I just had the opportunity to visit Maine for the first time, I extended the trip to include a weekend in Acadia despite being there a week past prime fall leaves season. It turned out to be a great solo adventure! This park is extremely accessible, and very easy to enjoy regardless of your hiking skill level. 

EXPERIENCE

I arrived in Bar Harbor via rental car and a drive up US 1. This is a fantastic road trip from southern Maine, so take your time and be sure to stop along the way to visit the many oddities, flea markets and lobster shacks. From Bar Harbor, entering the park is easy. I’d suggest starting a visit with a drive around Park Loop Road. I took it slow and did this 46 mile drive with lots of stops and many quick hikes. This drive affords you views of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and other must visit attractions in the park. I stopped at Jordan Pond House for their well known seafood chowder and popovers. I also did a hike from here up to Penobscot Mountain, this proved to be steep, but rich with wildlife and scenic overlooks of the pond. 

For sunset I’d recommend Cadillac Mountain. This is the tallest peak on the eastern seaboard and has spectacular views of both the mountains and the sea. It was a chilly walk, but the fungus and plants at the top of this mountain make for a unique ecosystem worth spending some time exploring.

STAY

While at Acadia, I stayed at a modest B&B in Bar Harbor called Ivy Manor. This suited me well, though not the coziest of B&B’s I have stayed in. The breakfast was nice enough and the location was right in the center of town with a quick walk to just about anywhere. Staying in Bar Harbor makes for a quick drive into the park, and despite being touristy, is loaded with cute shops, restaurants and local color. I was here off season, so things were a bit quiet. If I were to visit again at a warmer and drier time of year, I think camping would be a lovely way to enjoy the park even more. 

EAT

While in Maine, specifically Bar Harbor, I ate LOBSTER! Lots of it! Full lobsters, lobster rolls, lobster quesadillas, lobster ice cream– you name it! Since I visited off season many of the local haunts were closed until spring. In addition to lobster, I branched out and enjoyed fresh oysters and mussels at happy hour.