Acadia National Park is the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” With miles of shoreline, unique hiking trails, and picturesque panoramic views, it exemplifies the best that Maine has to offer.
Here, you can walk barefoot across the sand, hike an exhilarating ladder trail, watch the reddest of sunsets from the shore, and take unforgettable pictures. Acadia is a place truly worth visiting, at least once in a lifetime.
This national park takes quite a bit of planning. When you visit, make sure to follow this Acadia National Park Adventure Guide to maximize your time here.
Recommended Duration of Visit
3 days (ideal), 2 days (doable), 1 day (difficult)
Recommendations: Before Arriving
Recommendations: Adventure Gear
Click for some interesting facts about Acadia National Park
Early summer to autumn (May to October) are the peak seasons. July and August are especially popular months.
Unlike many national parks, Acadia’s relative isolation (Maine is literally at the northeast corner of the United States) and difficult winters mean it’s very sensitive to peak seasons. In fact, many restaurants and visitor centers are closed during the off-season.
Officially named Acadia National Park in 1929 and rich in human history dating back over 10,000 years.
Beehive Trail, Thunder Hole, and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, among others.
An island landscape with over 75 mi2 (194 km2) of coastline, lakes, wetlands, forests, and beaches.
Around mid-October heading into Fall, the deciduous plants’ leaves change color in spectacular fashion.
For lodging, Ellsworth is farther away and cheaper while Bar Harbor is closer and more expensive. The lodging options in the region, in general, are quite excellent.
Park Loop Road (road to Cadillac Mountain) is closed from 12/1 to at least 4/15 (or longer depending on whether or not the roads remain icy). If you want to have an off-season feel, then the best time to arrive would actually be sometime between May and June. Most of the park (roads, restaurants. and visitor centers) will be closed from December to April.
Officially named Acadia National Park in 1929 and rich in human history dating back over 10,000 years.
Early summer to autumn (May to October) are the peak seasons. July and August are especially popular months.
Unlike many national parks, Acadia’s relative isolation (Maine is literally at the northeast corner of the United States) and difficult winters mean it’s very sensitive to peak seasons. In fact, many restaurants and visitor centers are closed during the off-season.
An island landscape with over 75 mi2 (194 km2) of coastline, lakes, wetlands, forests, and beaches.
Beehive Trail, Thunder Hole, and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, among others.
For lodging, Ellsworth is farther away and cheaper while Bar Harbor is closer and more expensive. The lodging options in the region, in general, are quite excellent.
Park Loop Road (road to Cadillac Mountain) is closed from 12/1 to at least 4/15 (or longer depending on whether or not the roads remain icy). If you want to have an off-season feel, then the best time to arrive would actually be sometime between May and June. Most of the park (roads, restaurants. and visitor centers) will be closed from December to April.
Around mid-October heading into Fall, the deciduous plants’ leaves change color in spectacular fashion.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center: Hulls Cove Visitor Center, located near the entrance of Acadia National Park, is the first and primary visitor center in the entire region.
As the main information center in Acadia National Park, Hulls Cove is the best way to familiarize oneself with the park. As a bonus, it is also near the start of the scenic Park Loop Road.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce: Albeit much smaller and less impressive than Hulls Cove, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce remains open during the winter season.
And while not exactly an amazing attraction, it’s a crucial information source during the colder seasons.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 20 minutes.
| This visitor center is closed for the winter. It is also further in, so just walk up the steps and follow the path. |
| Since winter is a dangerous time at Acadia, asking the local guides about weather conditions would be ideal. |
Beehive Trail: A thrilling Acadia classic and easily one of my favorite hikes in the entire country (up there with legendary hikes such as Angel’s Landing), Beehive Trail is one of the best parts of Acadia.
This strenuous 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) hike follows a nearly vertical route up an elevation of 520 feet (159 meters). Along the way, hikers must climb on iron rungs and with exceptional care in order to avoid plummeting toward an untimely death.
Naturally, such risks and thrills are accompanied by gorgeous views.
Cost: Free to Visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
Sand Beach: Sand Beach is considered a geologic rarity because it’s one of the few cold-water, shell-based sand beaches in the world.
Great for swimming, walks, and hikes, this beach is a local and tourist favorite. There is also an entire walking path alongside the road to Thunder Hole.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| Going in reverse and backwards on the ladders is much less fun, far more dangerous (to other hikers as well), and strongly discouraged. Therefore, follow the signs, trail markers, and other hikers on the appropriate path. |
| Note that, if you choose to drive down to Thunder Hole first, you'll be on a one way road. You must loop all the way back through the park to see Sand Beach again. Therefore, it would be better to explore the beach before visiting Thunder Hole. |
Thunder Hole: Over the eons, the ocean gouged a narrow cave in the granite ledge. With help from powerful coastal waves, this cave traps air and releases a thunderous burst of sound.
Seeing the best of what Thunder Hole offers is all about timing, and the best time is approximately 2 hours before high tide. Of course, not seeing or hearing the thundering waves is fine as well since the view is stunning.
