Included: 1 to 2 experienced, local guides with extensive knowledge of the area, depending on group size 8-day active adventure in Acadia National Park (7 days of hiking, biking, and kayaking) Accommodation for 7 nights at a historic waterfront house in Bar Harbor (mix of single and twin rooms, some with ensuite and some with shared bathrooms, with your own bed guaranteed) All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day, with the exception of one lunch and one dinner All activities on the itinerary, including guided sea kayak tours with instruction, bike rental for the carriage roads, and a farewell lobster dinner All ground transportation during the trip, including round-trip transfers from Bangor International Airport Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Flights to Maine One lunch and one dinner Optional activities on the free day, such as whale watching or the ferry to the Schoodic Peninsula, which can be arranged at an additional cost Alcoholic beverages Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this Acadia National Park tour for women, good fitness is required, but no previous kayaking experience is necessary . The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 8.9 km (5.5 mi) , and the longest day on the water covers around 16.1 km (10 mi) of kayaking . Days are full but unhurried, with three to six hours of hiking, biking, or kayaking and plenty of downtime. You can always choose to skip an activity and relax at the house. In the weeks before the trip, aim for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise like hill walking, jogging, or stair climbing, three to four times a week. Please note that the maximum weight limit for the kayaks is 113 kg (250 lbs) . Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking tours in U.S. National Parks ! Looking for more adventures with like-minded women? Browse our women-only trips .

What do I need to bring?

Gear: Day pack (25-40L) big enough for lunch, water, and layers Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L) Hiking poles (optional) Dry bag for the kayaking days Headlamp Camera (optional, but recommended) Clothing & footwear: Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip, since Acadia’s trails cross granite slabs, roots, and boulders Waterproof rain jacket Warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or light puffy, for cool September mornings on the water Quick-drying hiking layers (avoid cotton) Light hat and gloves Sunhat and sunglasses Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel for the optional swims Sandals or water shoes you don’t mind getting wet while paddling Casual clothes for dinners out in Bar Harbor Other: Sunscreen and lip balm Bug spray Hand sanitizer Personal toiletries and any medications you take Padded cycling shorts or gloves, if you like them (optional) 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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: For this Acadia National Park tour for women, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1 , with two guides for full groups. The maximum group size is set at 11 participants . All participants are guaranteed their own bed, and a limited number of single occupancy rooms may be available. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. Acadia National Park tours for women 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. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Acadia National Park tour for women on a case-by-case basis, but must be 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.

Is a single occupancy room available?

Every participant is guaranteed her own bed . This price for this Acadia national park tour for women is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Please note that single rooms are limited and subject to availability. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of this Acadia National Park tour for women is Bar Harbor, Maine . To get there, most people fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR), arriving by 2 pm. From there, the group shuttle takes you to Bar Harbor, about an hour and a half away. If you’re driving, you can meet the group at the house in Bar Harbor by 4:30 pm. You will meet your guide at 2 pm at the baggage claim near the information kiosk at Bangor International Airport. At the end of the trip, you’ll be back at Bangor airport by 10:30 am, so plan flights departing after 12:30 pm.

Is there a weight limit for kayaking?

Yes. For the paddling days, the maximum kayak weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg) .

Safety measures and insurance

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.

2026 is sold out — book 2027, or find a last minute deal.

Acadia National Park | Maine

Acadia National Park: 8-Day Women’s Hiking, Biking, and Kayaking Tour

Name: Women's Acadia National Park Tour: Hike & Kayak
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (14 reviews)

8 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $5,395 ()

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There’s something about the Maine coast in September. The air smells of salt and spruce, the light on the water turns golden by late afternoon, and the days still feel made for being outside. We’re bringing together a small group of women for a week in Acadia National Park, hiking pink granite ridges with ocean views, cycling car-free carriage roads through the forest, and paddling between islands in the bay. Every evening ends back at our historic waterfront house in Bar Harbor, and on the last night, we sit down to fresh Maine lobster. Full days, plenty of downtime, and no packing and unpacking.

