Acadia National Park is known for its diverse and picturesque landscapes, including rugged coastline, granite peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests. It was established as a national park in 1919, making it the first national park east of the Mississippi. In 2022, it was the fifth most visited national park with nearly 4 million visitors. Acadia visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, picnicking, and rock climbing. The park is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a place of immense natural beauty and ecological importance. Its combination of dramatic landscapes, outdoor activities, and rich biodiversity makes it a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to do and see in Acadia National Park. You will also find an easy-to-customize travel itinerary to help you plan your adventure.
When to GO
The best time to visit Acadia National Park largely depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience. Each season offers a unique set of attractions and activities. The park’s peak tourist season is between late June and early September. During these months, the weather is warm and most of the facilities and services are open. Crowds can be significant during the summer, especially in July and August. Popular trails and attractions may be crowded, and accommodations can be more expensive. Parking can also be a challenge in busy areas.
Many consider fall the best time to visit Acadia. The foliage in late September and early October is stunning, with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves. The weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities, and the crowds start to thin out. However, as fall progresses and the temperatures start to drop, some of the roads and facilities may close for the season. Between late November and early April, winter enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing. With limited visitors in the winter, the park takes on a serene atmosphere.
From late April to early June, the wildflowers are in bloom and the park begins to come to life after the winter months. The weather is generally cool and pleasant and the park is less crowded than in summer. However, some services and facilities may still be closed or have limited hours. You can find operating hours and seasons by visiting the Acadia National Park website.
Where to Stay
Camping
Blackwoods Campground
The most popular campground in Acadia National Park, Blackwoods Campground is open seasonally from early May through mid-October. All of the 281 sites at Blackwoods are wooded and within a 10-minute walk to the ocean. The majority of Blackwoods’ sites are for small and large tents while just 60 sites can accommodate travelers with RVs. The campground features flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. However, there are no hookups available and no showers. Fee shower facilities are located less than a mile from the campground. Reservations are available two months in advance from recreation.gov.
Seawall Campground
Located on the quiet western side of the island, Seawall Campground is open from late May through mid-October. The campground is approximately 18 miles from Bar Harbor. All 202 sites at Seawall are within a short walking distance to the coastline. The majority of the campground’s sites are for small and large tents; some sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. Flush toilets, running water, and a dump station are provided, as are picnic tables and fire rings. However, there are no hookups available and no showers. Fee shower facilities are located one mile from the campground. Reservations are available two months in advance from recreation.gov.
Mount Desert Campground
Mount Desert Campground is located in the heart of Mount Desert Island, just minutes from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The campground is open from late May through mid-October and accommodates tents, as well as trailers and RV’s up to 20 feet. Campground amenities include shower facilities, kayak rentals, full hookups, a boat ramp, and Wi-Fi. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Lodging
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Conference Center
The Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Conference Center is situated on 12 acres of oceanfront property, just one mile from Acadia National Park and the shops and restaurants of downtown Bar Harbor. The hotel is open year-round and offers 153 spacious rooms, each with a patio or balcony overlooking the ocean. Atlantic Oceanside Hotel is loaded with amenities including a private beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, conference and banquet facilities, and a seasonal free shuttle to downtown Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park. They also offer complimentary breakfast and have an on-site restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Bar Harbor Motel
Nestled close to Acadia National Park, the Bar Harbor Motel is a comfortable and convenient place to stay. The motel is located just one mile from the center of town and less than two miles from the Acadia National Park main entrance. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and family-friendly activities. The seasonal Desert Island shuttle bus system has a stop in front of the motel, giving visitors easy access to downtown Bar Harbor and the national park. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
Located right on Main Street, the Grand is just a short walk to downtown Bar Harbor restaurants and shops and just a five-minute drive to the national park. Hotel amenities include a seasonal heated pool and hot tub, continental breakfast, fitness room, and front porch rocking chairs. You can find more information and make reservations here.
