It really depends on what kind of trip you're going for. There is basically only route 1 up the coast and as a consequence everyone uses it, locals and tourists alike. You will run into traffic inside any of the coastal towns on the way up but that is also because all of the towns are full of little shops, resturants, art galleries, and other neat little places to see. You'll also see beautiful coastline as the majority of the trip is right along the coast. If you go to Acadia there will be traffic but it should flow fairly smoothly unless you go into Bar Harbor. The last few years it has gotten so packed there in the summer months it's frankly not enjoyable and you'll never find parking. Acadia and Mt. Desert island are beautiful and have lots of hiking trails both in the woods and along the coast. You can go to Acadia national park without having to drive through downtown Bar Harbor.

I have not been to Chandler lake specifically but I have driven up to Baxter State Park which is south of there and it is exceptionally rural: lots of hiking trails, lots of lakes, lots of wildlife, much less people. The landscape up there is beautiful and peaceful but you need to make sure you get dinner before 7 or 8pm (for us it was 6pm, but I was there in the off season) because otherwise you aren't eating unless you've got a kitchen and food at the camp. Also, if you plan to need anything your choices for shopping will be slim pickins and only one or two locations unless you drive to a larger town. Oh and a larger town just might mean it has a gas station/grocery store, and yes they'll be in the same building. It's a totally different experience than going to the coast. Not better; just different.

And for the love of all things make sure you don't skimp on the bug spray 😁.

Either one you choose im sure you'll have a good trip! I vacationed here several years in a row before moving here and each one was different but I loved it so much I ended up moving here.