide, Devon, was fantastic—accommodating, knowledgeable, and full of energy. Devon’s deep understanding of the area’s history, wildlife, and trails really enhanced our adventure. His enthusiasm was contagious, making the hikes even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend these guides and am already looking forward to our next adventure with them!

5.00(5 reviews)
T
T B

Our tour of Acadia National Park was absolute perfection, all thanks to our fabulous guide, Hannah! Her deep knowledge of the park was evident as she knew exactly where to position us for the most breathtaking views. When unexpected weather threatened to block the sight, she seamlessly adjusted our scheduling ahead of time to ensure we completely avoided any overcast skies. Witnessing the fantastic sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain was a magical, unforgettable experience. What made it truly special, however, was Hannah’s incredibly thoughtful gesture of serving us hot tea to keep warm against the morning chill—a delightful, super clean, and welcoming touch. If you want a seamless, majestic Acadia experience, you absolutely must request Hannah!

M
Melinda F.

Our trip to Acadia was a transformational experience and an exhilarating adventure. Our guide was an expert in the local flora, fauna, and natural history. He also shared the Indigenous perspectives of the region. He knew the best, non-touristy restaurants, when to visit the highlights to avoid crowds, and where to explore off-the-beaten-path surprises. The days were jam-packed with adventure, yet still had chill time. Two thumbs up! Would do again! Looking into our next trip.

p
philip t.

We recently had the pleasure of going on two hikes in Acadia with this company, and I can’t speak highly enough of the experience. Our guide, Devon, was fantastic—accommodating, knowledgeable, and full of energy. Devon’s deep understanding of the area’s history, wildlife, and trails really enhanced our adventure. His enthusiasm was contagious, making the hikes even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend these guides and am already looking forward to our next adventure with them!

K
Kristi T.

We had an amazing time on our tour to Acadia. Wonderful weather and absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide, Ash, was so knowledgeable and taught us tons of trivia about Açadia we would not have found out on our own. Highly recommend this tour!

M
Mohan P.

Excellent tour on Acadia National Park with an amazing tour guide, Ash that customized our trip based on the group. Excellent hikes and visits were chosen and we all had a good time. Thank you!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Medically trained, experienced naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 5-day Acadia National Park tour with hiking, biking, kayaking, and a boat tour
      • Accommodation for 4 nights, double/triple occupancy:
        • 2 nights of glamping in Bar Harbor
        • 2 nights at West Street Hotel in Bar Harbor
      • All meals as outlined in the itinerary (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners)
      • E-bike tour of Acadia’s carriage roads
      • Wildlife boat tour
      • Coastal kayaking tour
      • Round-trip transportation from Portland, plus transportation during the tour
      • Park entry fees

    Not included:

      • Flights to and from Portland
      • Meals on the road or in town not listed in the itinerary
      • Anything not mentioned above
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • In order to join this Acadia National Park tour, good fitness is required, and some hiking experience is recommended. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 8 miles (12.9 km).

    On your guides’ 1–5 intensity scale, this trip is rated level 2. Hiking days usually include about 5 total hours on the trail, covering 5–8 miles (8–12.9 km). The kayaking tour is suitable for beginners and includes about 3 hours on the water. Conditions can make paddling more or less difficult, but your guides will adjust the day to the water conditions. This trip is perfect for travelers who are comfortable being active for most of the day.

    Summers in Maine are typically pleasant. In July, daytime temperatures usually peak in the high 70s°F (around 25–26°C), with nighttime lows in the low 50s°F (around 10–11°C). It can be breezy and cool on the water, so be prepared for chillier temperatures on boat days. Some rain is possible, but most days are either overcast and dry or sunny.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking vacations in the USA!

  • Gear:

      • Day pack (15–30L recommended)
      • Luggage — 1 small suitcase per person, can be left in the vehicle
      • Pack cover
      • Headlamp
      • Reusable water bottles
      • Small, quick-dry towel — recommended

    Personal items:

      • Sunscreen — recommended
      • Earplugs — recommended
      • Insect repellent — recommended
      • Toiletries (biodegradable and scent-free) — recommended
      • Small personal first aid kit (with blister treatment) — recommended

    Clothing & footwear:

      • Hiking boots
      • Lightweight hiking pants
      • Wool socks (1 pair per day of the trip)
      • Warm jacket (down, puffy, or fleece)
      • Rain jacket or shell
      • Breathable, wicking base layers
      • Warm hat
      • Sun hat with a brim
      • Sunglasses
      • Warm clothes to sleep in
      • Rain pants — recommended
      • Buff or neck scarf — recommended
      • Comfortable clothes for camp — recommended
      • Sandals or camp shoes — recommended

    It can be breezy and cool out on the water, so pack an extra layer for the boat and kayak days. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • This adventure is more than welcoming to solo travelers! This trip is designed to foster group bonding and the guides are pros at making sure everyone feels welcomed. Any given trip is usually a healthy mix of solo travelers, friends, and couples.
      • Acadia National Park tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Group departures have a minimum age of 18. Travelers younger than 18 can be accommodated on a private version of this trip, in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
      • If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
  • The starting point of your Acadia National Park tour is Portland, Maine. To get there, most people fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM), where your guide will pick you up. Plan to arrive by 12 pm (ET) on the first day. If you’d rather arrive a day early, your guide can collect you from your accommodation or another central point in Portland, within 30 minutes of the airport, by 11 am (ET).

    You will meet your guide shortly after 12 pm at Portland International Jetport.

    On the final day, your guide will transport the group to the airport at 10 am (ET), so plan a departing flight after that time. If your flight leaves much earlier or later, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the airport.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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