Drink in Acadia“s wild beauty.

Fall in love with Acadia...

• Gaze at dawn’s first light from atop the highest coastal mountain north of Rio de Janeiro ... forests tinged with autumn color ... harbor seals and porpoise swimming near your kayak.
• Smell wild roses along harbor paths ... sea air ... flowers in charming Thuya Garden.
• Listen to waves crashing against pink-granite cliffs ... the call of loons and gulls ... clanging sea buoys.
• Taste succulent lobster ... ripe Maine blueberries ... warm popovers on the lawn of the famous Jordan Pond House.
• Feel the ocean’s gentle breeze as you cruise on a windjammer ... the warmth of sun-baked granite as you sit along the Atlantic ... the ocean floor as you tread across it at low tide to visit a deserted island ... the lap of cool waves on your toes.

Saturday

Feel on top of the world!

Fly into Bangor International Airport, where we’ll rendezvous and drive you one hour to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Settle into your room at the Atlantic Eyrie, with sweeping ocean views of Frenchman Bay. Then, enjoy the sunset as you savor succulent Maine lobster or other fine food at dinner.

The incredible views were mentally relaxing, yet the trails were physically invigorating. Trailbound’s behind-the-scenes planning made this trip thoroughly enjoyable. I’ve always wanted to visit Acadia and couldn’t have asked for a more perfect trip. ~ "Creek"

Sunday

Enjoy precious "me" time ...
and time with other outdoor-loving women.

Sip coffee on your private balcony and watch the sun rise over the ocean. You can jump-start each day with our inn’s complimentary breakfasts.

What a fun day we’ll have! Visit Acadia’s only sand beach, nestled in a lovely cove. Then score unbeatable views while hiking 1 1/2 miles - and lunching - on Great Head Peninsula, which juts into the sparkling blue Atlantic. Next, walk the Ocean Path to explore rugged coatline blowholes, craggy cliffs, crashing waves, and Acadia’s pink-granite rocks.

End this great day with an unforgettble sunset sail and dinner aboard the iconic Margaret Todd schooner.

Monday

Enjoy lunch on the lawn of the Jordan Pond House,
overlooking Jordan Pond and the mountains
(known as the "bubbles") you climbed that morning.

Hike 3.3 miles on boardwalks encircling tranquil Jordan Pond and listen for loon calls. You won’t want to miss the 2 1/2 mile optional side trip up "South Bubble" mountain. Its summit treats you to breathtaking vistas, "OH WOW" selfies, and a playful shove against perfectly balanced Bubble Rock.

Then, relish fresh popovers and a scrumptious lunch on the lawn of famous Jordan Pond House, with views of the mountain you just climbed. After lunch, savor the fragrance and charm of Thuya Gardens, perched above a postcard-worthy harbor.

After dining together at a Bar Harbor restaurant, check out the town’s shops.

Did you know...USA Today readers voted Acadia as America’s #1 national park for scenic views, and Backpacker magazine readers named Acadia one of their 3 favorite national parks!

Tuesday

Summit the North Atlantic seaboard’s tallest mountain!

Want to earn some bragging rights? Hike 2.2 miles to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the North Atlantic seaboard’s tallest mountain. Delight in your accomplishment and the stunning ocean vistas you’ll see along the way.

Enjoy free time this afternoon with some great options! (We can help arrange them.) Rent a bike and pedal scenic carriage paths, or enjoy them from a horse-drawn carriage...explore Bar Harbor’s shops...relax on your balcony...enjoy a massage...swim in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool’stroll Bar Harbor’s Shore Path to admire grand, ocean-front homes and their views.

We’ll share stories of our afternoon adventures at a relaxed dinner in the hotel, prepared by your guides.

Wednesday

Greet a lovely dawn atop Cadillac Mountain.

Witness one of the most memorable sunrises of your life! We’ll drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain to watch the sun’s stunning light show as it peeks over the ocean. (For half the year, this mountain sees dawn’s first light in the U.S.)

After greeting the dawn, enjoy a delicious early-morn breakfast at a favorite Bar Harbor restaurant.

Then enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive to the island’s "quiet" west side. On the way, snap photos at picturesque Somesville Bridge.

