Maine: Acadia National Park

Camden Hills State Park: Shoreline Trail; 0.7 miles, easy, and Mount Battie via Nature Trail and Tableland Trail; 2.5-2.7 miles, moderate, 600-ft. elevation gain and loss 

Country Walkers Pre-Tour Extension Guests:
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel before meeting your Country Walkers leaders and fellow travelers at 9:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby with your luggage.

Country Walkers Tour-Only Guests:
Meet your Country Walkers leaders and fellow travelers at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of Bangor Aviator Hotel. Conveniently connected to Bangor International Airport via an enclosed skybridge, this hotel offers a seamless start to your adventure.

Your leaders will be wearing Country Walkers shirts for easy identification. Please be dressed for walking—comfortable, weather-appropriate attire, sturdy footwear, and a daypack (to carry essentials such as rain gear and a water bottle) are required.

All Guests:
Departing the hotel, you’ll embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Camden Hills State Park, where your first stop is the peaceful and picturesque Shoreline Trail. This gentle path hugs the rocky coastline, with foamy surf lapping at the shore—an ideal warm-up walk to stretch your legs after the drive and take in your first close-up view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Next, cross the road to begin your ascent of Mt. Battie, following the Nature Trail through north-easterly facing slopes cloaked in old-growth forest. The well-trodden path intersects with the Tablelands Trail, leading you across the auto road and eventually to the summit. From here, enjoy panoramic views that have inspired poets like Edna St. Vincent Millay, who penned Renascence after visiting this very spot. On clear days, you can see as far as Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park to the north, with the coastal islands of western Penobscot Bay spread below.

For those who prefer a less strenuous option, there’s the choice to ride in the vehicle to the top and either walk down or simply enjoy the views without hiking. The full walk typically includes both the ascent and descent, but the route can be tailored to suit all activity levels. Weather permitting, the summit is a perfect location for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in the neighboring town of Camden, where you’ll check in for a two-night stay at 16 Bay View, a luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of downtown. This elegantly restored 100-year-old industrial building offers uniquely appointed rooms and suites, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace with stunning harbor views, a cozy lobby bar, and easy access to Camden’s vibrant shopping district, fine restaurants, and the picturesque harbor.

This evening, dine at one of Camden’s favorite local restaurants, known for its maritime-inspired menu featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood and regional specialties. After dinner, consider a leisurely stroll along the harbor to soak in the serene coastal ambiance.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Fernald’s Neck Preserve; 2.6 miles, easy to moderate OR Maiden’s Cliff; 1.7 miles, moderate to challenging, 650-ft. elevation gain and loss

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel, featuring fresh-made quiche, house-baked pastries, seasonal fruit, and Carrabassett Valley coffee—perfect fuel for the adventure ahead.

This morning, choose between two rewarding walks, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. For a gentler outing, head to Fernald’s Neck Preserve in nearby Lincolnville. Located on a forested peninsula that juts into the north end of Megunticook Lake, this peaceful preserve features a network of easy-to-moderate trails winding through mature pine and hardwood forest. Along the way, you may pass mossy boulders, tranquil lakefront views, and the striking Balance Rock—a massive glacial erratic perched dramatically on the bedrock. With nearly three miles of protected shoreline and rich wildlife habitat, Fernald’s Neck is an ideal place to stretch your legs at a relaxed pace and soak in the quiet beauty of the Maine woods.

For a more vigorous adventure, opt for a moderate-to-steep hike to Maiden’s Cliff in Camden Hills State Park. This wooded trail climbs alongside a brook through birch and beech groves before ascending over roots and rocky terrain to dramatic 800-foot cliffs overlooking Megunticook Lake. From there, continue along the Ridge Trail to Miller Ledges, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Ragged and Bald Mountains. The loop route descends via a different forested path, offering a satisfying challenge and scenic variety throughout.

In the afternoon, your leaders will offer an additional guided walk in or around Camden Hills State Park, providing another opportunity to explore the area on foot. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the afternoon at your leisure—browsing Camden’s shops and galleries, relaxing at the hotel, or embarking on a harbor sail aboard a classic schooner or tall ship. Your leaders or innkeepers will be happy to assist with arrangements.