What to See and Do
Park Loop Road
This 27-mile road is the go-to scenic drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island, connecting Acadia’s lakes, mountains, and shoreline. It provides access to popular areas such as Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. The road begins and ends at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and takes approximately 45 minutes with no stops. You can find helpful maps of Acadia National Park here, including a map of Park Loop Road.
Cadillac Mountain
The centerpiece of the park is Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the U.S. East Coast, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the jagged coastline and surrounding area. It is one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. At the summit, visitors can take in the views, hike the paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, read interpretive exhibits, and check out the gift shop. Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from the end of May through the end of October. Thirty percent of vehicle reservations are made available 90 days ahead of each date at 10 A.M. EST. The remaining 70 percent are released at 10 A.M. EST two days ahead. Note that the road is closed from early December through mid-May. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Sand Beach
Sand Beach is a popular summertime destination on Park Loop Road. This pocket beach is hugged by two picturesque rocky cliffs. In the peak of summer, this is a popular spot for swimming despite the chilly water temperature. The rest of the year, this is a great place to walk and take in the sights. During the shoulder and low seasons, you will likely have the beach to yourself.
Thunder Hole
Located along Park Loop Hole, Thunder Hole was named for the sound the waves make as they thrash through a narrow opening in the cliffs, into a sea cave, and whoosh up and out. The best time to view Thunder Hole and hear the roar is one to two hours before high tide. At low tide, visitors can follow the stairs down for a close look at the cliff walls carved by the crashing water.
Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond House is located on the picturesque southern end of Jordan Pond. The house serves tea and popovers, as it has since the 1890s, in addition to other dining options. For most park visitors, afternoon tea on the lawn at Jordan Pond House remains a popular tradition. Many hiking trails, carriage roads, and the Park Loop Road provide access to the Jordan Pond House. The house is open daily from late May through late October from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Reservations are highly recommended. You can find more information and make reservations here.
Carriage Roads
The park is known for its extensive network of carriage roads and picturesque stone bridges, which were funded and constructed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. These car-free roads are perfect for walking, biking, and horseback riding and offer scenic views of the park. You can find more information, including a carriage road map here.
Bass Harbor Head Light
Constructed in 1858, Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most photographed lights in Maine. It marks the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island. This scenic lighthouse appeared on the America the Beautiful Quarter in 2012 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Although you can’t go inside, a trail around the facility provides excellent views. It is the fifth busiest destination in the park and is incredibly popular during sunset.
Stargazing
For being as close as it is to Portland, Boston, and New York, Acadia possesses remarkably dark skies. The best spots to view the night sky at Acadia include Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, and Seawall. Go an hour or two after sunset when the skies are clear and there is good weather. Bring a flashlight or headlight (preferably with a red-light function), something to sit or lie on, and a star map or stargazing app. We like this stargazing app.
Downtown Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town situated just outside of Acadia National Park. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries, it is a great place to explore and enjoy local cuisine and culture. The town offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and inns to campgrounds and vacation rentals. It’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. The fare-free Island Explorer shuttle features bus routes linking hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations in Acadia National Park and downtown bar harbor. It is an easy way to get around without worrying about parking. One unique feature of Bar Harbor is the sandbar to Bar Island, which becomes accessible by foot during low tide. Visitors can hike across the sandbar to explore the island and its trails. You can find more information about Bar Harbor here.
Acadia Boat Tour
For a unique perspective of the park’s coastal beauty, wildlife, and geological features, opt for a boat cruise. Acadian Boat Tours and Sea Princess Cruises are both highly-rated boat tour operators in Bar Harbor. Both companies offer several tour options to choose from. These tours provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the rugged coastline, view wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history.
Take a Hike
Cadillac North Ridge Trail
This trail takes hikers to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point both in Acadia National Park and on the eastern seaboard. The trail is mostly exposed, providing hikers with excellent views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula. With the appropriate gear and headlamps, it is a popular option for sunrise or sunset. The trail is 4.2 miles with 1,128 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. You can find more information here.
