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Magical Maine
Destination: Bar Harbor, Maine
| Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Biking
Few places are more beautiful in September than the Maine sea coast, and our trip in Acadia National Park is designed to give you an active introduction to this amazing area: bike on quiet carriage paths amidst picturesque scenery; sea kayak along the coast among the many peninsulas and islands; hike scenic trails that provide incredible coastal views; visit some of Acadia's quaint villages and towns; and savor fresh Maine lobster. All these elements combine for a vacation that is both stimulating and relaxing, and definitely unforgettable. Maximum kayak weight limit: 250 lbs. Maximum group size: 11.
Highlights
- Biking on the carriage trails built by John D. Rockefeller in the early 20th century where no motorized vehicles are allowed
- Hiking on beautiful mountain trails in Acadia National Park, with exposed pink granite ridge tops and views of the ocean
- Sea kayaking along magnificent coastal shoreline
- Visiting Bar Harbor, with quaint shops, delicious food, and friendly people.
- Enjoying the freshest Maine Lobster possible
Departures and Prices
| September 14 to September 21, 2025 |
| $3895.00 - Available |
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Inclusions
- 2 experienced AGC guides
- All activities on the itinerary, including the kayak tours, dinner at a lobster pound, and bicycle rental
- All meals from dinner on the first day through breakfast on the last with the exception of one lunch and one dinner
- Seven nights lodging in twin/single rooms
- Transportation during the trip including round trip transfer from the Bangor, ME airport
What's not included: Travel to and from Bangor ME, one lunch and dinner, optional activities on day 5, (i.e. whale watching, ferry to Cranberry Island), alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and travel insurance.
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is for women who want to enjoy the many different facets of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and Mt Desert (pronounced "dessert") Island at a leisurely pace. While our days will be full of activity, we will not be attempting long mileage on any of our excursions. We will also make sure that you have ample downtime to relax, explore Bar Harbor, or do whatever you please. Since you always have the option to relax at the house, a 2 rating is appropriate. However, if you choose to do everything we offer, it will be more like a 3. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
Our week includes a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking and biking in Acadia National Park. We will have time to explore the lovely coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine and admire the rugged coast of downeast Maine. We'll bike along the bike trails built well as hike on some of their many trails. We will be hiking, biking or kayaking between 3-6 hours a day with some time to explore the area on our own.
On this trip we spend the entire week in a historic waterfront house within walking distance to the center of the village. The house has a mix of single and twin rooms, a professional kitchen, and a wrap-around porch to enjoy the view. There are plenty of bathrooms but not all are ensuite. Some of the bedrooms have king, queen or double beds with ensuite or shared baths.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
The trip officially begins at 4:30pm at our house in Bar Harbor. If you are flying in, we will meet at the Bangor airport at 2 pm and drive 1 1/2 hours to Acadia and our home for the week in Bar Harbor. After we get settled in we will stretch our legs with a short hike. Depending on the tide we will either walk out to Bar Island (tide must be low) or into town and along the Shore Path. That night we'll enjoy the first of many delicious and hearty meals. (D)
DAY 2
Today we explore the lovely coast with a hike of the Gorham Mountain loop. This trail takes us from Otter Cliffs along a gravel trail paralleling the Atlantic, and then heads up to Gorham Mountain. After taking in the views, we continue on to a kettle pond called The Bowl - a scenic, inland, spring-fed lake. This is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and there is even an option for swimming. After lunch we hike up to the Beehive, admiring views the entire way before beginning a gradual (though rocky) downhill to Sand Beach for another optional swim. We finish with a 2 mile hike along the coastal trail back to the parking lot. Back at our house we'll enjoy appetizers before another well-earned dinner. (B, L, D)
Hiking: Approximately 5.5 miles
Hiking: Approximately 5.5 miles
DAY 3
In the early 20th century, John D. Rockefeller Jr. set out to build a 57-mile-long series of roads on which all cars would be banned. The beautiful gravel carriage roads range from gently rolling terrain to more rugged mountain slopes. We ride through beautiful forests, past scenic ponds and over historic (and uniquely designed) stone bridges. We have designed today so you can choose the length of riding you wish from a half day to a full day of riding. What if you don't want to bicycle? No worries! The Island Shuttle can bring you to the Jordan Pond House where you can meet us for lunch and perhaps a walk around the pond.