Dinner is on your own this evening in Camden, with many inviting restaurants just steps from your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Paradise Hill – Witch Hole Pond Loop; 2-3 miles, easy. Sieur de Monts Spring area, Jessup Path, Hemlock Loop, and the Tarn; 4 miles, easy to moderate. Lower Hadlock Pond Loop; 2 miles, easy

Following breakfast at your hotel, set off on a two-hour drive north to Acadia National Park, heading first to the Hull’s Cove Visitor Center for an introduction to this remarkable coastal landscape. From here, enjoy a scenic walk along one of the park’s historic carriage roads leading to Witch Hole Pond, with views of Frenchman Bay, Hull’s Cove, and the distant mountains to the north. These gravel paths—originally envisioned and funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr.—remain a hallmark of the park, beautifully designed with subtle landscaping and hand-built stone bridges.

After lunch at a seaside restaurant, continue with a walk through the Sieur de Monts Spring area via the Jessup Path, where a series of plank bridges crosses open marshland with views of Huguenot Head, Champlain Mountain, and Dorr Mountain. You’ll then connect to the Hemlock Loop Trail, a peaceful forest path dating back over a century, once linking downtown Bar Harbor to the park’s southern trails.

Later this afternoon, check in to your accommodations for the next three nights—the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, a scenic oceanfront resort located just one mile from Bar Harbor. Set on 12 acres along Frenchman Bay, the property offers a peaceful coastal retreat with access to a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Guest rooms feature semi-private balconies or patios with ocean views, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day outdoors.

Dinner is included this evening at the hotel, where you’ll enjoy fresh coastal cuisine with views of the bay. Tomorrow, you’ll have the late afternoon and evening free to explore downtown Bar Harbor, known for its walkable streets, waterfront views, and exceptional dining—from casual lobster rolls to fine coastal cuisine.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bubbles Loop; 3-5 miles, easy to moderate

Maine’s natural beauty beckons, with a perfect blend of mountain views, freshwater lakes, and dramatic coastal scenery. Today’s walk highlights the tranquil interior of Acadia National Park and offers optional experiences on the water later in the day.

After a hearty breakfast, set off for Jordan Pond, a serene glacial lake nestled among forests of spruce, birch, and blueberry-covered slopes. The trail loops gently around the pond, offering uninterrupted views of the North and South Bubbles, two rounded peaks that reflect beautifully in the still water. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, loons, and other wildlife along the shore.

For a more challenging option, you may choose to hike to the summits of the Bubbles, where sweeping views take in Eagle Lake, Conner’s Nubble, and Frenchman Bay. After the walk, enjoy lunch at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, a historic teahouse known for its popovers, homemade chowders, and classic New England fare.

Returning to Bar Harbor in the mid to late afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may choose to take a two-hour narrated nature cruise with Acadian Boat Tours, departing from the hotel’s private pier, which showcases wildlife, historic homes, and scenic lighthouses—at your own expense. Or, if you prefer to explore downtown Bar Harbor, consider a sunset sail aboard the schooner Margaret Todd, a majestic four-masted windjammer that departs from the town pier and offers breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay in the golden light of day’s end.

Dinner is on your own this evening, with plenty of dining options in Bar Harbor—ranging from casual lobster shacks to elegant restaurants specializing in fresh, locally sourced seafood. Your leaders will be happy to provide recommendations.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

2 miles, easy to moderate. Ocean Path; 2 miles, easy OR Gorham Mountain Trail; 2 miles, easy to moderate, 500-ft. elevation gain and loss

Begin your day with a walk on the Great Head Loop, a dramatic trail that departs from the eastern end of Sand Beach. This loop follows the peninsula’s rugged headland, offering striking views of the beach to the south, the Ocean Path, and Otter Cliffs. As you climb through windblown grass and over rocky outcrops to the 145-foot summit, take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Below, waves crash along the shoreline, and offshore boats dot the open waters, framed by the distant Schoodic Peninsula.

After returning to Sand Beach, continue along the Ocean Path, a level, well-maintained trail that traces the coastline toward Otter Point. Pause at Monument Cove to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch. This historic path—part of Acadia’s original 19th-century trail network—passes dramatic landmarks such as Thunder Hole and the towering Otter Cliffs, the highest sea cliffs in the park, and offers uninterrupted ocean views throughout.

This afternoon, the group splits. One leader takes those seeking a moderate climb up the Gorham Mountain Trail, which ascends gradually over open ledges with panoramic views of Sand Beach, Great Head, and the surrounding coastline. The rest of the group continues along the Ocean Path, soaking in the coastal scenery at a gentler pace on the way to Otter Point.

