Just outside Ellsworth, Maine, on the rocky shorelines of the Atlantic Ocean sits the first national park in the Northeastern United States: Acadia National Park. The park encompasses several nearby islands along with a significant portion of the Schoodic Peninsula, stretching over 47,000 acres and offering breathtaking landscapes. From granite peaks, hiking trails, and incredible ocean views to museums, historical lighthouses, and a springs, Acadia National Park has it all and has become one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the country We’ve crafted this ultimate guide so that you can make the most of your visit to Acadia National Park and come well-prepared with the essentials.
Brief History of Acadia National Park
As mentioned earlier, Acadia National Park is the first national park in the Northeast, but it’s also the only national park in the region. Before it was a park, French explorers surveyed the area in 1604 and dubbed it “Acadia,” meaning “heaven on Earth,” for its incredible natural beauty.
In the late 1800s, the area became popular as a summer retreat for wealthy American families, but conservation-minded locals believed the land should be shared. A movement spearheaded by George Dorr, known as the “Father of Acadia,” led to landowners donating their property back to the public. Dorr, who spent his summers as a child in the area, had a strong ambition to preserve the region, which is why he went to Washington, D.C., in 1916. Dorr realized privately funding the park would be a huge challenge, and that the area would need federal protection. So in 1916 Dorr requested President Woodrow Wilson sign off on a national monument instead of a national park so he could bypass Congress. Wilson officially created the Sieur de Monts National Monument, but when the National Park Service was founded in August 1916, the monument was changed to national park status. It was first named Lafayette National Park in 1919 and later changed to its current name in 1929.
Dorr believed he could fund the park using his family’s fortune. When he became the first custodian of the national monument, he accepted only a one-dollar-a-year salary. However, as his family funds began to deplete, he accepted a regular salary as Acadia National Park’s first custodian in 1929. For four decades, Dorr worked tirelessly to bring the park to life, building bridges, planning trails, and mapping the area. He also continued to secure land donations and expand the park until his dying day. The second director of the National Park Service said, “In my opinion, it could have been named George B. Dorr National Park, for if ever a park was achieved by the inspiration and determination of one man, it was this one.”
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has incredible woodland forests filled with pines, aspen, and maples, making it a world-class autumn destination due to the vibrant colors of the leaves. While the park is breathtaking in the fall, summer also has its perks as the weather is pleasant and warm enough for swimming at Sand Beach, Lake Wood, or Echo Lake Beach; driving the famous Acadia National Park Loop Road; or biking on the carriage roads. However, summer can be crowded since it’s peak season, so if you want to avoid the crowds, head to Acadia National Park in late autumn or winter. The park is open during the winter, but the Park Loop Road and Cadillac Mountain Road are closed from Dec. 1 to April 15.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Acadia National Park
A pass for Acadia National Park currently costs $35 for private vehicles, but prices can change, so check the official fees from the National Park Service for up-to-date pricing. Passes are valid for unlimited entry for seven days. You could also purchase an America the Beautiful Pass, which allows unlimited access to any national park for one year for only $80.
If you’re planning to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, you’ll need to book a vehicle reservation online in advance at recreation.gov, which currently costs $6. Cadillac Mountain is closed in the winter and only open between late May and mid-October.
How to Get to Acadia National Park
Since Acadia National Park is tucked away in the Northeast along the water, it can be tricky to get to without a car. Below are three possible ways to reach the park.
By Car
Whether you’re renting a car or using your own, the best way to get to and around Acadia National Park is by private vehicle. If you’re traveling from New York City or Boston, take Interstate 95 north to Bangor, then southeast on US-1A to Ellsworth, which merges into ME-3. ME-3 will lead you directly to the Hulls Cove Park Entrance. It’s roughly a four-and-a-half-hour drive (270 miles) from Boston to Acadia National Park and an eight-hour or longer drive (475 miles) from New York City. If you’re traveling from Portland, Maine, it’s about a three-hour journey (164 miles) by car.
