AMG Guided Hiking in Acadia National Park
Swap city noise for salt-sprayed granite and let one of our friendly, wilderness-trained guides show you the best of Acadia!
Sunrise on Cadillac, tide pools along the Ocean Path, or a quiet romp up to an abandoned fire tower. We match each hike to your pace and interests, share a few local stories, and handle the safety details so you can just soak in the views and snap the photos. Come walk the park we’ve called home since ’94 no experience needed, just a sense of curiosity.
Cadillac Sunrise Hikes
Experience the magic of sunrise from the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. This guided, pre-dawn adventure begins in darkness and culminates atop Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll watch the first rays of sunlight spill across Frenchman Bay and the surrounding islands.
Half-Day Guided Hike — Acadia National Park
Time: ~3–4 hours
Slip away for a half-day taste of Acadia. Choose a ladder-rung scramble to airy granite views or an easy coastal ramble past tide pools and sea cliffs. We’ll match the route to your goals and energy. Your guide carries the local stories, first-aid kit, and trail logistics, so you can focus on the scent of spruce and the click of your camera. Perfect for a morning adventure before lobster rolls or an afternoon stretch after exploring Bar Harbor; all you need are comfortable shoes, water, and a bit of wonder. We’ll handle the rest.
Full-Day Guided Hike — Acadia National Park
Time: ~6–7 hours
Give yourself a whole Maine day to wander beyond the usual trailheads. We’ll link granite dome, quiet spruce forest, and tide-polished shoreline in one flowing loop, pausing for a picnic lunch with a postcard view. Your wilderness-medicine-trained guide keeps the pace right for your group, shares stories about the park’s geology and wildlife, and handles every permit and safety detail so you can simply walk, look, and breathe. All you need is a daypack, water, and a sense of curiosity. Since 1994 we’ve taken care of the rest.
Multi-Sport Adventure:
Hike • Canoe • Climb
Time: ~4–8 hours (customizable)
Want to taste everything Acadia offers in a single outing? Start the morning with a forested hike to a granite summit, slip a canoe onto a mirror-calm lake for a shoreline paddle, then finish the day clipping into a top-rope above the Atlantic at Otter Cliffs. We provide all technical gear—canoes, paddles, climbing shoes, ropes, helmets—and our nationally certified, Wilderness First Responder guides keep the flow smooth and safe from first footstep to last rappel. It’s the most fun you can pack into one Bar Harbor sunrise-to-sunset.
Policies
Reservations:
100% payment is required for registration.
Cancellations:
Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the event may cancel with no penalty and receive a full refund.
Cancellations made 2 – 30 days prior to the start of the activity may put deposit toward another date or forfeit 50% of total fee.
Cancellations made within 2 days forfeit the entire fee unless we are able to fill their spot from an available wait list. No shows will be charged full price.
A full refund will be given if Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School must cancel the course.
Weather:
Many times it can be fun to climb in the rain! All it takes is the right attitude and a rain jacket. On rainy days we ask that you come into the office and meet with your guide. If you are traveling from greater than 30 minutes you may give the guide a call. The decision to climb in rain is a mutual decision made by you and the guide. Ultimately, if the guide believes it is unsafe to climb, they will have the final decision on climbing. In the case of thunder and lightning, we will NOT be climbing.
If Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School cancels due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
FAQ
Is there an age requirement? Can my 5 year old climb?
There is NO age requirement for climbing or hiking. This means both young and old can climb. The expression goes, if you can climb a step ladder, you can climb a rock.
Do I need any gear?
We will provide all the gear for you but feel free to bring your own.
What should I bring?
You should bring water and a snack or lunch for the outing. Extra layers are helpful especially if it is windy or there is rain in the forecast. Bring a small daypack to put all of your personal gear and some of our group gear.
Will I be safe?
Hiking can be dangerous. However, when compared to activities such as driving and traditional sports, studies have shown that climbing represents less risk and results in fewer injuries per participant hour. Nevertheless, Hiking with a skilled guide or instructor helps to stack the odds in your favor. It is the best way to learn the sport and will lead you toward years of enjoyable climbing.
The Acadia Mountain Guides Difference
We are a dually accredited climbing school, by the Professional Climbing Instructor Association and the American Mountain Guides Association. That means our guides are highly trained and certified to bring you into the cliff side environment. Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School also highly values improving their guides’ skills, which means you get a guide who is taking advantage of every opportunity to improve their ability to bring you an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a family or a full time crusher, we can have blast getting your six year old to the top of her first climb or get stoked getting you on your first outdoor 5.10! Let us craft an experience that caters to you.
AMGA ACCREDITED
• Since 1994 •
AMGCS is one of 32 AMGA accredited programs in the US and was one of the earliest to pursue and achieve accreditation. AMGCS is the only climbing school in Maine to remain continuously AMGA accredited. We have had one or more AMGA rock guides on staff each year since 1994.
PCIA ACCREDITED
• Since 2007 •
AMGCS has the distinction of also being accredited to the highest standards of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association. The PCIA requires all staff to be individually trained and certified.
Save 15% on
All Gear and Clothing
Become a client of Acadia Mountain Guides and receive a permanent 15% off MSRP on purchases in our stores or at AlpenglowGear.com.
AlpenglowGear.com
Your Source for Adventure!
AMGCS also rents outdoor equipment for your convenience. All clients receive 25% off rental equipment for use on our courses.
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