After we pick up our bikes in Bar Harbor, we will bike or take the complimentary bike shuttle from the village green into the park and ride from Eagle Lake. We will go from Eagle Lake to the north, and ride the loop around Witch's Hole and Duck Pond trails before continuing past Eagle Lake to Jordan Pond. We will have lunch at the historic Jordan Pond House (known for their hot popovers). Want to keep biking? After lunch you can bike back along the shores of Eagle Lake (6.3 miles from JPH to bike shuttle), or ride around Day Mountain (8.3 miles and back to shuttle). Had enough biking? You can take the Island shuttle from JPH to Bar Harbor and then either return to the house for downtime or enjoy time in Bar Harbor. (B, L, D)
DAY 4
Trading pedals for paddles, we spend the day exploring the area by kayak. The actual route we take will depend on wind, tide, and weather. If all are favorable, we will leave right out of Bar Harbor. After instruction in how to kayak, we paddle around the Porcupine Islands and in Frenchman's Bay. We will stop for breaks throughout the day and have a break with a picnic lunch. Never kayaked before? No problem, you'll get the instruction you need to feel comfortable in your kayak. Tonight you are free to enjoy one of the many superb restaurants in Bar Harbor. About 10 miles of kayaking. (B, L)
DAY 5
Acadia is home to more activities than we can fit into a week. So today you are free to pursue anything that interests you. If you want a definite plan, join your guide for a ferry ride and walking tour of the historic Cranberry Isles. Alternatively, take a whale watching tour which visits a large breeding ground of North Atlantic puffins and whales where humpback, finback and Minke whales are all commonly seen this time of year. Want something more active? How about renting a bike to explore some more of the carriage trails? Visit the spectacular Asticou and Thuya Gardens. Take the Island Shuttle around the Park and get on and off as you please. Or stay close to home to read, relax, or explore Bar Harbor. Whatever you choose to do today, we will meet back at our lodging for a group dinner. (B, D)
DAY 6
Did you know the island has a quiet side? It does, and we spend our day exploring it. We start the day with a half-day kayak in West Side of Acadia. Depending on weather and energy we will hike one of the many west side trail, Flying Mtn., or Wonderland Trail and then drive on to Bass Harbor Lighthouse (the only lighthouse on the island). After a full day of fresh salt air, we will return home for a wonderful dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 7
Donning our hiking boots once again, we further explore the island on one of the many trails. The exact trail(s) we pick will depend on our energy, desires, and weather. One option is to hike the Pemetic Mountain trail and with its long view to Frenchman's Bay or around Jordan Pond and hike up to the Bubbles and Balance Rock. Whichever hike we pick, we'll end our trip with a final dinner at a nearby Lobster Pound. (B, L, D) (Lobster- yum!!)
DAY 8
Our week is over way too soon! After packing up, we'll have you back to the Bangor airport by 10:30 am in time for flights out after 12:30pm. (B)
4.6
(30 reviews)
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*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Kali G.
3 months ago
I loved the multi-sport aspect of this trip - it was a great way to explore all that Bar Harbor had to offer.
Kathy W.
3 months ago
I loved that we had many options for the activities and also the option to skip them if we wanted to
Shauna R.
3 months ago
Amy C.
3 months ago
Great guides - knowledgeable, fun, and great cooks. Lots of options to modify activities. Perfect lodging - convenient location, comfortable, and conducive to participant mingling.
Rebecca C.
3 months ago
The guides were great! Also, the house where we stayed allowed us to walk to town, walk to tour boats, and access the buses into various areas of the park. I also loved that we were able to sit down at a table and share meals together.
Denise H.
3 months ago
The guides were amazing! The home we stayed in was beautiful. I also really liked how we had had numerous options on ways to spend our days. Triple thumbs up!!
Susan G.
3 months ago
This trip was truly Magical. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are stunningly beautiful. The house was comfortable and situated perfectly between the water and walking distance to town. All the guides were so much fun. The weather was perfect. The food was excellent. What else could a girl want? Suggestion: Option for an e-bike for the Carriage Roads. Everyone else in the park has them. It would be so much more pleasant, and more of the group could complete the biking.
Karen S.
3 months ago
I enjoyed the mix of biking, hiking and kayaking over the week, plus some free time to explore Bar Harbor. The lodgings were comfortable, including gardens and porch overlooking Frenchman's Bay, where we could relax and chat about our adventures. The dinners cooked by our guides were all exceptional. So many highlights: taking in beautiful views from the peaks of Acadia, kayaking among seals and loons, scenic bike ride around Jordan Pond, picnic with campfire at the South end of the island, and learning about local history at Schoodic Institute and Thuya Gardens. Wonderful group of adventurous and fun-loving women!
