Activities Outside of Acadia

Question

We are (were?) getting super excited for our trip to Acadia in about a week (Oct 4 - Oct 11). But now with the potential government shutdown, the plans that I spent the last couple months researching may not be possible. We're not going to cancel our trip, so need a Plan B!

What are some favorite things to do outside of Acadia?

We are staying in Bar Harbor, have a car and willing to drive 2ish hours. It is myself, my husband and our 10-year old. Our original plan was primarily inside the park - hiking eBike the Carriage Roads, tide pools. Luckily we'll still be able to still do Tidal Falls Preserve and our Sea Princess cruise. Would love to still do outdoorsy things/hikes, especially for spectacular fall colors.

Really hope that things don't shut down. I greatly appreciate all the input/advice from this community. THANK YOU!!

Answer

Even if Acadia National Park is partially or fully closed due to a government shutdown, the surrounding region offers plenty of options for outdoor activities and family-friendly adventures. Staying in Bar Harbor gives you convenient access to charming coastal towns, scenic drives, and natural areas outside the federal park lands.

Scenic Drives & Fall Foliage:

Schoodic Peninsula: Located about 1–1.5 hours from Bar Harbor, this area offers quiet coastal drives, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails that are often less crowded than Acadia.
Route 1 Coastal Drive: Drive south along the Maine coast through small towns like Southwest Harbor, Tremont, and Blue Hill. Expect charming harbors, lighthouses, and colorful fall foliage along the way.
Route 3 & 102 Loop: A loop through Mount Desert Island’s outskirts, including Somesville and Seal Harbor, gives great views of the island’s forests and coast.

Outdoor Activities:

Tidal Falls Preserve: You mentioned this is still open—excellent for a short hike and waterfall views, especially in autumn.
Coastal Hikes Outside Acadia: Trails in the Schoodic region, or local preserves like Jesup Memorial Library Trails in Bar Harbor and MDI Land Trust properties, offer moderate hikes with fall colors.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Several local outfitters offer rentals in Frenchman Bay, Somes Sound, or smaller harbors. It’s a fun way to enjoy the coast with kids.

Family-Friendly Options:

Sea Princess Cruise: You already have this booked—great for tide pools, lighthouses, and wildlife viewing.
Local Farms & Orchards: Many farms in Hancock County offer pumpkin picking, cider tasting, and corn mazes. Consider Beech Hill Farm or Sweet Pea Farm for a short drive outside Bar Harbor.
Small Town Exploration: Towns like Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Tremont have cute shops, cafes, and scenic harbor walks.

Additional Tips:

Check local Land Trust or state park websites for trails and preserves—they may remain open even if federal lands are closed.
Consider renting eBikes for local loops around Somesville or Seal Harbor if the Carriage Roads in Acadia are closed.
Plan meals in towns like Southwest Harbor or Northeast Harbor for a cozy New England experience without depending on park facilities.

With these alternatives, you can still enjoy fall colors, coastal views, and outdoor adventures without relying solely on Acadia National Park. Flexibility and a focus on nearby state and local parks will keep your trip memorable.

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