By Air
There are several airports within a three-hour drive of Acadia National Park for those who want to fly in and rent a car. The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport is the closest airport to the park (a 15-minute drive), offering year-round direct flights to and from Boston with Cape Air. The next closest airport is Bangor International Airport, which is about a 60-minute drive (45 miles) from the park. Bangor International Airport is serviced by Delta, United, American Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Breeze Airways, offering nonstop flights to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Punta Gorda Airport, Tampa St. Petersburg International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Another option is to fly to Portland International Jetport, Maine’s largest airport. While the airport is a three-hour drive from the park (164 miles), it is serviced by more airlines and offers more routes for travelers.
By Public Transit & Coach
It is possible to visit Acadia National Park without a car. However, you will need to either fly to one of the nearby airports or book a coach bus. Greyhound buses run service to Bangor, which is an hour from the park and Bar Harbor. Those arriving in Bangor can take Downeast Transportation, which offers service five days a week from Bangor to Bar Harbor, or book a taxi. Once you arrive in Bar Harbor, you can use Acadia National Park’s complimentary shuttle service, the Island Explorer, which runs on 12 different routes throughout the park from late May to mid-October. Even if you have a car, the shuttle is a great option since it takes the stress out of finding parking in popular areas. Those without a car can make Bar Harbor their home base and use the Island Explorer to get around the park each day.
Find Your Way Around Acadia National Park
Before heading to Acadia National Park, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the park’s layout, especially since it encompasses several islands. In short, the park is predominantly spread across two islands and a small portion of the Schoodic Peninsula, which is the only part of the park on the mainland.
Mount Desert Island is the most popular area to visit, and it’s home to Somes Sound, a 168-foot-deep, glacially formed gorge and the only fjard in the contiguous 48 states. For those wondering, fjards are similar to fjords in many ways, such as their depth, but fjards are characterized by their irregular shape. Some of the best ways to experience Somes Sound are by booking a sailboat tour, hiking Acadia Mountain, or driving southbound along Sargeant Drive, which follows the coastline of the fjard and has plenty of spots to pull over and take in the views. On the western side of the island sits Seawall, a less frequented spot with a unique geological sea wall of rocks. Seawall is a tranquil retreat for those wanting to escape the crowds, and visitors can explore the tide pools, birdwatch, or set out on one of the nearby hiking trails. The eastern side of Mount Desert Island is the most visited, as it’s home to the majority of the park’s hiking trails and attractions, including the Park Loop Road.
Isle au Haut is the most remote island in the park, and it can only be reached by a 45-minute ferry ride from Stonington. Since the island is a bit tricky to reach, it only sees roughly 5,000 to 6,000 visitors per year and is home to a year-round population of around 50 residents, which increases to about 300 in the summer. Its remoteness means you’ll have the island’s hiking and biking trails mostly to yourself.
The Schoodic Peninsula portion of the park is an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor and is intentionally managed with minimal development and low visitation. However, you can still explore much of the area by hiking the trails, biking on the carriage roads, or driving the one-way loop road around the peninsula.
Several outlying islands are also managed by Acadia National Park, but visitors are only permitted to visit two of them. Little Cranberry Island is home to the Islesford Historical Museum but can only be accessed by tour boat or mail boat. Baker Island is also open to the public, but only through ranger-led guided tours.
Visitor Centers at Acadia National Park
There are four visitor centers where tourists can obtain park information. The main entrance is at Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Bar Harbor, where you’ll find volunteers, park rangers, park maps, and even a short documentary video on Acadia National Park. Hulls Cove also has a covered pavilion for those waiting to catch the Island Explorer bus. Other centers where you can get more information about the park include the Rockefeller Welcome Center on the Schoodic Peninsula, Sieur de Monts Nature Center near Bar Harbor, and Thompson Island Visitor Center. In winter, information and park passes are available at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
How to Get Around in Acadia National Park
A car is the easiest way to explore the park, giving you more freedom. However, roads and parking lots can get crowded during peak seasons like summer and fall, so it may be worthwhile to use the park’s free shuttle service, the Island Explorer. The Island Explorer is a fantastic service that makes Acadia National Park one of the best national parks to visit in the U.S. without a car. There are 12 routes that cover the park, and visitors can flag down the bus or request a stop anywhere along the routes, as long as it’s safe for the bus to pull over. There are also scheduled stops at bus stops throughout the park.