You return to your hotel in the afternoon with time to relax and freshen up or head back into Bar Harbor to enjoy its coastal charm one last time. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to toast your Acadian adventure and reflect on your time exploring this extraordinary region.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

1-2 miles, moderate

No visit to Acadia National Park is complete without a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Not only is it the highest point in the park at 1,530 feet, but it also holds the distinction of being the tallest peak along the entire North American Atlantic coastline. This morning, you’ll drive to a point where the North Ridge Trail intersects the summit road, then hike the final mile to the treeless summit, which offers breathtaking views over Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the surrounding open waters. Named after Sieur de Cadillac, a 17th-century French explorer, the mountain’s barren, windswept appearance from the sea inspired Samuel de Champlain to call the entire island “Mont Desert.”

After stopping for lunch, you’ll arrive at Bangor International Airport by 2:30 p.m. for your onward travels. If you are flying out of Bangor, we recommend scheduling your departure for no earlier than 4:30 p.m.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Paradise Hill – Witch Hole Pond Loop; 2-3 miles, easy. Sieur de Monts Spring area, Jessup Path, Hemlock Loop; 4 miles, easy to moderate. Thuya Gardens; 1 mile, easy

Your leaders, wearing Country Walkers’ shirts, will meet you at the Bangor Aviator Hotel at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby. Please be dressed for walking.

Upon meeting your leaders at the hotel this morning, you depart immediately for a one-hour drive to Acadia National Park and proceed directly to the visitor center. An introductory walk along one of the park’s many carriage roads leads to Witch Hole Pond, with views along the way of Frenchman Bay and Hull’s Cove to the northeast, as well as the distant mountains to the north. In the first half of the 20th century, John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated about one-third of the park’s land from his personal estate. He also conceived of and oversaw the construction of the extensive network of carriage roads that wind throughout the park. Today, you can enjoy these walkways with their subtle landscaping and handcrafted stone bridges.

After lunch at a seaside restaurant, enjoy an afternoon walk in the Sieur de Monts Spring area via the Jessup Path. A series of plank bridges skirt an open marsh and provide views of Huguenot Head, Champlain Mountain, and Dorr Mountain. You connect to the Hemlock Loop trail, which dates back 100 years to when these walking paths connected downtown Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park. Well-graded paths and log-and-plank bridges make for firm footing.

Tonight, you enjoy a traditional boiled lobster dinner with all the fixings.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

1-2 miles, easy to moderate. Beech Mt. North Ridge Trail; 2 miles, moderate OR Ship Harbor Trail; 1-2 miles, easy

Today’s walks take place on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, the western, less-traveled side. This morning, you hike Flying Mountain, which rises 284 feet, giving you extraordinary views of Somes Sound below. Enjoy free time in Southwest Harbor before lunch on your own, where you might enjoy a lobster roll. Your leader presents you with two options for this afternoon. For those who want a more challenging option, a walk on Beech Mountain gives an excellent overview of the region. The trail gradually ascends the western flank of the mountain with views of Long Pond and Blue Hill from across the sparkling waters of Blue Hill Bay. At the summit, near a closed fire tower, you look over the towns of Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor, the entrance to Somes Sound, and the Cranberry Isles lying offshore to the south. The trail descends some rocky ledges before looping back to the trailhead in Somesville.

If you prefer a more relaxed walk, Ship Harbor Trail offers a view of quintessential Maine coastal scenery. This easy figure-eight trail leads to the tranquil shoreline of Ship Harbor and exits through a cool forest of spruce and cedar trees.
This evening, you dine at your hotel restaurant while taking in the view of the beautiful harbor.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

3-4 miles, easy to moderate

Today you discover one of the secluded islands off Mount Desert’s southern coast. After breakfast overlooking the sound, you catch a chartered fishing boat out of Southwest Harbor for an hour-long crossing to Little Cranberry Island. The five Cranberry Isles—Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry (or Isleford), Bear, Baker, and Sutton—are located one to five miles offshore and are named after the low-bush wild cranberries that grow profusely throughout their terrain. The islands’ year-round residents, mainly lobstermen and boat builders, are joined each summer by visitors, some of whom have been returning for generations.

Arriving at Little Cranberry Island, one of the island’s lobsterwomen will greet you. Gathering by her boat, you’ll be regaled with stories of her life on the island and her experiences as a traditional lobsterwoman in Maine. Learn about the area’s lobsters, perhaps even with a live subject.

The island’s main village provides a glimpse of authentic Maine coastal life from another era, with piers and wooden buildings clustered in a sheltered cove. A quiet road leads up to a grassy bluff and continues through groves of tall firs, passing white clapboard cottages. Your picnic lunch is at a perfect spot overlooking glimmering water and a pebbled beach, with distant sailboats skimming the ocean’s surface. Once you’ve looped back to the village dock, you board a boat for the return trip to Southwest Harbor.

