Acadia's Premier Running Retreats
Explore New England's Running Paradise
Bar Harbor, Maine | Wabanaki Land
2026 retreat dates will be announced in November!
Retreat Overview:
Join us for four days and three nights of running, dining, and relaxing in and around Acadia National Park. Our adventures will take us through the eastern deciduous and northern boreal forests of the park, on trails carpeted with moss and pine needles, and up bald peaks with sweeping views of the surrounding islands and ocean. All runs throughout the retreat will be designed to accommodate various paces and abilities with multiple distance/elevation options offered (runs are also no drop, meaning we will stop and regroup as needed at various points along the trail).
We will get the most out of the lovely weather by heading out into the heart of the park for runs each morning after breakfast. Post lunch, we will have time to rest, enjoy a yoga session or a workshop discussion, and go for a lake swim. Our retreat's educational workshops are offered to enhance your running knowledge and experience on the trails. Before dinner we will embark on a relaxed recovery run through the nearby network of carriage trails, and in the evening we can walk downtown for a cone of delicious ice cream or sit around a campfire by the ocean with s'mores and celebrate the day's big adventures. Your hosts will be on site throughout the entire weekend, to lead runs and workshops, provide local knowledge of the area, be an open book for any questions or discussions regarding trail running, and to enjoy the magical experience of sharing in the special community created through the simple and beautiful act of movement outdoors. We are so excited to meet you all!
We will get the most out of the lovely weather by heading out into the heart of the park for runs each morning after breakfast. Post lunch, we will have time to rest, enjoy a yoga session or a workshop discussion, and go for a lake swim. Our retreat's educational workshops are offered to enhance your running knowledge and experience on the trails. Before dinner we will embark on a relaxed recovery run through the nearby network of carriage trails, and in the evening we can walk downtown for a cone of delicious ice cream or sit around a campfire by the ocean with s'mores and celebrate the day's big adventures. Your hosts will be on site throughout the entire weekend, to lead runs and workshops, provide local knowledge of the area, be an open book for any questions or discussions regarding trail running, and to enjoy the magical experience of sharing in the special community created through the simple and beautiful act of movement outdoors. We are so excited to meet you all!
The Landscape:
Nestled into the coastline on Wabanaki land, Acadia is home to rugged granite mountains, verdant forests, and pristine lakes. With 158 miles of running and hiking trails and 45 miles of scenic, crushed stone carriage roads, you can connect and access the island's 26 major peaks and their special views. Standing tallest among these peaks is Cadillac Mountain, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding islands, and on many days of the year, the first sight of sunrise in the United States, which earned the mountain its Indigenous name “Wapuwoc” or "white mountain of the first light."
Running on Native lands gives us all the opportunity to connect with and reflect on the history of the land and the communities who have lived here for centuries. The Wabanaki are a confederacy of tribes that include the Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations. The Wabanaki have been here, in their homeland, for thousands of generations. This includes Pesamkuk, this place we now call Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay. You can read our land acknowledgment as well as find additional resources about the indigenous history and connections of the region here.
Who Is This For?
Our retreats are for athletes and adventurers of all backgrounds who are excited to come together to connect, explore, and enjoy some incredible trails with the support and guidance of guides and friends! Are you new to trail running and looking for guidance and support in your trail running journey? We are here to help you every step of the way! Have you been running trails and exploring the mountains for years and are looking for the next adventure? You have found the right place!
We aim to accommodate different experience levels, and all runs are, of course, optional, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We will be guiding all runs and will allow for the possibility of splitting into two to three groups as needed to accommodate different paces and distances. If we split into groups, we will regroup at the summits and make sure to share the views together! Participants will have the opportunity to spend up to three hours on rugged terrain during the morning outings, with breaks as needed, and there will be additional opportunities to run, hike, swim, and explore in the afternoons.
Our primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the company of fellow runners! We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to push the boundaries of what you think you're capable of!
Have questions? We would love to hear from you!
We aim to accommodate different experience levels, and all runs are, of course, optional, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We will be guiding all runs and will allow for the possibility of splitting into two to three groups as needed to accommodate different paces and distances. If we split into groups, we will regroup at the summits and make sure to share the views together! Participants will have the opportunity to spend up to three hours on rugged terrain during the morning outings, with breaks as needed, and there will be additional opportunities to run, hike, swim, and explore in the afternoons.
Our primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the company of fellow runners! We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to push the boundaries of what you think you're capable of!
Have questions? We would love to hear from you!
