If you prefer to plan a self-guided trip to Acadia, the ideas below will give you a good start. The park staff can help educational group leaders plan trips as well. Some planning materials are available upon request. For more information, contact the park's education staff.

Self-Guiding Trails
There are three self-guiding trails with brochures available at the visitor center and trailheads. From November 1 through April 15, brochures are available at park headquarters.

• Jordan Pond Nature Trail (.5 miles) - Wander through the evergreen forest at the edge of Jordan Pond. Located off of the Park Loop Road at the south end of Jordan Pond.
• Carroll Farm Homestead (variable) - Explore the grounds of the 19th-century Carroll Homestead. Located off of Route 102 in Southwest Harbor.
• Sieur de Monts Spring (variable) - Visit the area that has been the heart of the park since its creation. Located off of Route 3 and the Park Loop Road.

Junior Ranger Program
Although originally designed for families visiting the park during the summer season, the Junior Ranger Program can be adapted for use by organized groups. To become a junior ranger, the candidates complete activities in the junior ranger booklets and attend ranger-led programs. Upon completion, the child earns a signed junior ranger certificate and an official patch. Junior ranger books are available at the visitor center, Sieur de Mont Spring Nature Center, campground entrance stations, and park headquarters. 
 
Ranger-Led Activities
Ranger-led walks, hikes, boat cruises, and evening programs are scheduled from late May through mid-October. With the exception of evening presentations, they are only available to groups of less than ten members unless previous arrangements are made. Larger groups are encouraged to attend evening programs at the campground amphitheaters.

Schedules of these activities are available online and at park contact stations.

Other Activities and Facilities
Acadia offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities that can provide a fun learning experience for your students. Taking some time to explore this website will help you discover other things to do during your visit to the park.

Resources
The Activity Guide to Acadia National Park for Teachers, Youth Leaders, and Interested Parents includes ideas for pre-visit activities and tips for exploring the park's intertidal zone, animals, and geology. The guide is available from the Eastern National bookstore.