Precipice Loop Trail
The most thrilling and perhaps the most dangerous trail in the park, the Precipice Loop Trail takes hikers to the summit of Champlain Mountain. It is a rugged, non-technical climb with rocky ledges, iron rungs, and cliff walks. Upon reaching the summit, climbers are rewarded with impressive views of the ocean and surrounding area. The hike is not recommended for people with a fear of heights, children, or for anyone during wet weather. This trail is generally open from late summer through early fall. It is 2.1 miles with 1,059 feet of elevation gain. The trail is classified as hard due to the terrain. You can find more information here.
Beehive Loop Trail
One of the park’s most popular trails, the Beehive Loop Trail is an easier version of the Precipice Trail. Expect steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces on this hike. However, compared to the Precipice Trail, there is less elevation gain and less exposure. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with views over Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine. This trail is 1.5 miles with 508 of elevation gain. It is classified as a hard trail due to its terrain. You can find more information here.
Great Head Trail
The Great Head Trail provides ocean views, rocky scrambles, and a bit of history. Along the way, you will spot ruins of a tower and a 1915 tea house. You can expect dramatic views of the coastline and the ocean, as well as views of Sand Beach and The Beehive. This hike is 1.8 miles in length and contains 265 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging trail due to the terrain. You can find more information here.
Ocean Path Trail
The Ocean Path Trail is a must-do experience at Acadia National Park. On this trail, hikers are rewarded with scenic views of the coastline and easy access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point. The turnaround point is Otter Cove, where you will find a small staircase and incredible views across the Otter Cove causeway. This trail is 4.5 miles with 374 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as an easy hike. You can find more information here.
Gorham Mountain Trail
Although not the tallest mountain in Acadia, Gorham Mountain’s proximity to the coast rewards hikers with spectacular views. The trail begins from the Gorham Mountain parking lot off Park Loop Road and gradually climbs to the summit. Be aware that a couple hundred feet from the summit is a false summit. Keep following the trail until you reach the summit marker. This hike is 1.6 miles with 429 feet of elevation gain. It is considered a moderately challenging hike. Note that there is also an option to make this a loop trail with a portion of the Ocean Path Trail.
Jordan Pond Path and South Bubble
For a breathtaking view of Jordan Pond, hike the Jordan Pond Path and South Bubble Trail. The trail around Jordan Pond is relatively flat and easy. The portion of the trail to the South Bubble summit is more challenging with elevation gain and rock scramble. However, hikers are rewarded with incredible views at the summit. Be sure to also check out Balanced Rock at the top, a large boulder that was carried by glaciers and left in an interesting position. This hike is 3.5 miles with 508 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. If you are interested in further exploring the area, this trail can be combined with The Bubbles Trail.
Acadia Mountain & Man O’ War Trail
When taking the recommended counterclockwise direction, this trail starts off with a gentle stroll through the woods to Man O’ War Waterfall. From the overlook, you are given a side view of the waterfall emptying into Somes Sound. The trail begins climbing to the summit of Acadia Mountain. The climb is fun but challenging with many boulder scrambles. There are several good spots along the way to take a break and admire the incredible views. At the summit, you will find stunning views of Somes Sound and the surrounding mountains, as well as outlying islands and the ocean. This hike is 2.5 miles with 708 feet of elevation gain. It is classified as a moderately challenging hike. You can find more information here.
Beech Cliff Ladder and Canada Cliff Loop
This short but challenging hike climbs above Echo Lake providing not only excellent views of the lake but also views of nearby peaks and the ocean. It includes four sets of iron ladders to help hikers reach the top. For those wishing to avoid the ladders, there is an overlook before the ladders that offers great views. After admiring the views at the top, hikers can continue to complete the Beech Cliff Loop. Take the Canada Cliffs Trail down to finish the hike. This trail is 1.8 miles with 492 feet of elevation gain. You can find more information here.
Acadia Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to plan your Acadia National Park adventure? Start by downloading our free and easy-to-customize Acadia National Park Itinerary. This is just a sample of what your trip could look like. Easily make changes to make it fit your schedule and interests.