Come with us to Acadia National Park … 40,000 gorgeous acres nestled along Maine’s rugged Atlantic Ocean coastline. Come explore: Ocean waves crashing against pink granite cliffs… Expansive vistas from the highest coastal mountains north of Rio de Janiero…Fog rolling in over Frenchman’s Bay…Northwoods forests showing a tinge of autumn color. No wonder hikers named it one of their 3 favorite national parks in the 2008 edition of Backpacker magazine!
- Gaze at dawn’s first light from atop the tallest, eastern-most mountain on the Atlantic Ocean
- Delight your senses! Smell the sea air … listen to waves crashing against cliffs, distant buoys clanging, and loons calling … feel the gentle sea mist and the warmth of sun-baked pink granite as you lie down and close your eyes … taste succulent fresh Maine lobster
- Trek the rugged Atlantic coastline, exploring tidal pools and gathering blue mussel shells
- Walk across the ocean floor to a secluded island when the tide is low, and look across to Bar Harbor
- Eat popovers on the lawn of famous Jordan Pond House, enjoying a spectacular view of the majestic mountains you just hiked
- Photograph Bass Harbor Lighthouse and lovely harbor-side gardens, island treasures
- Scuba dive (the virtual way) to explore the ocean floor and its critters
- Shop in charming Bar Harbor
- Choose optional trips such as kayaking the Atlantic coastline … whale watching … or a sunset ocean cruise on the Margaret Todd windjammer
- Overlook peacefulFrenchman’s Bay from your room and private balcony in the Atlantic Eyrie Lodge, located high above Bar Harbor
Highlights of your Acadia trip
Saturday
- Drive to our ocean-view lodge in Bar Harbor, Maine. Or, fly into Bangor International Airport and let us drive you to our lodge
- Settle into your room with sweeping views of Frenchman’s Bay
- Enjoy succulent Maine lobster and the sunset at a charming oceanfront restaurant
Sunday
- Watch the sun rise over the ocean from your balcony, and enjoy the Atlantic Eyrie’s hearty complimentary breakfast
- Enjoy the rugged Maine coastline as we follow an ocean path for 2 miles up towering cliffs, down to spouting blowholes, and along Acadia’s famous pink granite rocks
- Hike 1.4 miles past Acadia’s only sand beach and see the great ocean vistas from atop a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic
Monday
- Hike 3.3 level miles around beautiful Jordan Pond, and add 2.6 more miles to visit the famous Bubbles’ spectacular views and precariously balanced rock
- Savor popovers and other goodies on the lawn of famous Jordan Pond House, while seeing the mountains you just climbed reflected in Jordan Pond
- Stroll through charming gardens high above a quiet ocean harbor
Tuesday
- Hike 2.2 miles to Cadillac’s summit, relishing stunning vistas all the way
- Explore the ocean floor and its critters and have some great laughs with Diver Ed
- Finish this fabulous day with free evening time in Bar Harbor to explore, shop, and dine.
Wednesday
- View morning’s first sunrays from the peak of Cadillac mountain, the tallest mountain on the Atlantic seaboard
- Dig into Maine’s famous blueberry pancakes or muffins at a favorite local restaurant
- On this free day, opt for ocean kayaking (which we’ll arrange for you), whale watching, Bar Harbor shopping, reading on your balcony, or strolling the Bar Harbor Shore Path to admire grand, oceanfront homes and their gorgeous views.
- Dine together at one of Bar Harbor’s great restaurants.
Thursday
- Take an optional 1.4-mile early-bird hike across the (dry!) ocean floor during low tide to explore uninhabited Bar Island and its great views of Bar Harbor.
- Enjoy the scenic 20-minute drive to the island’s western "quiet side." Along the way, we’ll stop at picturesque Somesville Bridge for photos.
- Take in amazing vistas from atop Beech Cliff and Beech Mountain on this 1.9-mile circuit, and munch lunch while enjoying the panoramic views. After the hike, stop by peaceful Echo Lake for a toe-dip.
- Explore tidal pools, search for blue mussel shells, and take time to relax on pink granite slabs while watching the ocean’s crashing waves on this 1.3-mile hike
- Photograph the island treasure, Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Friday
- Enjoy your last morning in Bar Harbor
- Let us shuttle you to the Bangor airport
The trip includes:
• 6 nights in the Atlantic Eyrie Lodge
• Guided hikes with experienced leaders.
• Transportation throughout the week
• Shuttle to and from Bangor International Airport within designated time slots
• Hearty, complimentary breakfasts
• Yummy, home-cooked dinner on Monday.
• Park entrance fees and permits.
• Guided discussions, based on what we see in nature each day, that foster warm camaraderie and help you view nature and yourself in new ways.
• Informational booklet packed with suggestions on what to bring; fun facts about the area’s history, weather, and wildlife; and hiking tips.
• Photo CD memento of the trip.
• Best of all: Amazing memories and stories, warm new friendships, bragging rights, new confidence, and a renewed love of nature.Book Your Trip!
• This trip is open to 10 women, in addition to two guides. It’s one of our most popular trips and will fill quickly; don’t wait long to register. Hold your spot by completing and mailing the registration form, along with a $500 non-refundable deposit (which applies toward your balance). Full payment is due 60 days before the trip.
Testimonials:
“The hiking was incredible, the spiritual atmosphere was uplifting, and the beauty of Acadia far surpassed what I had expected. I also liked making and talking to new friends -- and understanding that my life isnt the only complex one! ”~Tai Tai
“I like to hike. I like nature and how I feel after Ive been a part of the outdoors. It fills me up. I go home and feel Im a better listener, a better friend, wife, and person. Im so glad that I found this group. This was my third hike with you and Im planning to join you in Minnesota and then Glacier! ”~Ladybug
“This trip was better than I dreamed it would be. Every day was a new adventure for us. It also helped me to see how well women can function as a group how caring and understanding they can be. ” ~Pat
“ I want to thank you again for all you did to make the Maine trip so fantastic I am still basking in the glow. And where do you find all these fun and caring women? ” ~White Dove
“ I loved meeting new friends and laughing so much. Not a care or worry in the world for an entire week. I also enjoyed being accepted into the group for “me” - just me - who I am - no questions - no judgement - no standards to be judged by. You attract such a great group of ladies. Thank you for sharing your gift with me - with all of us.” ~Dream Catcher
“This was truly a life-changing experience for me. And an EXPERIENCE it was. It was not a trip to Maine, but you taught me how to experience my travels. The scenery and companionship were awesome. Thanks many times over. ”~Diane