Est. 1919 | Maine | 49,071 acres

Rightly regarded as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” Acadia National Park is a welcome paradox—both charming and rugged, developed and wild, moody and temperate. From untamed rocky headlands to quaint colonial villages, Acadia steps out of a 18th-century novel to bring a taste of New England to the National Park System. The park features a mix of thundering coves, lush forests, rocky peaks, and pristine lakes teeming with wildlife. White-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, harbor seals and crabs are among the many that call Acadia National Park home.

Acadia covers over 47,000 acres, including parts of Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and several other smaller outlying islands. Mount Desert Island, the heart of Acadia, is where the majority of the park’s features are located. Somes Sound, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, bisects the island geographically into an eastern side and a western side. Park Loop Road, a 27-mile scenic drive, circles the eastern half of the island as an access point for most of Acadia’s attractions, such as Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole and The Beehive. Along with an extensive network of hiking trails, 45 miles of historic carriage roads gifted by John D. Rockefeller also criss-cross the eastern half of the island, adding a sense of charm and romance to the wild island. Not to be forgotten, the western half is best known for Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, an 1858 structure nestled among evergreens and boulders on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean—an emblematic scene of Acadia National Park.

Must-see highlights in Acadia

1. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse—Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands on the southernmost point of Mount Desert Island. Though the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, its surrounding area features a scenic path with great vantage points for capturing the lighthouse against the dramatic coastal backdrop. Among the 80 lighthouses strung along Maine’s coast, Bass Harbor Head is one of three lights managed by Acadia National Park. The other two are located on Baker Island and Bear Island. Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light attracts many visitors and since roadside parking is prohibited, consider arriving at least an hour early to secure a spot in the small parking lot.
2. Cadillac Mountain—Rising 1,530 feet from the sea, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard and thus touted as the first to see the sunrise (technically from October 7–March 6). After a short drive to the top from Park Loop Road, visitors can take in panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, the surrounding ocean and distant mountains. Because of its popularity, Cadillac Summit Road requires vehicle reservations from mid-May to mid-October. But don’t worry. Those without a permit and still eager to summit the peak can reach Cadillac Mountain along any of the various surrounding trails.
3. Thunder Hole—Thunder Hole is a famous natural feature located along Mount Desert Island’s east coast. A narrow channel catches the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean creating a thunderous sound and spray, especially when the tide is high, hence the name. Visitors can view Thunder Hole from a nearby platform—a thrilling experience to be sure, especially during rough seas or stormy weather when the thunderous roar is most intense.
4. The Precipice Trail—In a 3.2-mile one-way loop, hikers are treated to Acadia’s most exhilarating and challenging hike. This non-technical route employs iron rungs and steep rock stairways to ascend 1,000 feet of granite cliff faces in just under a mile. Views from the top look out over Mount Desert Island’s eastern coast and Frenchman Bay. Small children and those afraid of heights should not attempt this hike. The park also highly discourages anyone hiking this route in rainy weather.
5. Jordan Pond—Jordan Pond is a serene, picturesque lake located in the heart of Mount Desert Island, nestled between the towering Bubbles—two rounded mountains that rise dramatically above the water. The pond is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the Jordan Pond Path, a scenic 3.3-mile loop trail that circles the pond. The pond is also famous for the historic Jordan Pond House, a charming restaurant that has been serving tea and popovers (a local delicacy) since the 1890s.

Best time to visit Acadia

Summer (June to August): With warmer weather and a full range of activities available (hiking, swimming, biking, kayaking, etc.), Summer is the peak tourist season in Acadia. However, it can be crowded—especially in popular areas like Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain, so expect longer wait times, reservations and busier trails.

Fall (September to October): Autumn is considered one of the most beautiful times to visit, as the park is renowned for its stunning fall foliage—think the full color spectrum from deep maroons to bright yellows. Colors begin to change later along the coast than the state’s interior. Peak colors usually pop mid-late October. For a fall color map, visit Maine’s official prediction site. Weather in autumn is typically cooler but still pleasant, and while there are still many visitors the park is less crowded than in the summer.