Embrace the sweeping views on this 2-mile hike atop Beech Cliff and Beech Mountain, where we’ll also munch lunch. Then stop by peaceful Echo Lake for a toe-dip before heading to Ship Harbor. This quiet harbor invites you to look for blue mussel shells, stroll the shoreline, and bask on sun-warmed rocks as ocean waves lap the shore.

I loved Acadia’s beautiful location and challenging activities, but most of all, the chance to experience it with like-minded women. We all want to have fun, challenge ourselves physically, and separate ourselves from the daily grind. Plus, I never laugh so hard as when I’m on a Trailbound trip - what a great feeling! ~ "Wildflower"

Thursday

Ocean kayak among harbor seals
and -- perhaps -- porpoise.

Explore charming pathways.

Hike the lovely, rugged coastline.

Ever walked across the ocean floor or explored a deserted island? Chalk up 2 more adventures as you trek across the ocean bed at low tide to check out uninhabited Bar Island and great views of Bar Harbor.

You’ll also enjoy free time on your last day in Acadia. We hope you’ll join the guided kayak trip (suitable for beginners) for lovely scenery and to possibly spy curious seals and porpoise.

We’ll dine together at one of our favorite Bar Harbor restaurants.

Friday

Cherish a last sunrise over Frenchman Bay. Then let us shuttle you to the Bangor Airport. Return home with amazing memories and stories, fresh confidence, warm friendships, and a renewed love for the great outdoors.

Celebrate great hikes with high-stick salutes.

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.

 

Stand in awe.

Have a fun shoving match
with Balanced Rock.

Enjoy time for reflection.

Sail on a schooner at sunset
on the calm ocean bay.

The trip cost includes:

• 6 days and nights at lovely Atlantic Eyrie Lodge. Enjoy great views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands, 2 queen beds, private balcony, microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, WiFi, A/C, hairdryer, and heated outdoor pool. (Add $570 for a solo room.)
• Exhilarating hikes each day with friendly, experienced guides.
• A sunset sail on a schoone across tranquil Frenchman Bay.
• Rides throughout the week to our hikes, activities, dining, and Bangor Int’l Airport within designated time frames.
• Frequent shuttle service from our hotel to the heart of downtown Bar Harbor.
• Complimentary breakfasts at our hotel, and a dinner prepared by your guides.
• All park entrance fees, permits, and parking.
• Online photo album packed with trip memories, which you can download, share and print photos at no cost.
• Guided discussions, based on what we see outdoors each day, that foster warm camaraderie and help you view nature and yourself in new ways.
• Informational booklet filled with fun info about the area’s history, weather, and wildlife; descriptions of our hikes and optional activities; gear and packing tips; and more.
• Best of all: Amazing memories & stories, a renewed love of nature, warm friendships, and new confidence.

Hike across the ocean floor at low tide to secluded Bar Island.

Book Your Trip!

Wait List Online

Wait List by Mail

Our trips fill very quickly on a first-come basis, so don’t wait long to register. Hold your spot by using our online registration, or by mailing the registration form,along with your $500 non-refundable deposit to: Trailbound Trips, 533 S. Summit Street, Barrington, IL 60010 (Make out checks to Trailbound Trips). If you are registering for the wait list, no deposit is necessary.

Testimonials:

“I enjoyed the beauty of the vistas from oceanside and mountaintops.” ~ "Running Water"

“The leaders were great, and our fellow hikers were wonderful! This trip made me feel a little stronger inside.” ~ "Rock Star"

This trip surpassed my expectation. I didn’t know how beautiful Maine is. The leaders did an excellent job of keeping us on schedule and informed, plus coming up with interesting activities on a rainy day. ~ "Sunny"

“I left Maine with a sense of accomplishment that I actually did it! Plus, I love the strength you get from the other women, and the friendships you develop. Great experience!” ~ "Barb"

“I don’t know that I’d ever have gotten to Maine without Trailbound, and I’m sure I’d never have seen the parts we explored. Keep up the great opportunities.” ~ "Little Bit"

“I loved not having to think about anything — someone else took care of all the arrangements and I just had to show up. It also reminded me about taking time and doing things just for myself.” ~ "Seal"

“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 isn’t the only complex one! ”~Tai Tai

“I like to hike. I like nature and how I feel after I’ve been a part of the outdoors. It fills me up. I go home and feel I’m a better listener, a better friend, wife, and person. I’m so glad that I found this group. This was my third hike with you and I’m 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