My partner and I spent 3 days exploring Acadia National Park. Next time, we'll do 4 things differently.

When my boyfriend and I started planning a trip to Maine, we knew we had to visit Acadia National Park.

Morgan Rizzo

I'm many things, but I've never been a hiker.This isn't to say I don't enjoy the outdoors — I love nothing more than a beach day spent in the sun with a good book and a quick dip in the ocean. A walk through the woods, however, usually isn't my speed.So, when my boyfriend and I decided to plan a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, in the summer of last year, I was skeptical about visiting Acadia National Park. Still, Acadia is one of the area's main attractions, so we knew we had to check it out.To my surprise, the three-day trip changed my perspective on the outdoors. I didn't become a hiking aficionado overnight, but the scenery was beautiful, and I could've easily stayed longer.Although we had a great time, we definitely made some mistakes as total national-park newbies — and next time we visit Acadia, we'll do a lot of things differently.

I wish we'd packed better for the weather and terrain.

Layers would have helped us feel comfortable as the days turned from cool to muggy.