Before arriving, search up Thunder Hole tide times on Willyweathers to see when high tide is.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 45 minutes.
Jordan Pond: Over 2 million years, glaciers carved a deep trough in Acadia National Park. Over time, this trough eventually collected enough water to become Jordan Pond—one of the most popular attractions in the park, complete with the Jordan Pond House that is a restaurant, observation deck, and visitor center.
The pond’s crystal-clear water occasionally has visibility past 45 feet (13.7 meters). In fact, the lake is a source of drinking water for nearby communities and, of course, the Jordan Pond House.
There is a trail encircling the pond, with sheer drop-offs that require the use of ladder rungs. The entire loop around the lake is 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| There is a parking lot right across from Thunder Hole. During peak season, you’d have almost no chance getting a spot unless you arrive in early mornings. |
| Jordan Pond is in an excellent central location, making it a fantastic rest stop. Ideally, you should visit the previously mentioned destinations before arriving here. |
Beech Cliff Trail: As one of the iconic trails in Acadia National Park, Beech Cliff Trail features multiple full-size metal ladders (and not just iron rungs bolted into the walls). The main entrance of the trail is toward the north end of the parking lot nearest to Echo lake.
At 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers), this looped trail is moderately difficult and offers stunning panoramic views of the entire region. It is also far less dangerous compared to Beehive Trail, albeit less scenic.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
Echo Lake: This lovely freshwater lake offers an assortment of wildlife such as fish, turtles, and frogs, among others. It is also one of the few places in Acadia National Park that allow visitors to swim.
Reaching a maximum depth of over 60 feet (18.3 meters), the water here is much warmer than the icy waters of Sand Beach. As a bonus, the lake is generally good for children since it has a rather large and shallow portion near the shore.
During the winter (when the main road to the parking lot is closed), visitors often park at the entrance of Echo Lake Beach Rd and hike about 11 minutes one way to Echo Lake.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| Unlike Beehive Trail, it is alright to attempt Beech Cliff Trail backwards. However, going backwards on ladders is still less fun and riskier. |
| No alcohol, glass containers, fires, camping, or feeding wildlife year-round. From May 15 to September 15, no dogs, boat launching, or fishing is allowed. |
Seawall Acadia National Park: Located in the southwestern section of Acadia National Park, this naturally occurring granite and rock wall is an underrated spot to watch the sunset.
There are usually tide pools nearby, and there is also a trailhead just a short distance down the road that runs along the shore.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: If there is a single image that is quintessential Maine, it would be one of a sunset from Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
As the only lighthouse in the region and one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the entire state of Maine, this must-see attraction perfectly encapsulates the beauty of Acadia National Park and Maine.
The lighthouse is still in use, so the interior is closed to the public. There is also a trail toward the left of the parking lot that leads down to the lighthouse.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| The Seawall is easily missed because it’s en route to the far more popular Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, so make sure to look for it on the drive to the lighthouse. |
| During the peak tourist season, it is almost impossible to find parking. Unless you wish to arrive over an hour earlier before the sunset, it would be much easier to have someone drop you off. |
Hulls Cove Visitor Center: Hulls Cove Visitor Center, located near the entrance of Acadia National Park, is the first and primary visitor center in the entire region.
As the main information center in Acadia National Park, Hulls Cove is the best way to familiarize oneself with the park. As a bonus, it is also near the start of the scenic Park Loop Road.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| This visitor center is closed for the winter. It is also further in, so just walk up the steps and follow the path. |
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce: Albeit much smaller and less impressive than Hulls Cove, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce remains open during the winter season.
And while not exactly an amazing attraction, it’s a crucial information source during the colder seasons.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 20 minutes.
| Since winter is a dangerous time at Acadia, asking the local guides about weather conditions would be ideal. |
Beehive Trail: A thrilling Acadia classic and easily one of my favorite hikes in the entire country (up there with legendary hikes such as Angel’s Landing), Beehive Trail is one of the best parts of Acadia.
This strenuous 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) hike follows a nearly vertical route up an elevation of 520 feet (159 meters). Along the way, hikers must climb on iron rungs and with exceptional care in order to avoid plummeting toward an untimely death.
Naturally, such risks and thrills are accompanied by gorgeous views.
Cost: Free to Visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| Going in reverse and backwards on the ladders is much less fun, far more dangerous (to other hikers as well), and strongly discouraged. Therefore, follow the signs, trail markers, and other hikers on the appropriate path. |
Sand Beach: Sand Beach is considered a geologic rarity because it’s one of the few cold-water, shell-based sand beaches in the world.
Great for swimming, walks, and hikes, this beach is a local and tourist favorite. There is also an entire walking path alongside the road to Thunder Hole.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| Note that, if you choose to drive down to Thunder Hole first, you'll be on a one way road. You must loop all the way back through the park to see Sand Beach again. Therefore, it would be better to explore the beach before visiting Thunder Hole. |
Thunder Hole: Over the eons, the ocean gouged a narrow cave in the granite ledge. With help from powerful coastal waves, this cave traps air and releases a thunderous burst of sound.