Connie

Adventure Highlights

Hike, bike, and kayak Acadia: Coastal trails over pink granite ridges, a day on Rockefeller's car-free carriage roads, and a paddle around the Porcupine Islands
Fresh Maine lobster: A traditional farewell dinner at a local lobster pound, plus lunch at the historic Jordan Pond House, known for its hot popovers
One waterfront home all week: — A historic house in Bar Harbor with a wrap-around porch, a short walk from the village, so there's no packing and unpacking between stops

Duration

8 days

Season

September

Group size

Up to 11 people

The adventure, day by day

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This eight-day, women-only trip is an active introduction to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island on the Maine coast. Based all week in a historic waterfront house in Bar Harbor, we hike coastal and mountain trails, bike Rockefeller's historic carriage roads, and spend a day and a half sea kayaking around the Porcupine Islands and along the island's quieter west side. A free day leaves room for whale watching, gardens, or simply relaxing, and the week ends with a lobster pound dinner. Seven nights of lodging are included, along with all meals from the first dinner through the final breakfast, except one lunch and one dinner. The daily plan may shift with weather, wind, and tides.

Day 1: Meet in Bangor or Bar Harbor, short hike, and welcome dinner

Meet in Bangor or Bar Harbor, short hike, and welcome dinner — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

The trip officially starts at 4:30 pm at our house in Bar Harbor. Flying in? We’ll meet you at the Bangor airport at 2 pm and drive an hour and a half to Acadia and our home for the week. Once everyone has settled in, we’ll stretch our legs on a short hike. If the tide is low, we walk out to Bar Island; if not, we head into town and along the Shore Path. Back at the house, we sit down together for the first of many hearty meals and get to know each other before the week ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Bar Harbor Waterfront Home (or similar)

Day 2: Gorham Mountain loop hike and an optional swim at Sand Beach

Gorham Mountain loop hike and an optional swim at Sand Beach — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

We get to know the coast on the Gorham Mountain loop. From Otter Cliffs, a gravel trail runs right alongside the Atlantic before we climb to the summit of Gorham Mountain. After soaking up the views, we drop down to The Bowl, a spring-fed kettle pond that makes a great spot for our picnic lunch and a swim if you’re keen. Next comes the Beehive, with views the whole way up, then a gradual but rocky descent to Sand Beach for another dip. A 2-mile stretch of coastal trail brings us back to the parking lot. Appetizers and dinner are waiting at the house.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 8.9 km (5.5 mi)
Accommodation: Bar Harbor Waterfront Home (or similar)

Day 3: Biking the historic carriage roads and lunch at Jordan Pond House

Biking the historic carriage roads and lunch at Jordan Pond House — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

In the early 20th century, John D. Rockefeller Jr. built a 57-mile network of gravel roads where cars are banned, and today they’re ours. After picking up bikes in Bar Harbor, we ride or take the free bike shuttle from the village green into the park and start at Eagle Lake, looping Witch’s Hole and Duck Pond before carrying on to Jordan Pond. Lunch is at the historic Jordan Pond House, famous for its hot popovers. You choose your mileage: keep riding along Eagle Lake or around Day Mountain, or hop on the Island Shuttle back to Bar Harbor. Not a cyclist? The shuttle brings you straight to lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: Optional afternoon rides of 10.1 km (6.3 mi) or 13.4 km (8.3 mi)
Accommodation: Bar Harbor Waterfront Home (or similar)

Day 4: Kayaking around the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay

Kayaking around the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

Pedals get swapped for paddles today. The exact route depends on wind, tide, and weather, but when conditions line up we launch straight out of Bar Harbor. After a solid instruction session, we paddle out around the Porcupine Islands and into Frenchman Bay, taking breaks along the way and pulling over for a picnic lunch. Never been in a kayak? You’ll get all the coaching you need to feel settled and comfortable before we go anywhere. In the evening you’re on your own, with plenty of excellent restaurants in Bar Harbor to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (dinner on your own in Bar Harbor)
Distance: ~16 km (~10 mi) of paddling
Accommodation: Bar Harbor Waterfront Home (or similar)

Day 5: Free day to explore what interests you most

Free day to explore what interests you most — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

Acadia holds far more than one week can cover, so today is yours. Want a plan? Join your guide for a ferry ride and walking tour of the Schoodic Peninsula. Or book a whale watching tour out to a big breeding ground where North Atlantic puffins and humpback, finback, and Minke whales are all common this time of year. Feeling active? Rent a bike and ride more of the carriage roads. You could also visit the Asticou and Thuya Gardens, hop on and off the Island Shuttle around the park, or simply stay close to home, read, and poke around Bar Harbor. Whatever you pick, we regroup at the house for dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Bar Harbor Waterfront Home (or similar)

Day 6: Half-day paddle on the quiet side of the island and an optional hike

Half-day paddle on the quiet side of the island and an optional hike — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

