Travel Raven

Exploring the World, One Adventure at a Time

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3 Days in Maine: Bangor, Acadia, and Beyond

Maine has this magical mix of small-town charm, dramatic coastlines, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. On this trip, we started in Bangor, spent a day exploring Acadia National Park, and wrapped it up with orchards and wineries just outside of town. It was a short trip, but it gave us a perfect taste of what makes this corner of New England so special.

✈️ Day 1: Exploring Bangor

We started our trip in Bangor, known as the “Queen City of the East.” Once a booming lumber town, Bangor still carries that history in its architecture and riverside charm, but it also has plenty of quirky attractions that make it worth a stop.

Our Stops in Bangor:

  • Paul Bunyan Statue – At 31 feet tall, Bangor claims to be the birthplace of the lumberjack legend. The statue is pure kitsch but makes for a fun photo.
  • Stephen King’s House – For fans of his novels, this is a must-see. The gothic-style home is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence with bats and spiders—fitting for the master of horror.
  • Penobscot River Walkway – A calm and scenic way to end the day, with paths along the river that highlight Bangor’s historic waterfront.

🏞️ Day 2: Acadia National Park

Acadia is one of the most beloved national parks in the U.S.—and it’s easy to see why. Rugged Atlantic coastlines meet granite peaks, pine forests, and calm lakes, all in one compact area. Whether you’re into hiking, scenic drives, or just soaking up the views, there’s something for everyone here.

🪧 Entrance Notes

  • You’ll need a park entrance pass (daily, weekly, or annual options available).
  • To drive up Cadillac Summit Road (late May through October), you must purchase a vehicle reservation in advance. These sell out quickly and can only be booked online.
  • The rest of the park doesn’t require reservations, but parking at popular trailheads fills up early—plan ahead!

Our Stops in Acadia

  • Hull’s Cove Visitor Center – The best place to start, with maps, exhibits, and rangers who can help you plan your route.
  • Cadillac Mountain – At 1,530 ft, this is the tallest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. It’s famous for sunrise, but the views are spectacular any time of day. We stopped at the gift shop before heading up.

The Beehive + The Bowl + Gorham Mountain Loop

  • Distance: ~3.5–4 miles loop
  • Elevation gain: ~500–600 ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous in sections

This loop combines three iconic spots:

  • The Beehive Trail – Short but steep, with iron rungs and exposed cliffs (not recommended if you’re afraid of heights).
  • The Bowl – A small alpine lake tucked behind the Beehive, peaceful and serene.
  • Gorham Mountain – A more gradual climb with wide-open views of the ocean and coastline.

After the hike, we headed into Bar Harbor, Acadia’s gateway town. It’s full of shops, restaurants, and a lively waterfront. We walked around, enjoyed the harbor views, and of course—ordered lobster rolls. 🦞

🍎 Day 3: Orchards & Wineries

After a full day in the park, we slowed things down and stayed closer to Bangor.

Stops Northeast of Bangor:

  • Treworgy Family Orchards – A family-run orchard with pick-your-own fruit, corn mazes, and seasonal treats. It’s a classic New England stop, especially in the fall.
  • Dragonfly Farm & Winery – A cozy spot with local wines and ciders, perfect for sampling and relaxing after a busy trip.

🗺️ Bonus Options for Your Next Time

More in Acadia National Park:

  • Jordan Pond & Jordan Pond Loop Trail (3.4 miles, mostly flat) – Famous for its popovers at the Jordan Pond House.
  • Ocean Path Trail (2 miles one-way) – Gentle walking trail along Acadia’s iconic rocky coastline.
  • Precipice Trail (2.5 miles, 1,000 ft gain) – For thrill-seekers only; steep iron rungs and sheer drop-offs.
  • Schoodic Peninsula – A less crowded part of Acadia, perfect for scenic drives and quiet trails.

More Around Bangor:

  • Cole Land Transportation Museum – A niche but interesting look at Maine’s history through vehicles.
  • Mount Hope Cemetery – One of the nation’s oldest garden cemeteries and a filming location for Stephen King’s Pet Sematary.

✨ Final Thoughts

This three-day Maine getaway gave us a little bit of everything: quirky landmarks in Bangor, dramatic coastlines and hikes in Acadia, and the laid-back charm of orchards and wineries. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—and of course, no trip to Maine is complete without fresh lobster.

If you’re planning a visit, just remember: plan ahead for Acadia reservations, start hikes early to beat the crowds, and leave room in your itinerary for those little detours that make Maine so memorable.