Driving from NYC

My boyfriend and I want to drive to Acadia National Park--- once we get there, where can we sleep (do we need to plan for this ahead of time), are there campgrounds where we can pull out our tent and just do that (do we need to make reservations for that?),.... also what is there to do in Acadia national Park?

We want to relax, sightsee---total 1 week off.

Thanks!

Driving from NYC

1. There are two campgrounds operated by the park: Seawall on the southern end of MDI, which is first come, first served, and Blackwoods, which is pretty much by reservation only (www.nps.gov/acad/ There also are several commercial campgrounds (www.acadiamagic.com).

2 As to the features of Acadia. also see %26lt;www.acadiamagic.com%26gt; or the above-referenced national park site. in addition, check the former postings on this forum as well as those on the Bar Harbor forum. On the BH forum, click on Overview (at the top of the page) for ideas regarding hikes, walks, restaurants, etc.

Driving from NYC

Depends on the time of year...In the summer you want to make reservations at Blackwoods or get to Seawall early. There are other private campgrounds on the Island if you want hot showers and pools etc. In the summer it%26#39;s best to reserve. Lots of stuff to do in Acadia but it all depends on what you like. You can certainly drive and see some amazing scenery. You can rent bikes, canoes and kayaks. There are whale watches and boat rides. Bar Harbor has a lot of shops, places to eat, a movie theater and a few pubs. Lots and lots of opportunities to just walk/hike depending on how much you want to exert yourself. We%26#39;ve been going there for 20+ years and are still discovering parts of the park we never knew about. Check out the web sites; you%26#39;ll probably find something that you like.

You%26#39;ve gotten it in a nutshell. Definitely check past posts on the BH Forum. This is a very popular place, so the forum is very busy. Lots of very current discussion, as well as still relevant older ones. If you are into outdoor recreation, this is an awersome place to be. Bicycling is awesome. Bring your own bikes if you have them, though you can easily rent mountain bikes, and even a carrier to get them to the carraige trails on the island. There are all levels of hiking, from gentle walks in the woods and along the rocky coast, to vigorous and challenging hikes and climbs. There is sea kayaking, and all manners of getting onthe water and seeing various natural sights. Ocean and lake swimming. Beautiful scenery. And plenty of good restauarnts, cafes, shops, crafts, arts, etc. Easy place to relax, do nothing, enjoy the scenery, and sip Margaritas, too.

Make reservations ahead of time, especially in summer. Coming from NYC, figure about 10 hours of driving time, plus stops, etc. If you are traveling on Saturday, expect traffic along I-95 in Maine from the NH border or before, to somewhere beyond Portland. Traffic will move slowly, may stop in places, and may even totally open up at times. Stay off Rte 1 if you are trying to make time. It will take you to all the coastal towns, whcih are beautiful, but will slow you down tremendously. If you are planning a week in Acadia, you will get plenty of beauty. Also, if you are traveling Friday night, you know what to expect leaving NYC and up through CT. You can expect much the same leaving Boston and up through NH and into ME. Plan accordingly. That said, being in Acadia is well worth the effort of the trip.