Meet Your Hosts:
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Patrick Caron (he/him/they/them): Patrick is a professional mountain, ultra, trail athlete who fell in love with running at an early age. Most weekends he can be found racing and adventuring throughout New England, as well as abroad on the international scene. He has been passionate about finding ways to give back to the greater community as well as the planet through his running. His inspiration and vision for launching Move Free revolved around bridging the gap between outdoor recreation and outdoor conservation, to help protect and preserve the landscapes and playgrounds we love for future generations. He is continually exploring the trails of Acadia and finding new ways to connect the landscape. You can connect with him here!
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Jarly Bobadilla (he/him): Jarly started running in his thirties, shortly after arriving in Maine. Never taking a hobby too casually, he trained hard and ran several marathons until achieving a Boston qualifying time and running the race in 2019. Besides the excitement and thrill of racing, and the many fitness benefits, one of his favorite aspects of running is the deep conversations that spontaneously develop between running partners, giving way to meaningful human connection. In fact, that is how he and Patrick initially connected with one another on the island! Outside of running, Jarly balances other hobbies with a career in IT and his managing his homestead on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, Maine. You can connect with him here!
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Workshop Leader:
Restorative Yoga with Heather Murray
Heather Murray (she/her): Heather's first yoga experience was as a child attempting to playfully imitate her grandmother, who was a devoted yogi. But it was not until late college that she rediscovered yoga and turned to the practice in earnest. At first it was a way to find balance and to achieve a greater level of flexibility. Later on, this exclusively physical exploration of yoga evolved into a deep practice that is now a tool for learning about life. Heather has been teaching yoga for 18 years on Mount Desert Island. With a background of practice and study in many different traditions of yoga, she assimilates these influences to offer her students a heartfelt experience. She considers yoga a true gift to help us remember who we are. Heather's classes are offered both in person and online all year round. Heather was also a rock climbing guide for many years and now spends most of her free time on the bike. During the retreat, we will visit Heather's serene studio in the woods, and unwind from the day's miles and adventures. You can connect with her here!
Accommodations:
June & July | College of the Atlantic
We are excited to work with College of the Atlantic for our retreat's accommodations and for our guests' oceanside housing on their gorgeous campus. The campus abuts the Eden Shared Use Path and is just 0.5 miles from downtown Bar Harbor and the many shops the town has to offer. Participants and hosts will be residing in two of the new residences on campus, that are part of the Kathryn W. Davis Village, the school’s greenest housing complex. The buildings are heated entirely from renewable energy through the burning of sustainably harvested wood pellets, and the building designs make use of many recycled materials throughout.
Each of the two houses we will call home for the retreat has its own living room, kitchen, and dining area on the ground floor, replete with vibrant color schemes and comfy furniture for communal gathering. Upstairs are several triple, double, and single rooms with communal bathrooms boasting composting toilets. Scenic views of Frenchman Bay, Bar Island, and the nearby collection of Porcupine Islands are right out the window, and the backyard trail wanders down to the bucolic shoreline just steps out the home’s door. Access to Acadia National Park’s renowned carriage roads is only minutes away as are the summit ascents of several of the island's iconic peaks. Parking spots are available on site for all our participants.
September | Camp Beech Cliff
We are thrilled to partner with Camp Beech Cliff to provide our guests with an unforgettable Maine experience during our running retreat in Acadia National Park. Nestled on the "Quiet Side of Mount Desert Island," the Camp Beech Cliff property offers a serene escape, perfectly complementing the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
Situated alongside the picturesque Echo Lake and just a short distance from the trailhead of Beech Mountain, Camp Beech Cliff offers guests direct access to some of the most stunning trails Acadia has to offer. The nearby Echo Lake Beach provides a refreshing swimming spot, perfect for cooling off after a day of running and exploring. The camp’s location provides participants an idyllic experience surrounded by nature.
The retreat’s accommodations feature a charming cluster of cabins nestled among the trees, and surrounded by the mountains of Mount Desert Island. The cabins house ten sleeping rooms, each equipped with two single beds (participants are expected to bring their own bedding). Guests can choose between single or shared accommodations, offering flexibility to have a private room or share with a fellow participant. Each cabin is conveniently located near bathrooms and showers. The commons building at Camp Beech Cliff serves as a hub for relaxation and socializing, featuring a cozy lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. This space is perfect for unwinding after a day of activities, sharing stories with other participants, and enjoying evening games as the sun sets on the horizon. And as stars fill the night sky, participants can gather around a crackling campfire, sharing stories from the day and creating lasting memories with newfound friends.
