Acadia National Park & Visitor Center
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Tour Code: bhb-001
Experience one of the most scenic drives on the East Coast of the United States during this memorable visit to Acadia National Park, the second-most visited park in the United States.
Boarding your coach at the pier, you will set-off on the drive to Acadia National Park, first passing through the quaint town of Bar Harbor to view some of the charming Victorian mansions built by America's rich and famous at the turn of the 20th century and then making a stop at the Hull's Cove Visitor Center. Upon arrival at Acadia National Park, you will proceed along the 27-mile Park Loop Road taking in spectacular coastal, mountain and forest views.
Next, you will travel along the ocean's edge, passing Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook, and the High Seas Estate, a beautiful mansion built by a wealthy gentleman whose wife perished on the Titanic before ever stepping foot in her dream home. At Thunder Hole, a short photo stop will be made where you can see the ocean swells converge against the granite cliffs to create a thunderous roar (If designated bus parking is not available, an alternate photo stop will be made in the park at the tour guide's discretion).
Continuing on, you will pass Otter Cliffs and the gulf of Maine with beautiful views of the off shore islands, as well as travel through pine wood forests and past the Jordon Pond House. A beautiful view of the Penobscot Mountains and Bubbles Hill awaits you at this location and with much of the land donated by John D. Rockefeller. You will also see the romantic stone-cut bridges and evidence of the elaborate carriage trails built by his family at the turn of the century. Home to over 50 species of mammals, keep your eyes peeled for moose, black bear and white tail deer as you make your way around the Park Loop Road.
Weather permitting, there will be a photo stop from atop the 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on North America's eastern seaboard. Here, you will have the opportunity to take in spectacular panoramic views and enjoy photo opportunities of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. This wonderful vantage point allows you to see how glaciers have carved through the granite cliffs to form a breathtaking landscape of lush forest, lakes and valleys. In the event the weather prevents a stop here, a stop at Jordan Pond House or Sieur de Mont Spring will be substituted.
Following your this last stop, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier.
Please note: This tour includes a moderate amount of walking, mainly at the guest's discretion. Most of the surfaces are paved and easily accessible; however, some areas are uneven and can be slippery when wet. A 50-100 yard walk, with approximately 20 steps, is required to view the sea cave at Thunder Hole and participants are cautioned to stay on the path, and not stray towards the rocky area. The tour is available to guests who utilize a wheelchai, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have a companion to assist them. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Weather appropriate clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.