Jeanne F.
3 months ago
The guides were great, the location was amazing, and the other participants were spectacular. We all seemed to blend/bond quickly and truly enjoyed each other's company.
Melissa J.
3 months ago
Absolutely the guides!!! If I could relive a trip with these remarkable 3 ladies I would sign up today. Cannot say enough about how fun, spunky, entertaining, etc they were
Zoe S.
3 months ago
I loved experiencing Acadia, a gorgeous place, by hiking, kayaking and biking. The guides were fun, knowledgeable, and supportive. They gave options so everyone found activities that matched their level and vibe of the day. The food was tasty and healthy. The trip was enriched with local specialties like blueberry doughnuts, whoopie pies, popovers at Jordan Pond and lobster!
Beth W.
3 months ago
The group dynamics and daily options
Roxy B.
1 year ago
Being able to go to Cadillac Mountain for Sunrise. The guides made it special in doing their best with the weather. The group of women on this trip made it special too
Susan B.
1 year ago
We had some unexpected events happen this trip ( guide getting covid, rain, and a hurricane). The guides went above and beyond to keep this trip going! Our group of women adapted so well to changes, and the wet weather. We managed to hike, kayaked, and bike. Acadia park was beautiful! Our home for the week was great, and the food was excellent!
Sharon C.
1 year ago
The professionalism of the AGC guides can not be overstated. They altered the itinerary as weather was an issue, yet they were friendly & calm during the entire week.
Janet S.
1 year ago
The women who participated in the trip and the guides made the trip special.
Doris U.
5 years ago
Spontaneous trip on Wednesday "free-day" with Debra, Kaitlyn, Barbara and Beth checking out Schoonek Island. Spending time biking and hiking in Arcadia.
Erin L.
5 years ago
Barbara C.
5 years ago
Good variety of activities; some "down time" where we could relax as well.
Angela S.
5 years ago
EXCEEDED BY FOOD PROVIDED EXPECTED A FULL ITINERARY AND DIDNT DISAPPOINT BELOW FELT RUSHED AND ALWAYS MEETING A TIME LIMIT TO BE SOMEWHER
Kariann J.
5 years ago
The location was beautiful. Although the house was perfectly located to the Town of Bar Harbor, easy to walk to places, the house was not in great shape.
Catherine V.
5 years ago
A challenging hike and the multi sport
Kathleen W.
6 years ago
My favorite day was summiting Mount Pemetic. That was very challenging, especially in the rain, but also a memorably good time.
Sue P.
6 years ago
Kayaking. Would like to spend more time on the water. For me personally, I'd like an earlier start to the days. Fewer people. And since it happened to be unseasonably hot, it would have been cooler. I realize that's tough with a group though...
Mildred M.
6 years ago
Guides were totally indulgent of me -- trip had been described as a 2 or 3 depending how much a woman took advantage of rest or other event time. As far as activities, I focused on hiking -- other days I took rest times. That way I had down time to get used to keeping track of different "stuff" -- new back pack, etc and to take care of toe on right foot.
Karen B.
6 years ago
This was my fifth trip with AGC, and probably my favorite.
Caroline H.
6 years ago
I knew I would not be disappointed. This is a fantastic group and will be noted as one of my favorite trips ever!
Katie B.
6 years ago
This was a great great trip! The activities were fun, the views were wonderful, the guides were great and the other women were a lot of fun to get to know.
Alice B.
6 years ago
The entire trip was amazing but I most enjoyed the the hiking and biking.
Barbara B.
6 years ago
The location was beautiful and I liked the diversity of the activities. The women were great and the guides were both fun and knowledgeable. It was my first AGC trip and I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up, however, I was able to complete all the activities. It was challenging but not to the point where I was distressed or extremely uncomfortable.
- I have never kayaked before, is this the right trip for me?
This is the perfect trip for new and more experienced kayakers. The first day there will be instruction on safety and basic kayaking strokes. The guides are experienced kayak instructors and will teach you everything you need to know. - Where do we eat?
The guides will be cooking breakfasts and most dinners in the vacation home. Before you leave in the morning the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you will take a packed lunch. You will also have one lunch and dinner where you're free to explore Bar Harbor Restaurants. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant if we know well in advance. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you’re severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you’re vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
No. On this trip there are 5 single supplements and 3 standard shared rooms with 2 twin beds.
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