Winter (November to March): If you’re interested in a more tranquil and less crowded experience, winter can be magical. The park is beautiful under snow, offering opportunities for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, some roads, trails, and facilities may be closed for the season, and weather can be cold and unpredictable.

Spring (April to June): Spring offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and the park starting to come alive with wildflowers and budding trees. Early spring can still be chilly, and some trails or roads may be closed due to lingering snow or mud. Late spring, however, brings milder temperatures and blooming scenery, making it a decent time to visit.

How long should I visit Acadia?

Spending 2–3 full days in Acadia is appropriate for hitting the highlights, but 4+ days is ideal for visiting the various areas of the park, especially Schoodic Peninsula and outlying islands. Some trails could take the better part of the day, and local boat tours usually offer 1–3 hour sightseeing excursions, which can absorb half a day.

Getting to Acadia

The only entryway onto Mount Desert Island by vehicle is along Route 3 from Ellsworth, Maine. Ellsworth is located 27 miles southeast of Bangor, 81 miles east of Augusta and 161 miles northeast of Portland, the three largest cities in the vicinity. To reach Schoodic Peninsula, continue north on Route 1 from Ellsworth and head south on Highway 186 to Schoodic Loop Road.

Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the best airport in the area, offering nationwide flights at reasonable prices. Augusta State Airport (AUG) is an alternative though further away and more expensive, even if booked early. Portland International Jetport (PWM) is cheapest of the three but not enough to make the 3 hour drive worth the savings. The small Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is closest in proximity, just 10 miles from the park, but services only Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and can cost twice as much as Bangor. All these airports offer rental cars to drive to Acadia.

Once you’re in Acadia, consider using the Island Explorer Bus system. This free shuttle service runs throughout the park and the surrounding area, including routes to popular trailheads, Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond. The bus system does not service Cadillac Mountain. This is a cost-effective and convenient option for those who don’t want to drive or park in crowded areas. Island Explorer also has a route on Schoodic Peninsula for passengers ferrying from Bar Harbor.

Where to stay in Acadia

Lodging—There are no hotel-style accommodations within Acadia National Park, however because it is interspersed throughout residential towns, the park is in close proximity to many motels, inns and lodges outside the park. Seawall Motel is a reasonably-priced option for families and groups on the western side of Mount Desert Island, and for a touch of elegance, Bar Harbor Inn is a more pricey option on the eastern side.

Campgrounds—Inside park boundaries, Acadia National Park hosts 2 campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, 1 campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and 5 lean-to shelters on the small island of Isle au Haut.

• Blackwoods Campground (Eastern Mount Desert Island)—281 sites (RV and tent)
• Seawall Campground (Western Mount Desert Island)—202 sites (RV and tent)
• Schoodic Woods Campground (Schoodic Peninsula)—89 sites (RV and tent)
• Duck Harbor Campground (Isle au Haut)—5 shelters (tent only)

When should I book?

Acadia is busiest June–October so it is best to book lodging and activities 3–6 months in advance for securing a room, campsite or boat tour in this peak season. Spring and winter are usually quieter so 1–2 months advanced notice is generally safe.

At Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Campgrounds, 90 percent of the campsites are released for reservation 6 months in advance with the remaining 10 percent released 2 weeks before reservation date. Duck Harbor is very popular and requires advance reservations for all 5 sites at the start of April for the entire summer season. All bookings are available on Recreation.gov.

Vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain (required late May–late October) should be booked as early as possible, especially for sunrise or sunset times as this is one of Acadia’s most popular activities. 30 percent of the permits will be available 90 days out and the remaining 70 percent of the permits will be released 2 days in advance.

How much should I budget?

A 3-day trip booked 6 months in advance can cost roughly $800–$1,000 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Bangor	$300–$500
Car Rental	$60–$100/day (not including taxes/fees)
Campsite	$22–$40/night (not including taxes/fees)
Lodges	$150–$300/night
Meals	$15–$25/meal
Cadillac Summit Road Reservation	$6/vehicle
Entrance Fee	$35/vehicle for 7 days

Packing list for Acadia

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Acadia National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without bug spray, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, layered clothing, rain coat and a hat.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Acadia.

For more detailed information on Acadia National Park, visit the official park website.