Acadia National Park Travel Journal

By late May, Maine has just stepped into spring—there’s a big temperature difference between morning and evening, and signs of new life are everywhere. If you’re driving from New York, it takes 8–9 hours. For flights, you can choose to land in Portland (Maine’s largest city), then rent a car and head north (about a 3-hour drive). Alternatively, you could fly into Bangor, but it’s only an hour from Acadia—flights there are more expensive, and renting a car is less convenient. We planned a 5-day trip (covering Acadia + Portland), but in hindsight, 3 days would be enough if you keep the itinerary tight. The national park is relatively small—you can cover all the popular hiking trails in one day. As for Portland, it’s a pretty ordinary harbor city; seeing the lighthouse, strolling by the sea, and eating seafood don’t require much time. Day 1: Arrival & Settle-In Noon: Land at Portland International Jetport (Maine). Pick up the rental car at the airport. Make a stop at Freeport Outlet: Browse L.L.Bean’s headquarters and the Patagonia store (great for grabbing outdoor gear or souvenirs) 🛍️. Check into Atlantic Eyrie Lodge—a hotel in the town of Bar Harbor (close to Acadia, perfect for the next day’s adventures). Day 2: Acadia Hiking Marathon (9 Miles Total) Enter Acadia National Park and start hiking: Witch Hole → 2. Ocean Path → 3. Sand Beach → 4. Great Head Trail → 5. Thunder Hole → 6. Jordan Pond. Note: Our original plan was to hike the Precipice Trail, but it was closed due to wildlife activity. This trail is likely to be closed in spring and summer, so keep an eye on park updates! ⚠️ Evening: Dine in Bar Harbor and watch the sunset over the harbor (the golden light on the water is stunning) 🌅. Day 3: More Acadia Exploration (7 Miles Total) Continue hiking in Acadia: Cadillac Mountain (catch panoramic views of the park) → 2. Beehive Trail (the iconic scramble trail with metal handholds—thrilling but manageable) 🧗♂️. Afternoon: Explore nearby areas: Grab lunch in Northeast Harbor (a quieter, charming coastal town). Visit Asticou Azalea Garden—a tiny Japanese garden with peaceful ponds and blooming flowers 🌸. Check out Bass Harbor Lighthouse—the one you see on postcards! It’s especially photogenic at golden hour 🏴‍☠️. Day 4: Farewell to Acadia & Head to Portland Early morning: Watch the sunrise in Bar Harbor (quiet and serene, with fewer crowds than Cadillac Mountain’s sunrise) 🌄. Hike the Bar Island Path (remember to go at low tide—otherwise the path is submerged!). Leave Acadia and drive back to Portland. Visit Portland Head Light (Maine’s most famous lighthouse, a must-photograph spot). Return the rental car at the airport and check into Hyatt in Old Port (convenient for exploring downtown Portland). Day 5: Portland City Tour Explore Portland’s highlights: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad (ride a historic narrow-gauge train for a nostalgic vibe) 🚂. Fort Allen Park (walk along the waterfront and enjoy views of Casco Bay). Take the Casco Bay Ferry to Peaks Island (a small, laid-back island—rent a bike or walk around to soak up the coastal charm) ⛴️. #AcadiaNationalPark #USTravel #USNationalParks #HikeTheWorld