Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: The GPS-marked starting point is near Bar Harbor Harbor Master. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.(Bar Harbor Harbor Master, Town Pier, Bar Harbor, ME, USA)
Know in advance:Enjoy unlimited, lifelong access to the tour. Use it whenever you fancy, on any journey, as frequently as you desire
This is a self-guided tour available through an app; no guide will accompany you. The app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map, all in one
After booking, you'll receive an email from the activity provider with instructions for setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Please don't wait until you are on-site
Works perfectly without Wi-Fi/data with offline maps. The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualise what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms
The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service
The full Ocean Path in Acadia National Park is approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round trip, typically taking 2 to 3 hours to hike at a moderate pace. This allows sufficient time to enjoy scenic overlooks like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff without rushing. The path is generally flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors.
While Acadia National Park offers many beautiful trails, the Ocean Path is frequently cited as one of its most picturesque hikes. It provides continuous ocean vistas, dramatic rocky coastline, and iconic stops such as Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Other highly regarded scenic options include the Beehive Trail for adventurous hikers or the tranquil Jordan Pond Path.
The Ocean Path in Acadia National Park offers multiple convenient access points. A popular starting point is Sand Beach, where parking is available. Alternatively, you can begin the path near Otter Cliff or from various points along the Park Loop Road. These access points allow you to explore different sections of this scenic coastal walk.
No, grizzly bears are not found in Acadia National Park. However, black bears are present, though sightings are extremely rare. Visitors are more likely to encounter white-tailed deer, moose (especially in quieter, wooded areas), red foxes, beavers, and a diverse array of bird species, including eagles and various seabirds along the coast. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Yes, Acadia National Park operates the Island Explorer, a free shuttle bus service during its peak season, typically from late June through Columbus Day. This service connects various points within the park, including popular trailheads, attractions like Sand Beach and Jordan Pond, and nearby towns like Bar Harbor. It's an excellent option for exploring the park without a private vehicle.
You can reach Acadia National Park without a car primarily by flying into Bangor International Airport (BGR), which is approximately an hour's drive away. From Bangor, you can arrange for a taxi or pre-booked shuttle service to Bar Harbor. Once in Bar Harbor, the free Island Explorer shuttle system provides extensive access to the park's main attractions, including the scenic Ocean Path.
On the Ocean Path self-guided audio tour, you can expect to explore Bar Harbor's stunning coastline and hear ancient legends associated with iconic sites like Thunder Hole. The tour highlights Maine's natural beauty, guiding you past dramatic ocean views, rocky shores, and forested sections. Near Thunder Hole, the audio narration will explain the unique geological features that create its distinctive 'thunderous' roar and share historical or local folklore about the area.
The Bar Harbor and Acadia's Ocean Path self-guided audio tour functions via a mobile application on your smartphone. Once downloaded, the tour utilizes GPS to automatically trigger audio narration as you approach specific points of interest along the Ocean Path. This allows you the flexibility to walk at your own pace, pause, and replay segments while receiving informative commentary about the sights, history, and legends of the area.