Bar Harbor is home to Acadia National Park, which consists of ~50,000 acres of preserved coastline, forests, and mountains throughout Mount Desert Island. The park offers a vast network of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels where you can find amazing ocean views and other natural scenery. We’ve tried to provide a quick list of our favorite hikes, but never hesitate to ask a local, or Keith Douglas, for any tips (he’ll gladly grab a map and sharpie to show you his favorite spots!) Note: If you plan to use a car in the park, you’ll need to purchase a pass for each vehicle. Park passes for cars can be purchased at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center (just outside of Bar Harbor across the street from the rehearsal dinner location, the Chart Room). Alternatively, you can purchase from the front gate of the Loop Road (near Schooner Head Overlook). If you purchase a pass online, make sure to follow the instructions to print the pass as you’ll need to have it visible on your dashboard.
EASY Jordan Pond - Very popular, so parking can be tough at peak hours. Plan to park early or later in the day Great Head - Flat loop near the entrance of the Loop Road that hugs the rocky coastline Gorham Mountain - Quick mountain summit with great views early on MEDIUM Orange and Black Path up Champlain Mountain - Steep incline; great ocean views throughout Spring Trail up Penobscot Mountain - Great views of Jordan Pond and all of MDI. Park at Jordan Pond House. Beehive - Very ledgy but incredible views. Plan to go very early in the day to avoid traffic jams HARD South Ridge Cadillac Mountain Trail - 7-miles total; tallest mountain on the island; 360º views of the island
Carriage Trails - ~45-miles of historic carriage trails that now act as a network of gravel roads for biking and hiking throughout the park. Great way to see a lot of the island in a short period of time, especially with an e-bike. Several bike rental shops can be found Downtown Cadillac Mountain Summit via Car - Make sure to reserve a spot online Loop Road via Car - Great way to see the highlights of the park Bar Harbor Nature Cruise - Can buy tickets online or Downtown at the pier
Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen Side Street Cafe The Terrace Grille Cafe This Way Choco-Latte Cafe (great coffee spot) Colonel’s Restaurant (Northeast Harbor) Thurston’s (best lobster pound on the island; ~30 min from Bar Harbor in Southwest Harbor)
Havana McKay’s Public House The Reading Room
Finback Thirsty Whale Leary’s Landing Cottage St. Pub Dog and Pony
Balance Rock Inn Ivy Manor Inn Project Social The Barnacle