STEP THREE: Make Your Can’t-Miss List
>> What should I do while I’m here? <<
You made it to Step Three! Up until now, the steps have been pretty simple….but it’s time to dig into the nitty-gritty of trip planning.
Your task now is to decide what you want to see while you are in Acadia. This will likely involve several hours of planning and research.
Or…if you’d like to bypass this step, take a look at this Acadia Itinerary. I’ve already done all the hard work for you!
Now it’s time to get out your notes and laptop and get ready to research.
First, you’ll want to make a list of the things you absolutely don’t want to miss while you are in Acadia.
These are the big points of interest that initially made you excited about taking a trip to the park.
You may find the official NPS website and the Dirt In My Shoes Ultimate Guide to Acadia helpful for finding the can’t-miss spots.
If it’s your first time to Acadia, your list will probably include places like Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, or the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
This list might also include viewpoints, hiking trails, tours, or restaurants you’re dying to try {fresh Maine lobster, anyone?} depending on your personal interests and priorities.
Second, make a list of things that would be nice to do or see if you’re able to fit them in.
Maybe you’re excited about the carriage roads, but you’re not sure how much time you’ll need to explore them. Put the carriage roads on this list.
Maybe you think you want to go on a boat ride, hike a longer trail, or spend an afternoon on the beach, but you haven’t decided if it’s worth the time in your schedule. Put those activities on this list.
Third, use the lists you made to group the activities by region.
Take a look at the Acadia map and organize the things you want to do based on where they are located within the park.
For example, a few of the main regions in Acadia are Jordan Pond, the Quiet Side, or the Coast. Referring to this list of things you can’t miss, I’d lump the carriage roads, Jordan Pond popovers, and Cadillac Mountain under the Jordan Pond Area. The Coast Area would include the Beehive Trail and the Ocean Path…..and so on.
It actually is possible to have a disastrous time in Acadia, which is why this step is so important to complete. Acadia is definitely not a place you just want to show up to without a good plan.
Don’t forget that I’ve already created a spectacular plan for you if you need some help completing this step.
It’s much easier to move forward with planning if you have a list of must-see’s organized together by region….and it sure will come in handy over the next two steps as we wrap up your Acadia plan.
That’s it for Step Three! Now on to Step Four, where you’ll learn all about the entrances and towns that surround the park.
Click NEXT to plan out your lodging.
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