JULY 26 – AUGUST 1, 2026 (COMPLETING GRADES 9-12)
AUGUST 2 – AUGUST 8, 2026 (COMPLETING GRADES 6–8)
JULY 26 – AUGUST 1, 2026 (COMPLETING GRADES 9-12) AUGUST 2 – AUGUST 8, 2026 (COMPLETING GRADES 6–8)
Photos and stories that capture what makes this week so special.
Hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise views over the Atlantic.
Scaling granite cliffs with ropes, helmets, and coaching from trained leaders.
Paddling the Acadia coastline, weaving through sea caves and rocky inlets.
Working side by side with park staff on Acadia’s trails and conservation sites.
Setting up camp beneath the towering trees and learn to cook meals as a group.
Watching the sky change colors as the day ends.
Swimming off the rocky beaches after a day working on the trails of Acadia National Park.
Spotting seabirds, tidepools, and rugged shoreline on daily coastal walks.
Want to hear what this trip is really like? One of our OG trip leaders—who’s led RLT trips for the past three summers—walks you through the journey from start to finish and shares what it’s like to be out there.
An at-a-glance look at the tripWant the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.
Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.
Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.
We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.
Hands-on projects that support the parks, people, and places that make this trip possible.
Hauling leaves and clearing trails to prevent erosion and protect native plants.
Restoring the park's entry trails.
Building picnic tables for Acadia’s campers.
Teaming up to haul brush and clear overgrown access trails.
Smiling through a morning of trail clean-up and park repairs.
From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Maine.
Trip Name
Maine: Pathway to the Pines
Who It's For
Middle school (completing grades 6–8) and high school (completing grades 9–12) students (Each group travels in separate sessions.)
2026 Sessions
Session 3A (High School): July 26 – August 1, 2026
Session 3B (Middle School): August 2 – August 8, 2026
Note: These dates reflect the departure and return travel days.
Location
Acadia National Park, Maine
Trip Length
7 Days
Service Hours
6-10
Tuition
$3,150
This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.
Day 1: Arrival and Group Kickoff
Fly into or arrive in Portland, Maine, where leaders will be ready to greet you. Once the whole group arrives, we transfer to our campground in Acadia National Park and spend the evening playing games and settling into our new home for the week.
Day 2: Kayaking Acadia’s Coastline
We hit the water for a guided sea kayaking adventure along the rugged Acadia coastline. We explore rocky inlets, beaches, and coastal caves—and keep watch for local wildlife along the way. After a picnic lunch, we swim and relax on the beach before heading back to camp.
Days 3–4: Service in Acadia National Park
For two days we partner with Friends of Acadia to support environmental restoration efforts. Projects may include trail work, beach cleanups, erosion control, and planting native trees. We learn what it takes to maintain a national park and why this work matters. After service, we have time to explore, play games, and hang out as a group.
Day 5: Rock Climbing the Cliffs
With expert guides, we climb Acadia’s iconic granite cliffs. We learn to belay, practice ropework, and build our confidence on routes high above the treeline—all while exploring another wild side of the park.
Day 6: Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain & Final Banquet
We rise early for a special hike up Cadillac Mountain to catch the sunrise. It's a quiet, reflective moment—and one of the most memorable parts of the week. We have a chance to stop in Bar Harbor for some final ice cream treats and souvenirs. In the evening, we gather for our final RLT banquet and celebrate the journey together.
Day 7: Homeward Bound
We say our goodbyes in Portland and board flights back home after an incredible week in Maine.
We’ll be tent camping in or near Acadia National Park throughout the week.
Group Tents: Teens sleep in shared tents (2–3 per tent), organized by gender.
Rustic Facilities: Campsites are basic but beautiful, with access to flush bathrooms. Short showers are available every 3 days.
Setup & Breakdown: The group works together to set up camp, cook meals, and keep shared spaces clean—an important part of the experience.
What to Expect: Sleeping on the ground, hearing loons at night, and waking up to morning light through the trees.
All meals are prepared as a group at the campsite.
Cook Crew: Each day, a few teens help plan, prep, cook, and clean. They will rotate roles throughout the trip.
Simple + Fresh: Meals are kid-friendly, balanced, and easy to make outdoors - think pasta, burrito bowls, oatmeal, pancakes, wraps.
All Diets Welcome: We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, etc.).
Snacks + Hydration: Plenty of snacks and water breaks built in throughout the day, especially on active days like hiking and kayaking.
Flights
Families book flights to and from Portland, Maine (PWM), or meet there are the start or end of the trip. Do not book your flight until you receive the required travel windows from our team.
Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.
Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.
Forms & Waivers
Once enrolled, you'll receive access to your RLT portal with required forms:
Health history and medical forms
Participant agreement and waiver
Emergency contact information
These must be submitted before the trip begins.
Medical Clearance
No doctor's appointment needed unless a new or complex medical condition has developed.
We review all forms to ensure we're prepared to support each participant.
Medications
All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be listed in your medical form. Leaders will manage and dispense meds as needed.
Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send a Participation Agreement to review with your teen. We want everyone to feel safe, included, and supported—this sets the tone.
Trip Insurance
Not required for domestic trips, but strongly encouraged. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. For recommendations, visit our FAQ page or reach out to us directly.
Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.
Device-Free Philosophy
Our trips are intentionally phone-free. On Day 1, leaders collect all phones and personal electronics. They’re stored safely and returned at the end of the trip.
Why? Because disconnecting helps teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech
Cameras Welcome
Feel free to bring a digital camera or GoPro—anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Trip leaders also take photos and share them in an online gallery after the program.
Communication
We’ll be in touch with families during the trip through regular updates. If there’s an emergency, you can reach our on-call team 24/7.
Spots will go fast. Reserve yours now and get ready to dive in.