Seeing the best of what Thunder Hole offers is all about timing, and the best time is approximately 2 hours before high tide. Of course, not seeing or hearing the thundering waves is fine as well since the view is stunning.
Before arriving, search up Thunder Hole tide times on Willyweathers to see when high tide is.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 45 minutes.
| There is a parking lot right across from Thunder Hole. During peak season, you’d have almost no chance getting a spot unless you arrive in early mornings. |
Jordan Pond: Over 2 million years, glaciers carved a deep trough in Acadia National Park. Over time, this trough eventually collected enough water to become Jordan Pond—one of the most popular attractions in the park, complete with the Jordan Pond House that is a restaurant, observation deck, and visitor center.
The pond’s crystal-clear water occasionally has visibility past 45 feet (13.7 meters). In fact, the lake is a source of drinking water for nearby communities and, of course, the Jordan Pond House.
There is a trail encircling the pond, with sheer drop-offs that require the use of ladder rungs. The entire loop around the lake is 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers).
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| Jordan Pond is in an excellent central location, making it a fantastic rest stop. Ideally, you should visit the previously mentioned destinations before arriving here. |
Beech Cliff Trail: As one of the iconic trails in Acadia National Park, Beech Cliff Trail features multiple full-size metal ladders (and not just iron rungs bolted into the walls). The main entrance of the trail is toward the north end of the parking lot nearest to Echo lake.
At 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers), this looped trail is moderately difficult and offers stunning panoramic views of the entire region. It is also far less dangerous compared to Beehive Trail, albeit less scenic.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| Unlike Beehive Trail, it is alright to attempt Beech Cliff Trail backwards. However, going backwards on ladders is still less fun and riskier. |
Echo Lake: This lovely freshwater lake offers an assortment of wildlife such as fish, turtles, and frogs, among others. It is also one of the few places in Acadia National Park that allow visitors to swim.
Reaching a maximum depth of over 60 feet (18.3 meters), the water here is much warmer than the icy waters of Sand Beach. As a bonus, the lake is generally good for children since it has a rather large and shallow portion near the shore.
During the winter (when the main road to the parking lot is closed), visitors often park at the entrance of Echo Lake Beach Rd and hike about 11 minutes one way to Echo Lake.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| No alcohol, glass containers, fires, camping, or feeding wildlife year-round. From May 15 to September 15, no dogs, boat launching, or fishing is allowed. |
Seawall Acadia National Park: Located in the southwestern section of Acadia National Park, this naturally occurring granite and rock wall is an underrated spot to watch the sunset.
There are usually tide pools nearby, and there is also a trailhead just a short distance down the road that runs along the shore.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
| The Seawall is easily missed because it’s en route to the far more popular Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, so make sure to look for it on the drive to the lighthouse. |
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: If there is a single image that is quintessential Maine, it would be one of a sunset from Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
As the only lighthouse in the region and one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the entire state of Maine, this must-see attraction perfectly encapsulates the beauty of Acadia National Park and Maine.
The lighthouse is still in use, so the interior is closed to the public. There is also a trail toward the left of the parking lot that leads down to the lighthouse.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| During the peak tourist season, it is almost impossible to find parking. Unless you wish to arrive over an hour earlier before the sunset, it would be much easier to have someone drop you off. |
More information on The Traveling Lobster
What to order: I recommend the Maine Lobster Roll.
More information on Geddy’s
What to order: I recommend the Geddy’s Maine Lobster Roll.
More information on Side Street Cafe
What to order: I recommend the Lobster Melt. If possible, get the side upgrade. For a small fee, you get the clam chowder and it’s cheaper than just ordering the chowder outright.
More information on Royal Indian
What to order: I recommend the Butter chicken (tender pieces of tandoori grilled white meat simmer in creamy Indian butter sauce with house spices). It is an Indian classic.
More information on The Traveling Lobster
What to order: I recommend the Maine Lobster Roll.
More information on Geddy’s
What to order: I recommend the Geddy’s Maine Lobster Roll.
More information on Side Street Cafe
What to order: I recommend the Lobster Melt. If possible, get the side upgrade. For a small fee, you get the clam chowder and it’s cheaper than just ordering the chowder outright.
More information on Royal Indian
What to order: I recommend the Butter chicken (tender pieces of tandoori grilled white meat simmer in creamy Indian butter sauce with house spices). It is an Indian classic.
Leave the noise and traffic congestion behind as you venture into the enchanting heart of nature. Admire the sweeping vistas, traverse through forests and fields, and swing by brooks and lakes.
Whether on foot, car, boat, or horse-drawn carriage (yes, it has horse-drawn carriages during the summer), Acadia National Park has something for everyone.
On a final note, make sure to share this page so others will know more about Acadia National Park!
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