The island has a quiet side, and today we go find it. We start with a half-day kayak on the west side of Acadia, away from the busier shoreline. Depending on weather and how everyone’s feeling, we then stretch our legs on one of the west side trails, either Flying Mountain or the Wonderland Trail, before driving on to Bass Harbor Lighthouse, the only lighthouse on the island. After a full day of salt air, we head back to the house for another good dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bar Harbor Waterfront Home (or similar)

Day 7: A final island hike and dinner at a lobster pound

Hiking boots back on for one more day on the trails. Which trail we pick depends on the weather, our energy, and what the group feels like: the Pemetic Mountain trail rewards us with a long view out to Frenchman Bay, or we can loop around Jordan Pond and climb up to the Bubbles and Balance Rock. Either way, there’s plenty of pink granite, ocean views, and time to soak in the last of the island. Then we finish the week the only proper way in Maine, with a dinner at a nearby lobster pound.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bar Harbor waterfront home (or similar)

Day 8: Depart from Bar Harbor to Bangor airport

Depart from Bar Harbor to Bangor airport — Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

The week goes by far too fast. After breakfast and packing up, we drive back to Bangor airport, arriving by 10:30 am so you can catch any flight leaving after 12:30 pm. Hugs, goodbyes, and a head full of ocean views to take home with you.

Meals: Breakfast

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Active Adventures in Acadia National Park | Maine

Lodging & food

Historic waterfront house

For the whole week, home is a historic waterfront house in Bar Harbor, within walking distance of the village center. With no packing and unpacking between stops, it’s easy to settle in. The house has a mix of single and twin rooms, a professional kitchen, and a wrap-around porch for taking in the view. There are plenty of bathrooms, though not all are en suite, and bedrooms have king, queen, double, or twin beds. Every guest is guaranteed their own bed.

Note that exact accommodations may vary depending on availability, but will always be of the same standard and comfort.

Meals

Meals are covered from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last, with the exception of one lunch and one dinner in Bar Harbor, where the restaurant choice is yours. Most days start with a proper breakfast at the house and end with a hearty dinner back around the table, often with appetizers first after a big day outside. Out in the park we picnic beside a kettle pond or on the water between paddles, and one day we pull up to the historic Jordan Pond House for lunch and its famous hot popovers. The week closes the way a Maine week should, with a traditional dinner at a nearby lobster pound. Let your guides know about any dietary needs ahead of time and they’ll take care of it.

Adventure, packed to go

Acadia National Park: 8-Day Women’s Hiking, Biking, and Kayaking Tour

Adventure Brochure

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Connie

Connie thrives on the thrill of new experiences and the beauty of the natural world. After a decade of teaching music, she made the jump to snowy Alaska, then sunny Mexico, and finally bustling Barcelona. Connie loves sharing the joy of outdoor adventures, helping others connect deeply with nature and discover a sense of personal empowerment. When not guiding trips, you can find her trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, slacklining, and dreaming up her next big adventure.

5.00

Alicia

Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space!). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.

5.00

Lainie

Lainie has spent most of her adult life overseas, living and working across the UK, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Kenya, Turkey, and Mexico, which makes her a seasoned international traveler and adventurer. An avid hiker, she's tackled iconic routes like Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, and recently summited two 19,000 ft (5,791 m) peaks in Peru with her 18-year-old son. She loves meeting new people and learning about their experiences, and has been guiding for close to 20 years.

5.00

Heather

Heather has decades of experience helping women and girls explore the Pacific Northwest. She's passionate about kayaking, sailing, hiking, and paddleboarding. When not guiding, she volunteers in K9 search and rescue, helping recover outdoor adventurers near her home in Seattle.

5.00

Brenda

Brenda is a seasoned world traveler and guide, with trips from Everest to Machu Picchu under her belt. After working with women’s groups in Honduras and serving in the Peace Corps, she became a passionate backpacker, yoga instructor, and watercolor artist. She enjoys catching moments to sketch on trips and encouraging others to do the same.

5.00

Tori

Tori is a Professional Concert Dancer turned multi-certified, full-time Registered Maine Guide. With a passion for healing facilitation, she has worked to become a recognized Community Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, and Integrative Health and Wellness Coach. She blends her love for movement and holistic health with her knowledge of the outdoors to create well-rounded educational outdoor experiences. Her goal is to help you gain access to natural connection and to leave trips knowing more about yourself, the environment, and the bond between the two.

5.00

Carrie

Carrie has lived in Saranac Lake, NY in the Adirondack Mountains for 34 years. Her first guiding experience was when she was 20, a job that entailed taking US students to the USSR and Siberia. Her love of the outdoors comes from her parents. They taught her many outdoors skills and showed her how to hike, ski, row, sail and fish from an early age; in fact, the first peak she climbed was Camels Hump in Vermont at the age of 6! These days she is an avid downhill, cross-country and backcountry skier and is a licensed guide for whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and paddling.