Another way to get around Acadia National Park is by bike. In the early years of the park, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his family donated funds to build 45 miles of beautiful carriage roads throughout the park so visitors could enjoy exploring the land by horseback. Today, these carriage roads offer excellent paths for bikers. The roads provide a range of terrain for all kinds of bikers, from paved and gravel-filled paths to high-elevation routes. Just be aware that bikers share the road with horses and that many of the carriage roads close in March and April due to mud season. You can find up-to-date announcements on road closures here.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park has so much to explore that visitors could easily spend a relaxing week enjoying activities at a slow pace. If you don’t have a week, a long weekend or three to four days is enough to experience the park’s top attractions and activities, such as hiking on Mount Desert Island and visiting the Schoodic Peninsula. Those only in the area for a day can still get a taste of the incredible beauty Acadia has to offer by driving the Park Loop Road and doing one or two short hikes along the drive.
Where to Stay in Acadia National Park
Hotels in Bar Harbor
Those looking to make Bar Harbor their home base during their visit to Acadia National Park have plenty of options for accommodations. One of the best places to stay is the Acadia Inn, which features its own one-mile trail leading to Acadia National Park. The Acadia Inn offers a quintessential small-town stay with great amenities like complimentary breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and a hot tub to relax in after hiking.
Another great option is the Bar Harbor Motel, located on the outskirts of town. This three-star motel offers a range of beautifully decorated rooms, including family rooms that can sleep up to six people. Guests can fuel up for the day with a complimentary breakfast before heading to the park on one of the motel’s hiking or biking trails. The Bar Harbor Motel also offers kayak storage, an outdoor pool, and on-site laundry facilities.
Those who want to stay directly in town should consider booking a room at the Bar Harbor Villager Motel. Not only are visitors just steps from the town’s best shops and restaurants, but they also get access to an outdoor swimming pool and a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast—perfect for a day trip to the park. Additionally, all rooms come equipped with a TV, mini-fridge, and coffee/tea maker.
Campgrounds
All campgrounds in Acadia National Park take reservations through Recreation.gov. If you’re planning on camping during peak seasons, book your site well in advance, as campgrounds fill up quickly!
- Mount Desert Campground: Mount Desert Campground, a privately owned campground located outside of Acadia National Park on Squantum Point, is less than 10 minutes from the Park Loop entrance. The campground offers saltwater swimming, canoe/kayak rentals, an on-site bakery, fishing, a boat launch, and hot showers that cost $1 for five minutes. Both tent and electrical hookups for trailers are available. This campground must be reserved on their website.
- Blackwoods Campground: One of the more popular campgrounds within the park is Blackwoods Campground, ideally located near some of the park’s most popular attractions, like Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliffs. This no-frills campground does not offer on-site showers, or electric or water hookups. However, campers can drive three minutes down the road to Otter Creek for coin-operated showers. Blackwoods Campground costs $30 per night, and reservations must be made in advance online.
- Seawall Campground: While backcountry camping isn’t allowed in the park, those seeking a quieter setting can stay at Seawall Campground on the western half of the park. Like Blackwoods Campground, Seawall costs $30 per night and doesn’t have electric or water hookups, or on-site showers. However, privately owned, coin-operated hot showers are available just down the road. While the campground is further from the park’s main attractions, it is only a short drive to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
- Schoodic Woods Campground: If you’re looking for a campground near Acadia National Park that has all the hookups for an RV or camper, Schoodic Woods Campground might be the spot for you. Located on the only mainland section of the park, visitors will find a range of sites here, from group tent camping to RV sites with or without electric and water hookups. There is direct access to hiking and biking trails, and Wi-Fi is available.
- Duck Harbor Campground: Located on Isle au Haut, this seaside campground is a great spot to launch paddling excursions or enjoy remote camping. There are only five sites in the campground, each with a lean-to shelter, making it quite popular to book. It’s best to reserve your site as early as possible. The campground has portable toilets but no showers, and it is not pet-friendly. A special $20 permit is also required.
