Itinerary Suggestions Please- First Visit to MDI

Question

Hello, we will be coming to MDI in September of this year and stuck on planning the easy to moderate hikes (not a fan of heights) and any other fun stuff to do, such as e-bikes on the carriage roads, drive Park Loop Road, and maybe the Bass Harbor Nature Cruise. I'm not not sure which hikes, on which days, and what order really is where I'm stuck.

9-6 Arrive in Portland and staying in Camden for one night.

9-7 We will be staying in Bar Harbor for 1 night at The Saltair Inn as we are not big on crowds.

9-8 through 9-10, staying in South Harbor at Lindenwood Inn.

9-11 Elsa's Inn to be near our friends we are visiting in Corea

Any help is kindly appreciated. Thank you!

9-12 Fly out of Bangor

Answer

It sounds like you're going to have a wonderful time on Mount Desert Island (MDI)! With the activities you're interested in, I suggest a balance of scenic drives, easy-to-moderate hikes, and some fun excursions. Here's a proposed itinerary based on your schedule and preferences, along with some hiking and activities recommendations.

9/6: Arrive in Portland and stay in Camden

Camden is a lovely town with a picturesque harbor and some great spots to explore. After you arrive, enjoy a stroll around the harbor and maybe a visit to Camden Hills State Park. The park has a relatively easy hike to the top of Mount Battie, which offers panoramic views of Camden Harbor and the islands (not too steep or high, which fits your preference). You can also simply walk around the quaint downtown or visit the nearby Camden Amphitheater for a relaxed evening.

9/7: Drive to Bar Harbor, Stay at The Saltair Inn

Bar Harbor is a charming town but can be crowded, so it's great that you're staying in a quieter inn. On this day, I recommend starting with a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. You’ll pass some wonderful spots like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. These views are accessible with little effort, so you can enjoy them without doing any strenuous hikes.

Moderate Hike Suggestion: If you're feeling up for a short hike, the Gorham Mountain Trail is an excellent option. It's only about 3 miles round-trip and offers lovely views without steep drops. It’s not too high and should be comfortable for you, plus it’s located along the Park Loop Road.

Additional Activity: Consider taking a Bass Harbor Nature Cruise in the afternoon or evening, depending on your schedule. This cruise will take you around Frenchman Bay, where you’ll get a good view of lighthouses and wildlife like seals and eagles. It’s a great way to relax after your drive and some light hiking.

9/8-9/10: Stay in South Harbor at Lindenwood Inn

South Harbor is more peaceful and away from the main hustle of Bar Harbor, making it a perfect base for exploring Acadia. Here’s a breakdown of a few days to explore the park and surrounding areas:

Day 1: Easy Hikes and Carriage Roads - Consider renting e-bikes to explore the historic carriage roads in Acadia. The roads are car-free, and riding bikes is a scenic and peaceful way to explore the park. You could bike to Jordan Pond and enjoy the view of the pond with the Bubbles in the background. If you're up for a hike, a very easy, flat trail like the Jordan Pond Path is perfect. You can also walk around the pond for a scenic experience.
Day 2: More Moderate Hikes - Try the Beehive Trail (if you're comfortable with some mild heights, though it’s short and not too challenging) or the Ocean Path Trail (a gentle walk along the coastline). For a wonderful view without the heights, you can also walk the Ridge Trail which is still moderate but doesn’t have a steep drop-off.
Day 3: Coastal Scenic Drives and Relax - Spend a more leisurely day exploring Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula (the quieter side of the park). You can drive along the coastline, stopping at various points to enjoy scenic views of the ocean and islands. It’s a wonderful area to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. You can end the day with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant in South Harbor or Bar Harbor.

9/11: Stay at Elsa's Inn (Corea)

On your last night on MDI, you can visit Corea, a charming fishing village. Explore the area and perhaps stop by the Corea Wharf to see some local sights and enjoy the quiet village atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to wind down before your departure.

9/12: Fly out of Bangor

On your way out of MDI, make sure to take one last scenic drive or hike in Acadia National Park, perhaps along the Schoodic Scenic Byway if you haven’t already, before heading to Bangor for your flight.

Summary of Hiking Recommendations:

Easy Hikes: Jordan Pond Path, Ocean Path, and the Carriage Roads.
Moderate Hikes: Gorham Mountain Trail, Beehive Trail (if you're comfortable with heights), and the Ridge Trail.
Relaxing Scenic Drives: Park Loop Road, Schoodic Peninsula, and Jordan Pond area.

General Tips:

Since you're not big on crowds, it’s smart to visit the more popular spots like Jordan Pond early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
Book any bike rentals or guided tours for the carriage roads ahead of time, as these can get busy in September.
Don’t forget to bring layers, as temperatures can vary, and it can get chilly on the coast.

I hope this helps you organize a relaxing, scenic, and enjoyable trip to Mount Desert Island! Enjoy your visit to Acadia National Park!