Camp Beech Cliff provides ample opportunities to explore its peaceful grounds during breaks in the retreat's schedule, and a short walk or run leads to Beech Hill Farm, where guests can discover local goods from the farm stand, perfect for an afternoon or evening snack.
With its peaceful ambiance, direct trail access, and comfortable accommodations, Camp Beech Cliff is the ideal setting for our running retreat, promising a rejuvenating and memorable experience for all participants.
Situated alongside the picturesque Echo Lake and just a short distance from the trailhead of Beech Mountain, Camp Beech Cliff offers guests direct access to some of the most stunning trails Acadia has to offer. The nearby Echo Lake Beach provides a refreshing swimming spot, perfect for cooling off after a day of running and exploring. The camp’s location provides participants an idyllic experience surrounded by nature.
The retreat’s accommodations feature a charming cluster of cabins nestled among the trees, and surrounded by the mountains of Mount Desert Island. The cabins house ten sleeping rooms, each equipped with two single beds (participants are expected to bring their own bedding). Guests can choose between single or shared accommodations, offering flexibility to have a private room or share with a fellow participant. Each cabin is conveniently located near bathrooms and showers. The commons building at Camp Beech Cliff serves as a hub for relaxation and socializing, featuring a cozy lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. This space is perfect for unwinding after a day of activities, sharing stories with other participants, and enjoying evening games as the sun sets on the horizon. And as stars fill the night sky, participants can gather around a crackling campfire, sharing stories from the day and creating lasting memories with newfound friends.
Camp Beech Cliff provides ample opportunities to explore its peaceful grounds during breaks in the retreat's schedule, and a short walk or run leads to Beech Hill Farm, where guests can discover local goods from the farm stand, perfect for an afternoon or evening snack.
With its peaceful ambiance, direct trail access, and comfortable accommodations, Camp Beech Cliff is the ideal setting for our running retreat, promising a rejuvenating and memorable experience for all participants.
Dining:
All our meals for the weekend will be provided by College of the Atlantic’s prestigious kitchen, lauded for its sustainability standards and its made from scratch international cuisine using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Our meals will primarily be plant based with gluten free and vegan options available. Any allergies can be noted and planned for by completing the participant survey sent out after registration. Snacks will also be provided between meals, and participants are welcome to bring whatever special food or drink items they would like.
Breakfasts may look like quiche, frittatas, scrambled eggs, or mushroom spinach Swiss cheese hand pies, with toast, fruit, yogurt, and berry or cheese scones on the side! Both lunch and dinner may include Indian curry rice dal and naan, black bean and squash tacos with pico and guacamole, falafel and tabouli, pasta, or green thai curry, with brown rice, couscous, quinoa, fruit, and more on the side!
Breakfasts may look like quiche, frittatas, scrambled eggs, or mushroom spinach Swiss cheese hand pies, with toast, fruit, yogurt, and berry or cheese scones on the side! Both lunch and dinner may include Indian curry rice dal and naan, black bean and squash tacos with pico and guacamole, falafel and tabouli, pasta, or green thai curry, with brown rice, couscous, quinoa, fruit, and more on the side!
Itinerary Example:
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Day 1:
(Arrival time is flexible given individual travel plans) 2:30 pm ~ Arrival to accommodations 3:30 pm ~ Welcome/kickoff gathering 4:30 pm ~ Evening run on the nearby carriage roads (3 to 5 miles) 6:00 pm ~ Dinner and downtime 7:30 pm ~ Campfire, s'mores, icebreakers, & intentions |
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Day 2:
6:45 am ~ Breakfast and run prep 8:00 am ~ Mountain run (multiple distance options) 12:00 pm ~ Optional post run dip in the ocean 12:15 pm ~ Lunch 1:00 pm ~ Downtime 2:30 pm ~ Yoga outing 5:00 pm ~ Afternoon run/hike on the nearby carriage roads 6:00 pm ~ Dinner and downtime 7:00 pm ~ Walk into town for sunset and dessert at Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream |
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Day 3:
5:00 am ~ Optional sunrise hike 6:45 am ~ Breakfast and run prep 8:30 am ~ Mountain run (multiple distance options) 12:00 pm ~ Optional post run dip in the ocean 12:15 pm ~ Lunch 1:00 pm ~ Downtime 2:30 pm ~ Afternoon run/hike and option to swim 6:00 pm ~ Dinner and downtime 7:00 pm ~ Campfire, desert, and film night |
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Day 4:
(Departure time is flexible given individual travel plans) 7:00 am ~ Morning run in town 7:45 am ~ Post run dip in the ocean 8:00 am ~ Breakfast 9:00 am ~ Goodbyes & departure |
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Packing Recommendations:
- Running shoes for road & trail (multiple pairs recommended in case of wet conditions)
- Casual footwear like sandals for town and beach
- Warm fleece or jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Long sleeve & short sleeve shirts
- Running shorts and tights/pants
- Running socks
- Beanie/buff & cap (we make some pretty nice ones!)