What to Pack for Visiting Acadia National Park
Although Acadia National Park is one of the busiest in the U.S., there are a variety of essential items to bring to ensure your trip is both comfortable and safe. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, a reliable day pack is crucial for outdoor adventures. For warmer months, be sure to include sunglasses, water, a rain jacket, and sunscreen. If you’re visiting in cooler months, pack a warm jacket, long pants, and perhaps even hats and gloves. Regardless of the season, essentials for your day pack should include a first aid kit, binoculars, a headlamp, and plenty of water.
A helpful tip is to download the free National Parks Service (NPS) app as it provides a wealth of useful information with interactive maps, park tours, and ground transportation information.
Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park
Having visited Acadia National Park, we have some tips that will prove invaluable. Nature is filled with incredible beauty and unique creatures, but one to watch out for is ticks. The park has an active tick season from late spring to early fall, and the NPS recommends hikers stay in the middle of the trail to avoid them. Always check your body after spending time outdoors—ticks can end up in unexpected places (my aunt once found one under her boob)!
It’s essential to bring good hiking shoes when exploring the park. A good pair provides ankle and arch support, and covered feet protect against ticks—all crucial for keeping your feet happy and dry.
Acadia National Park sees around four million tourists annually, so traffic and parking can be an issue. The park introduced the Island Explorer to help reduce traffic, and we highly recommend using it, especially during holidays or long weekends. If you prefer to drive, get to the trails and parking lots as early as possible. Nothing ruins the day like wasting an hour searching for a parking space.
Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park
As previously mentioned, Acadia National Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S., in part due to its jaw-dropping beauty, but also because of its range of activities. Below, we’ve shared the best things to do in the park so you can plan your time accordingly.
Drive the Park Loop Road
If you only have one day in Acadia National Park, we highly recommend taking a drive on the main Park Loop Road, as it’s a great way to explore the park’s main attractions. Several of the most popular spots are located on this 27-mile (43-kilometer) road. You can start your park tour at Hulls Cove Visitor Center by heading south on Paradise Hill Road until it hits the loop section. You’ll see signs directing cars toward Sand Beach on a one-way section of the loop (the entire route is not one-way). Continue along the Park Loop Road and you’ll hit popular spots like Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond House (which serves food and has a boat launch), and Cadillac Summit Road.
Summit Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard and the tallest peak in the park, making it a popular spot for sunsets and sunrises. From early October to early March, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places the sun touches in the U.S., so if you’re looking for an incredible hike or viewpoint, this is it. Visitors can either drive up Cadillac Summit Road or hike one of the four trails for stunning views over Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Those looking to drive the route must pre-book and pay for an additional vehicle pass for the mountain road. Passes cannot be bought at the Cadillac Summit Road entrance or any visitor centers; they must be purchased online in advance and cost $6. For those who want to trek to the summit on foot, the Cadillac North Ridge Trail is the easiest hike. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the West Ridge Trail. This trail is for experienced hikers as it features a scramble section over boulder fields, tricky overhangs, and an elevation gain of nearly 1,200 feet in one mile.
Explore Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a lovely little town to explore if you’re visiting Acadia National Park for a few days. If you’re itching to try some of the East Coast’s famous lobster, head to Geddy’s in town, which has been a local favorite for over 50 years! You could also book a three-hour culinary walking tour of Bar Harbor, which includes stops at several establishments where you’ll sample foods like blueberry donuts while learning about local history and landmarks. Bar Harbor is also home to several boutique shops and souvenir stores, along with whale-watching tours and the Abbe Museum, a local museum focusing on the history and culture of the Wabanaki people. Twice a day (90 minutes before and after low tide), visitors can walk across to Bar Island from Bar Harbor as the retreating waters open a gravel path to the island. Keep an eye on your watch, though, as once the tide comes back in, the only way off the island is by boat or swimming!
Take a Boat Tour or Go Whale Watching
One of the most relaxing ways to explore Acadia National Park is by booking a boat tour. Several boat tour companies offer a range of cruises from Mount Desert Island with themes like nature, whale watching, history and culture, deep-sea fishing, lobster fishing, and even ranger-led boat tours. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you cruise out of Frenchman Bay!
