Acadia National Park Small Group Hike: Thunder Hole & Jordan Pond

Spot eagles and seals while exploring Acadia’s hidden coastal trails with expert guides

A small group hiking tour of Acadia National Park with a naturalist guide, park entry and roundtrip transportation from Bar Harbor or Under Canvas Acadia. The day covers an ocean-path hike to Thunder Hole, a walk around Jordan Pond where you eat lunch, and a stop at a lesser-known spot for marine wildlife viewing. Groups stay under eight people. The hike spans up to 5 hours and 6 miles across generally easy trails with some uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Acadia National Park highlights

• Walk along ocean path
• Visit Thunder Hole
• Walk and picnic at Jordan Pond
• Lunch at Somes Sound
• Visit secret marine wildlife spot

The experience

The day starts with a pickup from your lodging in Bar Harbor or Under Canvas Acadia, then heads straight into the park. You'll walk the ocean path for about two hours on mild to moderate terrain, taking in the coastal views and arriving at Thunder Hole: the spot where waves crash into a narrow inlet and send spray high into the air. The guide shares the park's history and points out wildlife as you move through the landscape: eagles, deer, and seals are common sightings here.

After Thunder Hole, the route moves to Jordan Pond for a gentler walk around the water. This is where the group stops for lunch, and you can grab one of the famous popovers from the nearby restaurant or bring your own meal. The guide will pick the perfect spot for eating with a view. Later in the day, you'll visit one of the guide's favorite lesser-known trails to look for marine wildlife along the shore.

The whole outing runs six to eight hours and covers up to six miles, but the trails are generally easy with some uneven ground and gentle elevation changes. Nothing that demands serious fitness. A medically trained naturalist guide leads the group, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles all the driving between stops. Park entry fees and roundtrip transport are included. Snacks and beverages come along, though you're welcome to bring your own food as well.

What’s included

• Park entry fees.
• medically trained naturalist guide leading the group.
• roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from Bar Harbor or Under Canvas Acadia.
• snacks and a selection of beverages during the day (bring your own lunch or purchase one at Jordan Pond).

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 100

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Good Trip Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Bar Harbor or Under Canvas Acadia without a car. We provide pickup and handle all driving between trailheads, so you can focus on walking the park's coastal and pond trails.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's Thunder Hole and why is it worth the hike to see it?

Thunder Hole is a narrow inlet on the ocean side of Acadia where waves crash into the rocky opening and send spray high into the air. It's one of the park's most dramatic coastal features and the centerpiece of the morning hike.

How long do I actually spend hiking, and what kind of trails are we on?

You'll hike for about two hours to Thunder Hole, then walk around Jordan Pond and explore a marine wildlife spot, totaling up to five hours of walking across the day. The trails are generally easy with some uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes, and you'll cover up to six miles total.

Where does the tour pick me up, and do I need a car?

Pickup happens at your lodging in Bar Harbor or at Under Canvas Acadia, with roundtrip transport included in the tour price, so you don't need to arrange your own vehicle.

What happens at Jordan Pond, and can I bring my own lunch?

Jordan Pond is where the group stops to eat lunch with a view of the water. You can buy a famous popover from the nearby restaurant or bring your own meal, and the guide will choose the scenic spot for eating.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

Eagles, deer, and seals are common sightings in Acadia, and the guide will point them out as you hike. The tour also includes a stop at a lesser-known marine wildlife viewing spot along the shore.

Are there any fees beyond the tour price I should know about?

Park entry is included in the tour price for U.S. residents. International visitors may owe an additional National Park entrance fee, which is collected when you arrive at the park, not when you book.