Itinerary for June 9-13

Question

Hi there!!

I am planning to arrive to Acadia on June 8th and stay until the morning of the 14th. I put together a rough itinerary and was wondering if I could get some advice on if this sounded doable and if we were missing anything. It will be two adults, a 3 year old and 11 month old. We have hiking backpacks for the kids and are able to do long hikes with them but wouldn’t be able to do any scrambling or trails with rings.

This is our plan so far:

9th

- Sand beach and Oceanside trail

- sieur de mont - Jessup trail

- Shore path in bar harbor

- walk to bar island at 3ish - low tide at 430

- Cadillac mtn at sunset - already have reservations

10th

- Schoodic penninsula

- Quoddy head state park

11th

- carriage roads

- Jordan pond house for lunch

- Jordan pond trail

- Hike south bubble

- Schooner head overlook for tidepooling at 430

12th

- explore southwest side

- Ship harbor trail

- Wonderland trail

- Lighthouse

- Flying mtn trail? Need to look to see if this is suitable for us

13th

- asticou azalea garden -I read this will peak in June

- Leaving open for anything we missed

Thanks for any advice!

Answer

Your itinerary looks wonderful and well-planned! Acadia National Park offers a range of activities that are perfect for both adults and kids. The combination of beautiful hikes, scenic views, and family-friendly activities you've selected should give you a great experience. Below is some feedback and suggestions based on the itinerary you’ve provided.

June 9th

Sand Beach and Oceanside Trail: A great start to your trip! Sand Beach is beautiful and the Oceanside Trail is relatively easy and offers stunning coastal views, which should be perfect with kids. It’s an easy walk that doesn’t require any scrambling.
Sieur de Monts and Jessup Trail: This is a lovely area to explore, and Jessup Trail is manageable for families with little ones in hiking backpacks. The trail is well-maintained and offers a scenic woodland setting, though it can be a bit muddy in places.
Shore Path in Bar Harbor: Perfect for a post-hike stroll. This is a relatively flat and easy walk, and you can enjoy the ocean views while keeping an eye on your little ones. It's also a great spot to grab a snack or explore downtown Bar Harbor.
Walk to Bar Island at 3 p.m. (Low tide at 4:30): This is a fun family activity! The causeway to Bar Island is only accessible at low tide, so you’ve timed it well. Just be sure to monitor the tide closely as it can come in fast.
Cadillac Mountain at sunset: This is a must-do! With reservations in place, you’ll be able to take in one of the best sunset views in the park. It’s a relatively easy drive to the summit, and you’ll have an excellent panoramic view of Acadia and the surrounding islands. Definitely worth the trip, especially with kids in tow!

June 10th

Schoodic Peninsula: A bit of a drive, but well worth it! The Schoodic Peninsula is quieter than the main park area, so it’s a great spot for a peaceful day of sightseeing and hiking. The loop road offers spectacular coastal views, and there are several easy trails, such as the Schoodic Head Trail, which is easy enough for families.
Quoddy Head State Park: If you have time, Quoddy Head is a bit farther out but offers incredible views and is home to the famous West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. It’s a fantastic spot for a scenic walk or a picnic.

June 11th

Carriage Roads: These are perfect for families with little ones. The carriage roads are wide, smooth, and great for walking. There’s no motor traffic, so it’s nice and peaceful, and the views of the park are stunning. You can also rent bikes if you’re interested.
Jordan Pond House for lunch: This is a lovely spot, and the popovers are a must-try! The Jordan Pond Trail (around the pond) is a relatively easy walk, but it can be a bit rocky, so keep that in mind if you’re carrying the little ones in backpacks.
Jordan Pond Trail: This trail is a bit longer, but it offers wonderful views of the pond and surrounding mountains. It’s a popular trail, so it can get busy, but it’s worth it for the scenery.
Hike South Bubble: South Bubble is a short, but steep, hike with a stunning view of Jordan Pond. It’s great for families with kids in backpacks but do be aware that it has a bit of an elevation gain, so take your time and be prepared for some uphill stretches.
Schooner Head Overlook for tidepooling: This is a great idea! Schooner Head is an easy spot to access, and tidepooling can be a lot of fun for kids. You can find starfish, crabs, and other sea life in the tide pools, which is a big hit with young children.

June 12th

Explore Southwest Side: This is a great plan. The southwest side of Acadia is quieter and less crowded, with lovely coastal scenery. The drive down Route 3 offers some great views.
Ship Harbor Trail: This is a relatively short and easy trail with beautiful views of the coastline. It’s a nice option for families and offers a quiet, peaceful experience.
Wonderland Trail: Wonderland is a great short hike with an easy, flat trail, and it leads to a beautiful beach area. This is definitely kid-friendly and a perfect stop for a relaxing afternoon.
Lighthouse: There are a few lighthouses you can visit, but if you're near the southwest side, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is iconic and offers a great spot for photos. It’s easy to access and has a nice viewpoint.
Flying Mountain Trail: This trail is short and has a relatively easy climb. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, but do check the trail conditions before you go, as it has some rocky sections. It should be fine for your group as long as you're comfortable with some light climbing.

June 13th

Asticou Azalea Garden: This is a fantastic choice for June! The garden will be in full bloom, and it’s a peaceful, beautiful spot. It’s easy to walk through, and kids will enjoy exploring the colorful flowers.
Open for anything missed: This is a good idea in case there’s something else that catches your eye! You can visit the nearby town of Northeast Harbor, take a short drive to see other scenic spots, or return to one of the trails or beaches that you particularly enjoyed earlier in the trip.

Final Thoughts:

Your itinerary looks like a great mix of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing time for both adults and kids. Most of the trails you’ve selected are easy to moderate, so they should be comfortable for your family, and you’ve also left room for flexibility, which is important with kids. Just remember to pace yourself—Acadia is big, and it’s easy to get excited about all there is to see!

In terms of missing anything, consider adding a visit to the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor if you’re interested in learning about the native history of the area, or perhaps a boat tour for a different perspective of the park.

Itinerary for June 9-13

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