Visit Schoodic Point and Isle au Haut
Those looking to escape the crowds on Mount Desert Island should consider heading to Schoodic Point or Isle au Haut for some peace and quiet. Visitors can explore Schoodic Point on a one-hour drive through the peninsula’s one-way road, passing Big Moose Island, Little Moose Island, Buck Cove, and the Schoodic Institute/Rockefeller Welcome Center, where you can stop in for an educational experience. The area is an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor and features several hiking trails, including Buck Cove Mountain and Schoodic Head.
Isle au Haut requires a bit more effort to reach, as you’ll need to take a 45-minute ferry. However, it is the most remote island in the park, so you’ve got a good chance of having the hiking and biking trails to yourself. You can also visit the Isle au Haut Ranger Station, Isle au Haut Lighthouse, and drive the Main Road around the island.
Birdwatching
Acadia National Park is an excellent area for birdwatching year-round. Birders will find plenty of feathered friends, including peregrines, herons, loons, snowy owls, bald eagles, and more. Fall is hawk migration season in Acadia, which you can view from Cadillac Mountain or Beech Mountain. The best trails for birders are Wonderland, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Ship Harbor, and the best time for birdwatching is from May through September.
Bike the Historic Carriage Roads
The carriage roads of Acadia Park are a biker’s paradise, offering 45 miles of vehicle-free gravel roads winding past stone archways, waterfalls, and rocky cliff edges. However, in March and April, many of the carriage roads close due to heavy rains and mud, so keep an eye on the website for updates. The Park Loop Road has a portion that is open year-round and the park welcomes cyclists on the entire route. However, some parts lack bike lanes or shoulders, so exercise caution. You’ll need more than a day to bike all the trails here, and bikes, including e-bikes, can be rented in Bar Harbor. You can also join a guided e-bike tour in Bar Harbor.
Visit Bass Harbor Lighthouse
The picturesque Bass Harbor Head Light Station is an excellent stop for those hunting for the perfect photo. The lighthouse has been featured on National Park Service stamps and in magazines due to its picture-perfect location and world-class sunsets. Bass Harbor Head Light Station was constructed in 1858 in a mid-century modern design, with a crisp white color that makes the 37-foot tower stand out against the backdrop of rocky cliffs and ocean. If you want to visit the lighthouse, be prepared for heavy traffic around sunset and limited parking. In other words, get there early if you’re going for sunset!
Fishing
Acadia National Park is a great place for fishing, offering both freshwater and saltwater options. If you don’t have your own gear, consider booking a fishing boat tour to catch cod, harbor pollock, mackerel, and more. Fishing is permitted in all lakes and ponds in the park, provided you hold a valid state fishing license. If you’re planning to do some saltwater fishing, you’ll need to register online in advance. In winter, visitors can even try ice fishing on the ponds. The best fishing spots in the park include Witchhole Pond, Eagle Lake, and Frazer Point on Schoodic Point, due to their diverse fish populations, including landlocked salmon, bluefish, and brook trout.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing at Acadia National Park offers routes for all levels of climbers, from beginner to advanced. One of the most popular routes is Otter Cliffs, a 60-foot seawall with crack and face climbing, so climbers should be aware of tides and weather in advance. Another epic climbing route is on Champlain Mountain, a 200-foot-tall pink granite mountain on the east side of Mount Desert Island. The South Wall of Champlain Mountain has several routes to choose from, all offering rewarding views of the Atlantic Ocean from the top.
Paddling
Several lakes and ponds in the park allow motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards. While the only freshwater swimming areas in the park are Lake Wood and Echo Lake Beach, Long Pond, Echo Lake, Eagle Lake, and Jordan Pond allow recreational boating and have boat launches. However, Jordan Pond does not permit SUP boarding. Long Pond, on the east side of Mount Desert Island, is the park’s longest pond and is ideal for a peaceful paddle as it’s not near the road. You might also try Atlantic sea kayaking with a guided tour of Frenchman Bay or rent equipment for a self-guided tour. Canoes, kayaks, boats, SUPs, and more can be rented in the surrounding towns or at National Park Canoe & Kayak Rental on the north end of Long Pond.
