Two Ways to Discover the Quiet Side of Acadia National Park

Off the beaten path along Maine’s wild coastline, you can traverse winding paths along rocky cliffs and hike through dense pine forests. Experience the timeless charm of seaside villages dotted with colorful cottages and weathered docks. Whether you like to travel with seasoned guides who share their rich local knowledge, or you prefer the freedom of a self-guided adventure that’s been meticulously planned by local experts who know where to find the best lobster rolls, the perfect walking experience awaits in Acadia National Park.

Maine: Acadia National Park: A Guided Adventure

The Country Walkers Maine: Acadia National Park Guided Tour takes you to lesser traveled corners of this popular national park so you can soak in the coastal beauty of Maine with fewer crowds. Join your local guides for a trip back in time on an excursion to Little Cranberry Island. Board a chartered fishing vessel and spend an hour at sea, keeping your eyes peeled for seals and seabirds. When you arrive at this remote island, you’ll meet a lobsterwoman who’s fished the regional waters for decades and spins engaging yarns about this age-old vocation. Greet the island’s handful of year-round residents as you wander through the traditional village of clapboard cottages and wooden piers. Explore the grassy bluffs and pebbled beaches alongside your local guides who direct you to the best places to spot shorebirds among the low-bush cranberries that give the island its name.

After full days of exploring quaint seaside towns, trekking along ocean-edge cliffs, and keeping your eyes peeled for seals and ospreys, you’ll be ready to spend your evenings relaxing at the charming Bar Harbor Inn. Guests on this guided adventure spend all five nights relaxing to the sounds of ocean waves at this classic New England seaside inn. “We take guests to the quiet side of the island to experience lesser traveled paths in the villages of Southwest and Northeast Harbor, but they get to return to the same inn at the end of the day. There’s no packing and unpacking, so you get the opportunity to really settle in and get to know the excellent staff here,” explains Country Walkers Trip Designer Joe Flynn. Relax with a good book by the outdoor fireplace, take a dip in the oceanside heated pool, or take advantage of the world-class spa facilities to rest and rejuvenate for your next walk. Head down to the inn’s restaurant a little early to enjoy a performance from a local fiddler before tucking into a decadent seafood dinner.

Maine: Portland, Camden & Acadia National Park: A Self-Guided Adventure

The Country Walkers Maine: Portland, Camden & Acadia National Park Self-Guided Tour gives travelers complete flexibility—along with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have 24/7 local support if you need it. Your detailed route notes give you insider tips on the best things to see and do—all you have to do is choose how to spend your day. Will you soak in the quintessential view of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, wander the rural byways and nature preserves of Peak’s Isle, or hike to pristine Jordan Pond to photograph the iconic rounded silhouettes of the Bubbles peaks? No matter what you choose, you’ll experience the best of Acadia National Park and the surrounding region at your own pace.

On this self-guided adventure, you’ll either drive your own car or fly into Portland and rent a car from there, giving you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and see the sights along the way. “People love self-drive tours because they have complete autonomy when they have their own car. We guide our guests along scenic routes up the coast and point out secret beaches, hidden lighthouses, and the best local roadside eats,” explains Country Walkers Trip Designer Melanie Morin. Roll down the windows and breathe in the salt air as you wind along the coast towards your hand-picked boutique accommodations for the night.

After a restful night’s sleep, you awaken to total freedom come morning. Consult your route notes to find options for the day’s walks. You might board a ferry to an island hiking loop where you’ll walk along cliffside paths and stop to swim in a secluded cove. You might choose to pause for a rest and a cup of traditional clam chowder in a small seaside town or challenge yourself and summit a peak to take in the stunning vistas and revel in a birds-eye view of Mount Desert Island.

Bad weather day? Feeling tired and want to relax instead of hiking? Check your route notes to find a nearby winery where you can sit back and take in the view while sipping a refreshing glass of crisp white. “Our tours are designed with the benefit of immense local knowledge,” explains Melanie. “We’ve done so much research, and we leverage local resources—like the guides who lead our guided tours. Guests don’t have to plan ahead; they can just decide what they feel like doing on any given day. All that information is right at their fingertips.”

Whether you choose a guided or self-guided adventure, with Country Walkers, you’ll experience the best Acadia National Park has to offer.