- Sunglasses
- Bedding and pillow (for September's retreat at Camp Beech Cliff)
- Towel(s) for the beach
- Towel(s) for showering
- Toiletries
- Sunblock
- Insect Repellent
- Headlamp and/or flashlight
- Hydration vest or belt
- Personal snacks/fuel for runs and between meals
- Electrolytes for runs/hydration
- Yoga mat (if you own one)
- Bike for optional rides
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Portable camera (optional)
Transportation:
Our friends at the Mount Desert Island Marathon have put together an awesome travel guide for getting to Bar Harbor from all directions, driving and flying, which you can access here.
Weather:
The weather in Acadia from June to September is lovely for spending time outside! The coastal climate is fairly moderate throughout much of the year. Mornings and evenings can be in the mid 40s to low 50s with daytime temperatures reaching 70 to 80°F on the warmer of days. Be prepared for the possibility of precipitation as well as the humidity that is common throughout much of the region.
We will also be graced with many hours of daylight, and that means more time enjoying the outdoors! For reference, on June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 4:48 am and sets 15 hours, 32 minutes later, at 8:20 pm, while on December 22, the shortest day of the year, it rises at 7:06 am and sets 8 hours, 50 minutes later, at 3:56 pm.
We will also be graced with many hours of daylight, and that means more time enjoying the outdoors! For reference, on June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 4:48 am and sets 15 hours, 32 minutes later, at 8:20 pm, while on December 22, the shortest day of the year, it rises at 7:06 am and sets 8 hours, 50 minutes later, at 3:56 pm.
Resources:
- Move Free's Guide to Running in Downeast Maine (coming soon)
- Acadia Routes
- Acadia FKTs
- Acadia Summits & Ascent/Descent Records
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is included?
When is arrival and departure?
Have more questions?
- 4 days of adventures on Mount Desert Island
- 3 nights of accommodations
- All meals and desserts for the duration of the stay
- Additional products from our generous sponsors
When is arrival and departure?
- Dates and times to be updated for 2026
- We are happy to provide recommendations for places to stay and additional activities to explore if you plan to extend your stay on either side of the retreat.
Have more questions?
- We have answers! Please reach out!
Pricing:
4 Days/3 Nights Single Room: $1,499
4 Days/3 Nights Shared Room: $1,299
Our Acadia Running Retreats include all accommodations, meals, guided runs, workshops, swag, and more!
The $400 deposit confirms your booking and the remaining payment must be made one month before your retreat start date.
We are offering one retreat scholarship for each retreat that will allow participants to join us for discounted rates. Our hope is to help remove some of the financial barriers that exist within the running and outdoor communities. Please apply via this form if you would benefit from this financial support and retreat opportunity.
- $400 deposit confirms booking
- Remainder due one month before retreat: $1,099
4 Days/3 Nights Shared Room: $1,299
- $400 deposit confirms booking
- Remainder due one month before retreat: $899
Our Acadia Running Retreats include all accommodations, meals, guided runs, workshops, swag, and more!
The $400 deposit confirms your booking and the remaining payment must be made one month before your retreat start date.
We are offering one retreat scholarship for each retreat that will allow participants to join us for discounted rates. Our hope is to help remove some of the financial barriers that exist within the running and outdoor communities. Please apply via this form if you would benefit from this financial support and retreat opportunity.
Sponsors:
Stay tuned for more announcements on our awesome sponsors and partners!
Is your brand interested in supporting the retreat?
We would love to connect and explore partnerships.
Is your brand interested in supporting the retreat?
We would love to connect and explore partnerships.
Testimonials:
This retreat recaptured a childhood like experience that is very hard to to find in adulthood in terms of meeting other people who are new and doing activities outside together and that was really special."
I benefited from hearing other peoples experiences and stories and that reminded me that running is not just an isolated activity but a part of a life as a whole and that was just a really timely reminder for me."
It's kind of immeasurably valuable to have guides who know the area so well and who know the trails so well and in returning we have so much knowledge about where to go and what a lot of the paths are like and it’s not something you can get without other people."
I’m leaving with a newfound appreciation for this park that somehow manages to combine the ocean and forests and mountains and I really really want to come back."