Swimming
Nothing cools you down on a hot day like a dip in a freshwater pond. There are a few places in the park that allow swimming, but many lakes do not permit it as they are sources for local drinking water. Freshwater swimming is allowed at Echo Lake Beach and a small portion of Lake Wood. For those who want to dip their toes in the sand and sea, you can swim at Sand Beach. Sand Beach, Acadia’s only seaside beach for swimming, stretches 290 yards and is one of the most heavily visited spots in the park as it’s near the start of three popular hiking trails.
Go Hiking
While you’re visiting Acadia National Park, exploring the park is a must. Although driving the Loop Road and biking the carriage roads are great ways to see the park, nothing compares to hitting the hiking trails with the old heel-toe express! Acadia National Park boasts over 150 miles of hiking paths, ranging from leisurely forest strolls to challenging mountain summits, so you’re bound to find a trail that suits your level. In the next section, we will explore Acadia’s best hiking trails so you can see the top options for hiking in the park.
Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
With over 150 miles of hiking paths leading through pine-filled forests, rocky coastlines, shimmering lakes, and towering mountains, Acadia National Park is one of the best places to hike in Maine. Below, we have listed the most popular hikes in the park for all skill levels, so you can find the trail that suits you and your group. Remember to get to the trail early to snag a parking spot!
Beehive Loop
The Beehive Loop is a 1.4-mile loop trail that’s short but sweet and steep. Beehive is a teaser version of the Precipice Trail, and hikers will need to traverse steep cliff ledges, granite staircases, iron bars, and rock scrambles. The trail takes roughly 45 minutes to complete and rewards hikers with outstanding views of the park from the summit. Those who want to hike longer can extend the trip to two to three hours by creating a multi-trail loop that includes Beehive, The Bowl, Gorham Mountain Trail, and Ocean Path.
Precipice Trail
The Precipice Trail is arguably the best hiking trail in Acadia National Park for visitors seeking a challenging adventure. This 3.2-mile trail leads through rock scrambles, sheer cliffs, and granite stairs where hikers must crawl or use iron rungs and ladders to traverse exposed cliffs. This route is both physically and mentally challenging, especially in the 0.9-mile section that requires a 1,000-foot elevation gain. The scenery from the summit of Champlain Mountain offers jaw-dropping views of Frenchman Bay and the park. You’ll need to return via the North Ridge Trail of Champlain Mountain, as descending the Precipice Trail is extremely dangerous. From March to mid-August, the Precipice Trail is usually closed for peregrine falcon nesting season, so check the park’s website for updates.
Great Head Trail
This trail is ideal for those seeking a moderately rated hike with a bit of history and ocean views. The loop trail leads from Sand Beach and is 1.4 miles long but can be extended to 1.9 miles. Hikers start at the beach and follow granite steps to an open ledge ascent on a gradual grade until reaching the highest point, 145 feet above sea level. From here, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, Sand Beach, and Gorham Mountain. This trail is suitable for those with dogs or kids, and you can cool off with a dip at Sand Beach afterward.
Jordan Pond Path
The Jordan Pond Path is a 3.3-mile loop trail that follows the edge of Jordan Pond, offering excellent views of five mountains along the way. It’s a great trail for bird-watching or bringing the whole family on a hike. Several other trails link up with the Jordan Pond Path, such as the South Bubble Rock Trail and Jordan Cliffs Trail. The easy hike takes just under two hours to complete.
South Bubble Rock Trail
The reward for this 1.5-mile hike is outstanding views over Jordan Pond from the top of giant bubble-like rocks. Hikers can access the Bubbles Trail from either the Jordan Pond Path or the Bubbles Divide Trailhead, which takes about 90 minutes to trek on the out-and-back trail. However, you can make it a loop walk using the Jordan Pond Path, which takes upwards of three hours to complete.
Beech Cliff Trail
Another challenging hike with epic views is the Beech Cliff Trail, which requires hikers to use iron rungs and ladders to traverse steep cliffs, as well as scramble, making this trail unsuitable for young children and dogs. While it’s a short, 45-minute climb that stretches only 1.8 miles, it’s still a moderately strenuous hike that will get you sweating. However, hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views of Echo Lake shimmering below, which you can swim in afterward, along with the ocean and surrounding mountain peaks.
Schoodic Head Trail
Escape the crowds on Mount Desert Island and head over to Schoodic Point to hike the Schoodic Head Trail. The one-mile trail leads around the tip of the peninsula, shaped like a distinctive knob, that only those who summit Cadillac Mountain can see. This is a great, gentle trail for families with little ones or those with pets who want a leisurely 30-minute stroll. Along the path, hikers will see lovely views of Mount Desert Island and the surrounding ocean.
Sargent Mountain Trail
As the second-highest peak in the park, Sargent Mountain features expansive 360-degree views that are sure to take your breath away. There are multiple trails leading to the summit, allowing you to choose your own adventure. Depending on the route you take, this challenging yet fun hike can take 3 to 5 hours and cover a distance of 5.5 to 6.5 miles. One of the most popular routes for hikers is the 5.5-mile Mount Sargent South Ridge Trail, which starts from the Jordan Pond House. If you’re up for a real challenge, you can also opt to complete the Six Summit hike, which, as you might guess, summits six different peaks in one trek: Bald, Parkman, Gilmore, Sargent, Cedar Swamp, and Penobscot Mountain. However, if climbing six peaks sounds like too much, you can shorten the route by exiting at any of the peaks. Most visitors prefer to hike four of the peaks: Bald, Parkman, Gilmore, and Sargent.
FAQ About Visiting Acadia National Park
How many days do you need to visit Acadia National Park?
We recommend staying at least three days in the park to give yourself enough time to do the most popular activities without feeling rushed. However, one day is sufficient to drive the Park Loop Road and complete one of the hikes from Sand Beach.
Can I bring my dog to Acadia National Park?
Acadia National Park offers a tail-wagging good time for all dogs, as it’s one of the most dog-friendly parks in the U.S.! There are over 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads in Acadia to explore, and almost all of them allow dogs, so long as they remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Due to ladders and rungs, dogs are not allowed on the Beehive, Precipice, and Beech Mountain trails, as it’s too dangerous for them. There’s also no need to worry about finding pet-friendly accommodations, as several campgrounds like Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods allow camping with your furry best friend.
Which hikes offer the best views in Acadia National Park?
Arguably, the best hikes for expansive views of the park are on Dorr Mountain, the Precipice Trail, the Beehive Trail, and the Beech Mountain Trail.
What are the best hikes for families with young children or older people in Acadia National Park?
Those on the hunt for gentle trails in Acadia will find that Schoodic Head Trail, Jordan Pond Path, Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, and Ocean Path are the easiest and most rewarding.
Are there museums in Acadia National Park?
Yes! The park and surrounding area are home to several museums showcasing the history of the park, indigenous tribes, sea life, and more. Some of the most popular museums and education centers in and around the park include the Oceanarium and Education Center, Abbe Museum, Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Somesville Museum and Garden, Seal Cove Auto Museum, and the Wendell Gilley Museum.
Do I need to worry about bears in Acadia National Park?
There is a permanent population of black bears on Mount Desert Island. However, black bears are rarely seen in the park, so you don’t need to stress too much. You can purchase and carry bear spray on your hikes for protection, just in case. Lastly, if you do encounter a bear, remember to observe at a safe distance.
How cold is the water at Acadia National Park?
If you’re worried your blood isn’t thick enough to take a dip in the ocean, you might be right. On average, the ocean waters at Sand Beach are between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) due to the frigid waters flowing from the deep ocean and the Labrador Current. For more tepid waters, head to Echo Lake Beach or Lake Wood, which boast temperatures ranging between 64 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit (17 to 23 degrees Celsius) in the summer.
Is there backcountry camping in Acadia National Park?
No, backcountry camping, overnight parking, and winter camping are all prohibited in Acadia National Park. But there are several campgrounds in the park you can book.
Now that you’re an expert on Acadia National Park, you can plan your trip knowing you have all the information needed to make your adventure as seamless as possible. We wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself visiting Acadia National Park again, as its unmatched beauty and ample attractions have been captivating visitors for generations!
