Not all hikers are the same — and that's a good thing. Whether you want a casual walk with gorgeous payoff or a full-day mountain adventure, the trails around Southwest Harbor and Acadia National Park deliver. Here are our top picks for glampers of every style!
For the Scenic Stroller: Wonderland & Ship Harbor
These two connected trails are the perfect introduction to hiking on MDI. Both are flat, accessible, and run right along the water's edge. Wonderland leads you out to a rocky point where the sea opens up in every direction. Ship Harbor winds through coastal forest and down to a quiet cove. Together they take about an hour and a half — easy enough to do before dinner, beautiful enough to remember for years.
Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1–1.5 hours
For the View Seeker: Acadia Mountain
This is the hike we recommend most to guests. Acadia Mountain sits right along Rt 102, only 5 mins away, and the trail climbs steadily to a summit with panoramic views of Somes Sound and the islands beyond. The round trip is around 2.5 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain — challenging enough to feel satisfying, manageable enough for most fitness levels. Bring water and snacks and take your time.
Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 2–2.5 hours
For the Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer: Bernard & Mansell Mountains
If you want solitude, head to the western mountains. Bernard and Mansell (and Little Notch) are part of the same ridge system and see far fewer visitors than the eastern side of the park. Trails here wind through old-growth forest and mossy ledges, and the summit of Bernard is particularly peaceful. Loop the two peaks together for a half-day adventure that feels genuinely remote.
Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 3–4 hours
For the All-Day Adventurer: Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain features a historic fire tower at the summit — the last remaining one in the park — with views across Long Pond and out toward the Cranberry Islands. The trails here are varied enough to mix and match based on how long you want to hike. After your summit, it's only a short detour to Echo Lake for a well-earned swim. Pair this with a packed lunch from the Little Notch Bakery in Southwest Harbor for a near-perfect day.
Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 3–5 hours
For the Biking Glamper: Carriage Roads
Not all Acadia adventures involve hiking boots. John D. Rockefeller's famous carriage road network stretches for 57 miles across the park, with 44 miles open to bicycles. The roads are smooth crushed gravel, free of cars, and threaded with 17 stunning stone bridges. You could spend two or three full days here and never repeat yourself. Pick up a bike in Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor, pack your lunch, and let the road take you.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: As long as you want
After any of these adventures, there's nothing better than returning to your yurt or tiny house, firing up the grill, and watching the Maine sky go dark. That's the whole point.