Then it’s just a short drive to bustling and quaint Bar Harbor. You’ll have free time this evening to explore the lively town of Bar Harbor, taking the opportunity to visit the town’s many shops to purchase souvenirs, or treat yourself to homemade blueberry ice cream. For dinner on your own in Bar Harbor, consider fresh steamed lobster or littleneck clams.

Bar Harbor’s New England charm extends from its quaint, historical downtown to its ocean and mountain landscapes. Exploring the winding streets and strolling coastal trails gives you a chance to truly immerse yourself in the area’s traditional vibe and warm hospitality.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Bubbles Loop; 3-5 miles, easy to moderate

Maine’s natural beauty beckons with activities both on land and on the water. Mountain views and coastal scenery blend together in this fascinating region.

After a hearty breakfast, you set off for the day’s walk at Jordan Pond, a serene freshwater pond in Acadia National Park’s interior. The trail circles the pond, winding through blueberry bushes, clusters of white birch, and shady spruce. At the pond’s northern end are two symmetrical hills called the North Bubble and the South Bubble, over 700 and 800 feet high, respectively. The peaks reflect in the pond’s pristine water and are also in view throughout the walk. Along the water’s edge you may spot a great blue heron or a pair of black-and-white, common loons.

A longer and more challenging option leads to the summits of both Bubbles, where you are rewarded with views of Eagle Lake, another freshwater pond lying just to the north, as well as Conner’s Nubble and Frenchman Bay. Looping back to Jordan Pond, you are ready for a satisfying lunch at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. This historic teahouse-style restaurant dates from the late 19th century and serves a range of soups and chowders, salads, sandwiches, and its signature popovers.

Returning to Bar Harbor in the mid to late afternoon, you can take full advantage of the resort amenities at the hotel, such as the seaside heated pool and Jacuzzi, and then continue the evening at your own pace by strolling into Bar Harbor for dinner on your own.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

2 miles, easy to moderate. Ocean Path; 2 miles, easy or Gorham Mountain Trail; 2 miles, easy to moderate, 500-ft. elevation gain and loss

Set out on the morning’s walks on the ocean side of Mount Desert Island, starting at sheltered Sand Beach, a gorgeous 300-yard long beach nestled between Great Head and Newport Cove. Here, the constant Atlantic surf has created unique pastel sand, composed of tiny, pulverized shell fragments. Departing from Sand Beach, you join the Ocean Drive Trail, justifiably one of the park’s most popular trails—dramatic views stretch along the oceanfront from Sand Beach to Otter Point. In the middle, the level gravel trail drops to Thunder Hole, named for the sound of the water crashing into a narrow channel in the coastal ledge. This historic trail, which was part of the original trail network dating from the late 19th century, was completely restored and resurfaced about 10 years ago. The trail rises to Otter Cliffs, the highest ocean-edge cliffs in the park, where you’ll find Baker’s Island in full view to the south, and a slice of Little Cranberry Island to the west.

The Great Head loop departs from the eastern end of Sand Beach and follows the peninsula’s headland, with views of the beach to the south, the Ocean Path, and Otter Cliffs. As you climb through windblown grass to its highest point at 145 feet, waves crash below; offshore, pleasure and fishing boats ply the eight miles of open water framed by the Schoodic Peninsula to the east.

This afternoon you have two walks to choose from. The first option is a hike along the Gorham Mountain Trail, with sweeping views of the morning’s trails along the Ocean Path, Sand Beach, and Great Head. You gradually ascend open ledges featuring ridge-top panoramic views as you follow the ridge that runs north to Champlain Mountain, part of the chain of mountains closest to the ocean. The second option is to follow the Ocean Path along a beautiful and dramatic stretch of coastline between Sand Beach and Otter Point.

You have the rest of the afternoon to relax before you celebrate your Acadian adventure at your inn’s restaurant, toasting your exploration of this stunning region over creative cuisine.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1-2 miles, moderate

No visit to Acadia is complete without a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Not only is it the highest point in the park at 1,530 feet, but Cadillac Mountain also has the distinction of being the highest point on the entire North American Atlantic coastline. This morning, you drive to a point where the North Ridge Trail intersects the road, to hike the final mile to the treeless summit, which offers breathtaking views over Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the open waters. Named after Sieur de Cadillac, a 17th-century French explorer, the mountain appears bare and desert-like when viewed from the ocean, which is why Cadillac’s compatriot and contemporary, Samuel de Champlain, called the entire island “Mont Desert.”

After stopping for lunch, you arrive at the Bangor Airport by mid-afternoon for your onward travels.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch