I wasn’t sure I’d make it over to Acadia in Maine. I’d already taken two weeks off from work for a June workshop at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (an hour drive from the park). Come April, I was conveniently made redundant. Time and flexibility were on my side. With Bar Harbor as my home base, and a car at my disposal, a solo hiking trip in Acadia was completely doable.
I had some pre-trip nerves. It had been a couple of years since I’d traveled and hiked solo. But I’m the type of person who seizes an opportunity—even if it feels a little daunting at first. Like stepping onto a roller coaster, the anticipation can be nerve-wracking. Once the ride gets going, my fear transforms into exhilaration.
- Acadia National Park Itinerary At-A-Glance
- Before You Go
- Where To Stay in Bar Harbor
- Where To Eat
- Things To Do in Acadia: My Itinerary
Acadia National Park Itinerary At-A-Glance
- Day 0.5: Check into Cromwell Harbor Motel, walk through Bar Harbor, dinner in Bar Harbor (Thirsty Whale Tavern)
- Day 1: Acadia Visitor Center, Thunder Hole, Hike Gorham Mountain Trail, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond. Dinner at Abel’s Lobster.
- Day 2: Hike Pemetic South Ridge Trail, Lunch at Peter Trout’s Tavern, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, early to bed
- Day 3: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, Hike Beehive to Bowl Trail, Sand Beach
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Before You Go
Consider the timing of your visit. When is the best time to go to Acadia National Park? Summer is high season – I had heard plenty of warnings about the crowds. Friends advised me that parking and accessing popular trails might be nearly impossible in peak season. By visiting in early June, before kids were let out of school, I managed to avoid the worst of them.
Purchase a National Parks Pass for Acadia. A Standard Pass costs $35 USD and is valid for seven days. If you plan on visiting multiple national parks within the year, consider an Annual Pass for better value. You’ll need to display your pass to enter the park- don’t forget to place it visibly on your dashboard once you arrive.
Check the weather. Maine’s coastal weather can be unpredictable. My forecast looked clear right up until I left for my trip. Then, rain and mist dominated. I embraced the moody atmosphere as part of the Maine experience. If you’re planning to visit Thunder Hole, check the tide schedule—the best time to go is about an hour before high tide, not at high tide.
Pack the right hiking gear. I bought a pair of Merrell hiking shoes for this trip, and they were a lifesaver in wet conditions. Acadia’s trails feature smooth granite surfaces that can get incredibly slippery when wet—I saw multiple hikers (myself included) lose their footing. Proper hiking shoes with grip are a must. A waterproof jacket is also essential.
Reserve your spot for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. If seeing sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is on your list, you’ll need a vehicle reservation to drive up Cadillac Summit Road and park in the lot. 30% of reservations are released 90 days in advance, and 70% of reservations are released two days in advance at 10:00 AM ET.
I booked mine two days ahead without issues, and tracked the weather closely to pick a clear morning. Create an account on the online reservation system in advance and have a strong WiFi connection when booking.
Where To Stay in Bar Harbor
The Cromwell Harbor Motel (Bar Harbor). Bar Harbor, Maine was named Best Small Town to Visit by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. A friend who had recently visited deemed it touristy. While staying in a more remote town on Mount Desert Island (MDI) might have been more picturesque, as a solo traveler, I prioritized safety and convenience.
My hotel budget was $150 per night (after taxes and fees) and I had narrowed my choices down to The Cromwell Harbor Motel and Main Street Motel. My top priorities were: a location within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor (so I wouldn’t have to drive except to Acadia), and a quiet, low-traffic area.
The Cromwell Harbor Motel checked both boxes. Its location at the edge of downtown provided distance from potential crowds. Construction happening on Main Street near the front of the hotel during my visit made it even quieter. I had also booked a room in a building set back from the main road for extra peace and quiet.
Though the motel is retro (and not in an intentional, hipster way), it’s comfortable. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves. The outdoor pool was open during my visit, but it was too chilly in early June for a dip. My second-floor room also had a private porch with outdoor seating. Parking was plentiful, and while I had to navigate construction, the walk to downtown was short and straightforward.
Where To Eat
Thirsty Whale Tavern (Bar Harbor). Geddy’s is regarded as the quintessential Bar Harbor seafood spot, but it seemed pricey (especially for a solo traveler) and touristy. Instead, I stumbled upon Thirsty Whale Tavern while turning onto Cottage Street, just before Geddy’s. The place was busy (always a good sign), and after a short wait, I scored a window seat, great for people-watching.
I ordered a pint of Mast Landing Champ Lager (from Freeport, ME) and a plate of fish and chips. At $16, the portion was generous—so much so that I ended up taking half of it back with me. If you’re looking for a casual, reasonably priced seafood spot in Bar Harbor, Thirsty Whale fits the bill.
Peter Trout’s Tavern and Inn (Southwest Harbor). My friend Elizabeth had recommended Peter Trout’s Tavern & Inn, so I decided to stop there for lunch before making my way south towards Bass Harbor Lighthouse. Located right across from the Manset town dock, this spot offers a laid-back vibe with seriously delicious food.
The fried chicken sandwich was on point and the crispy, smashed potatoes served on the side were perfectly fried and seasoned. Since it was lunchtime and I still had driving ahead, I went for a Maine Root Beer. If you’re exploring Southwest Harbor and looking for a great meal in a relaxed, casual atmosphere, Peter Trout’s is worth seeking out.
Abel’s Lobster (Mount Desert Island): I finally splurged on a lobster roll at Abel’s Lobster, my first of the trip. I debated between the lobster roll, the steamed whole lobster, and the Lazy Lobster (a half Maine lobster served on the shell with brown butter sauce, grits, and zucchini).
After committing to the lobster roll, I watched other diners effortlessly crack into their whole steamed lobsters. I nearly developed a case of order FOMO—but I was tired from hiking and not super confident in my lobster-picking skills. (I’d hate to waste anything.)
Instead, I had a glass of white wine and treated myself to a slice of Maine blueberry pie—well-earned rewards for venturing a little further off the beaten path on Mount Desert Island (MDI).
Things To Do in Acadia: My Itinerary
Day 1: Park Loop Road Highlights, Gorham Mountain Trail, and Jordan Pond
My first day in Acadia, Maine started off wet—just getting from the parking lot to the Visitor Center without getting drenched was a challenge. I arrived shortly after opening, and the lines were already insanely long. A staff member patiently answered my questions about good solo hikes. I picked up a $5 map of the park at the adjoining shop. If rain is in your forecast, spring for the laminated waterproof version ($8–$10)—it’s worth it.
Since it was my first day, I took a leisurely approach, driving along Park Loop Road and stopping at scenic spots along the way. Park Loop Road is a one-way, counterclockwise loop through the park, making it easy to navigate—especially in the fog, mist, and low visibility I encountered. Every scenic overlook I stopped at was a hazy blur. When I’d told my Portsmouth friend about the forecast, he’d reassured me mist and fog is Maine’s thing. This seriously shifted my perspective. Once I embraced it, I found the atmosphere moody and beautiful, even without the sweeping views.
I spent most of my time in the southern part of the park, between Otter Creek and Jordan Pond. I stopped at Thunder Hole just to check it out, but arrived before high tide (Note: the best time to visit is about an hour before high tide for peak wave action).
I decided to tackle Gorham Mountain Trail, a 3.5-mile loop hike recommended by the park ranger. On a clear day, you’re supposed to get stunning views of Cadillac Mountain in the distance. I wasn’t so lucky, even in the fog and mist, it was a great hike—moderately challenging with plenty of rocky ledges.
After the hike, I continued driving along Otter Cliff Road, stopping at several fog-shrouded vantage points before heading west toward Jordan Pond. I had read about the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House, but skipped them. (My friend Elizabeth: “You live in New York. You’ve had a popover.”)
I still parked at Jordan Pond House to fill my water bottle, use the bathroom, and take a short walk along part of Jordan Pond Path (a 3.3 mi. full loop). Since my plan was to do more challenging hikes in the morning followed by easier walks in the afternoon, the super-flat Jordan Pond Path was the perfect wind-down after Gorham Mountain.
Day 2: Pemetic South Ridge Trail and Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Pemetic South Ridge Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back trail featuring a mix of dirt path, rocky terrain, and exposed granite ridge line. The trailhead is east of Jordan Pond. This hike made me feel like I was in an enchanted forest—black, gnarled branches twisted along the forest floor, contrasting against the greens and yellows of moss and the deep reds of the earth. It has some steep sections and offers panoramic views of Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, Cadillac Mountain, and the Maine coast—on a clear day. I did not have a clear day. Instead of sweeping vistas, I looked out into a thick, misty void. (But by then, I’d learned to love it.)
After the hike, I drove through Mount Desert, past Echo Lake, and into Southwest Harbor, stopping for lunch at Peter Trout’s Tavern in Manset.
Post-lunch, I continued south to Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Parking was tight, but the lighthouse itself is fairly small, so most visitors don’t linger too long. Upon arrival, the clouds began to clear for the first time since I’d arrived in Acadia. Along with other tourists, I scrambled out onto the rocks to get shots of the lighthouse perched on the cliffs.
I had planned for an early night since I needed to be up for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain the next morning. I ate my leftovers from The Thirsty Whale, then took a evening stroll downtown to pick up a souvenir baseball cap. As I approached the waterfront, the fog had lifted, revealing my first clear view of the harbor since arriving.
Day 3: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, Beehive to Bowl Trail and Sand Beach
The initial forecast called for rain all weekend, but on my final morning in Acadia, I was rewarded with clear skies—just in time for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.
My reservation permitted entry as early as 4:30 AM, so I set my alarm for 3:30 AM. Dressed in layers, I packed a towel (to sit on), made myself a hot tea (shout-out to my collapsible travel kettle), and poured it into my portable (also collapsible) tea cup before heading out.
The roads were pitch black when I started driving. At first, it felt like I was the only one awake. As I got closer to the park, I saw pairs of headlights floating toward the gate. The jagged Maine treeline stood in silhouette against the faint morning light as I wound my way up Cadillac Mountain.
Parking was easy. I settled onto the cold rock face, grateful for my towel as the wind picked up. More sunrise chasers arrived, and the quiet hush of dawn gave way to excited chatter.
After two days of rain, this was the perfect send-off. The clear skies revealed unobstructed views of the islands between Bar Harbor and Schoodic Peninsula.The colors were extraordinary. None of my photos did that morning light justice. I earned this sunrise!
Beehive to Bowl Trail: Not gonna lie—everything I’d read and seen about the Beehive Trail had me stressed as a solo hiker. Though it’s a short trail, it’s steep, with iron rungs and narrow ledges. Add in summer crowds, and it sounded like a recipe for a hiking disaster. Like most things, it was scarier in my head than in reality. And there was no world in which I wasn’t going to hike it.
Arriving early affords you the ability to take your time. I arrived at 6:00 AM, had no problems parking, and only encountered 4-5 other hikers on the trail. If you’re carrying a backpack, pack light and tighten the straps so it doesn’t shift while you’re climbing rungs.
As you climb, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Sand Beach. After reaching the summit, I headed back down to connect with The Bowl Trail, a moderate, under-a-mile hike that leads to a small lake. It’s an easy add-on to the Beehive Trail and a great way to wind down from the Beehive Trail.
Sand Beach: Just a 4-minute walk from the Beehive Trail, Sand Beach was my final stop. (You can also drive over if you prefer.)
After two days of hiking, an epic sunrise, and conquering my mild fear of the Beehive Trail, I swapped out my Merrells for Tevas, eventually going barefoot in the sand. I let my toes kiss the cold ocean water—a refreshing end to my trip to Acadia.
Solo travel always brings a mix of independence and uncertainty. I felt a sense of accomplishment navigating Acadia’s trails, scenic roads, and shifting weather on my own. This trip was the perfect warm-up for the next leg of my Maine adventure: two weeks at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts getting acquainted with a creative community and making new friends.
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