5.00

Haley

Haley grew up exploring Minnesota's North Shore and has spent years traveling the world ever since, chasing new adventures like rock climbing, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting, though hiking and kayaking remain her favorites. She's biked across Southeast Asia, hiked the Himalayas, and spent a week in the Amazon. A certified yoga instructor and budding photographer, she's thrilled to share her love of travel and the outdoors as a guide.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (14 reviews)

Janet D.

It was overall wonderful. I enjoyed all the activities and the food was great, as always. Both of our guides were fantastic.

Julie O.

I especially loved the day we kayaked on the quiet side. Though a nor’easter was bearing down on the Atlantic, the kayak guide found a route with the wind & tide to our backs. We saw so much wildlife while kayaking, too. The hiking was great and it was easy to opt out of some hikes if you wanted. The house was in a perfect location for walking along the shore path, accessing boats, and checking out Bar Harbor food and shopping. Fantastic group of women including our leaders!

Jeanne W.

The chance to see Acadia National Park! Also, the guides were so great,and the group all got along well.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - 1 to 2 experienced, local guides with extensive knowledge of the area, depending on group size
  - 8-day active adventure in Acadia National Park (7 days of hiking, biking, and kayaking)
  - Accommodation for 7 nights at a historic waterfront house in Bar Harbor (mix of single and twin rooms, some with ensuite and some with shared bathrooms, with your own bed guaranteed)
  - All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last day, with the exception of one lunch and one dinner
  - All activities on the itinerary, including guided sea kayak tours with instruction, bike rental for the carriage roads, and a farewell lobster dinner
  - All ground transportation during the trip, including round-trip transfers from Bangor International Airport
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Flights to Maine
  - One lunch and one dinner
  - Optional activities on the free day, such as whale watching or the ferry to the Schoodic Peninsula, which can be arranged at an additional cost
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this Acadia National Park tour for women, good fitness is required, but no previous kayaking experience is necessary. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 8.9 km (5.5 mi), and the longest day on the water covers around 16.1 km (10 mi) of kayaking.

Days are full but unhurried, with three to six hours of hiking, biking, or kayaking and plenty of downtime. You can always choose to skip an activity and relax at the house. In the weeks before the trip, aim for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise like hill walking, jogging, or stair climbing, three to four times a week. Please note that the maximum weight limit for the kayaks is 113 kg (250 lbs).

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking tours in U.S. National Parks! Looking for more adventures with like-minded women? Browse our women-only trips.
Gear:
- - Day pack (25-40L) big enough for lunch, water, and layers
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L)
  - Hiking poles (optional)
  - Dry bag for the kayaking days
  - Headlamp
  - Camera (optional, but recommended)
Clothing & footwear:
- - Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip, since Acadia’s trails cross granite slabs, roots, and boulders
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or light puffy, for cool September mornings on the water
  - Quick-drying hiking layers (avoid cotton)
  - Light hat and gloves
  - Sunhat and sunglasses
  - Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel for the optional swims
  - Sandals or water shoes you don’t mind getting wet while paddling
  - Casual clothes for dinners out in Bar Harbor
Other:
- - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Bug spray
  - Hand sanitizer
  - Personal toiletries and any medications you take
  - Padded cycling shorts or gloves, if you like them (optional)
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:
- - For this Acadia National Park tour for women, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1, with two guides for full groups.
  - The maximum group size is set at 11 participants.
  - All participants are guaranteed their own bed, and a limited number of single occupancy rooms may be available.
  - Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
  - Acadia National Park tours for women 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.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Acadia National Park tour for women on a case-by-case basis, but must be 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.
Every participant is guaranteed her own bed. This price for this Acadia national park tour for women is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Please note that single rooms are limited and subject to availability.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of this Acadia National Park tour for women is Bar Harbor, Maine. To get there, most people fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR), arriving by 2 pm. From there, the group shuttle takes you to Bar Harbor, about an hour and a half away. If you’re driving, you can meet the group at the house in Bar Harbor by 4:30 pm.

You will meet your guide at 2 pm at the baggage claim near the information kiosk at Bangor International Airport.

At the end of the trip, you’ll be back at Bangor airport by 10:30 am, so plan flights departing after 12:30 pm.
Yes. For the paddling days, the maximum kayak weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg).
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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