I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a decision I regretted or not, but I signed myself up to go hike Acadia National Park for two days directly following Hyrox Boston. I figured since I was already in Boston, and I hadn’t scheduled a Birthday trip yet – it just made sense. Nothing like checking off another state AND National Park from my list.

First – let’s talk about the transport there. I had booked a flight on Cape Air. I promise you I never thought anything of it until I couldn’t check in online. What hadn’t occurred to me was flight time – almost 90 minutes. Hmm… that doesn’t seem right. It didn’t make sense to me until I walked out onto the runway and onto a no kidding Cessna. I’ve jumped out of planes bigger than this! It was a cool experience – felt like flying in a private jet…. As long as the PJ had zero amenities…

Landed into Bar Harbor… sorry…. ‘Bahh Habbahhhh’ The single runway airport that may have just been someone’s back yard. Equally awesome.

It was still pretty early in the day so I was able to get a mini hike or two in. I decided to go with ‘Great Head Trail’ – actually some decent little climbs and amazing views but it felt good to loosen up my legs! It was amazing weather out, tank top and shorts. Sun shining bright. Leaves were only just beginning to turn – seemed late in the season for this type of weather.

I settled into my wildly overly expensive hotel which was a glorified motel (door opened up directly to the outside) at the value price of $500/night. I should have just stayed in the actual motel!

I grabbed a map from the front desk and between that and the All Trails app I started plotting out my Sunday! I tried desperately to get a pass to Cadillac Drive but I just couldn’t respond to the emails fast enough when passes became available. There were so many amazing options though for some great quick hikes. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I decided I’d just keep hiking until my legs gave out.

I woke up and grabbed a coffee in town and then headed to the park – I didn’t wake up super early and that was a huge mistake, Parking was non-existent. I found a place on the side of the road and just started after it. I found a great place along the water that was relatively secluded. It was along Ocean Path Trail – I just pulled off to the side and hung out on the rocks drinking my morning coffee listening to the waves. There is no better way to start the day!

There was a great loop that I did – plenty of options to shorten or lengthen it. On All trails it’s the ‘Beehive, Gotham Mountain and Ocean Path Loop. I did about 3.5 miles and it hit some great highlights of all of those trails.

I headed over to Jordan Pond – there was an absolutely lovely lunch spot over there if you can get into it. I got a great lobster roll and pot of tea. They made fresh lemonades with crushed fruit in them – absolutely epic. There’s a Jordan Pond loop that was a great 4 miles loop – completely flat, in fact in some areas they built a little wooden path. Amazing views of the pond the entire way around.

Overall, I found Acadia National Park to be a great little park and getaway, paired excellent with sunny warm weather and plenty of Lobstahhh rolls!

Recommended Gear: Trail runners or sneakers with a bit more grip, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray. I didn’t use hiking poles for these and probably wouldn’t take them next time.

Recommended Food: Lobstah Rolls – from literally anywhere!