Acadia National Park
Over 47,000 acres of granite peaks, rocky coastline, and old-growth forest on Mount Desert Island, Maine. One of the ten most-visited national parks in the United States.
About the Park
Established in 1916 as Lafayette National Park and renamed Acadia in 1929, this park protects the largest remaining undeveloped land on the US Atlantic coast north of Florida. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island with additional sections on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut, Acadia receives over 4 million visitors annually.
The park's character comes from its dramatic collision of ecosystems: boreal forest meets ocean, granite mountains rise directly from tidal pools, and freshwater lakes sit just minutes from saltwater coves. The carriage road system, donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr., is one of the finest examples of Gilded Age philanthropy in American conservation history.
Must-See Spots
Cadillac Mountain
First sunrise in the US (Oct–Mar)
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the US Atlantic coast. The summit road opens seasonally — arrive early for sunrise or sunset. Timed entry reservations required in peak season.
Local tip: Reserve your sunrise timed-entry permit through recreation.gov. Spots sell out weeks in advance.
Thunder Hole
Best 2 hours before high tide
A narrow sea chasm where crashing waves compress air and explode with a thundering boom and spray. The dramatic effect requires the right swell and tide — check conditions before you go.
Local tip: Visit during incoming tide with moderate seas. Low tide shows the chasm but not the thunder.
Jordan Pond
Carriage roads · Tea & Popovers
The centerpiece of Acadia's interior. The Jordan Pond House serves the famous afternoon tea with popovers on the lawn, a tradition dating to 1895. The 3.4-mile Jordan Pond Loop trail is flat and beloved.
Local tip: Make lunch or tea reservations at Jordan Pond House well in advance — walk-ins are rare in summer.
Sand Beach
Only sandy ocean beach in the park
A rare crescent of sand — actually crushed sea shells and quartz — tucked between granite headlands. Ocean Path begins here. Water temperature averages 55°F even in August.
Local tip: Park at the nearby lot or arrive via Island Explorer bus. Parking fills by 8am on summer weekends.
Ocean Path
2.2 miles · Flat · Stunning views
The most scenic and accessible walk in the park, connecting Sand Beach to Otter Point along the rocky shoreline. Passes Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Easy enough for all fitness levels.
Local tip: Walk south to north (Sand Beach → Otter Point) in the morning with sun at your back.
Carriage Roads
45 miles · No motor vehicles
John D. Rockefeller Jr. gifted Acadia its 45-mile network of broken-stone carriage roads. Built from 1913–1940, they're ideal for cycling, walking, and horseback riding through the park's interior.
Local tip: Rent bikes in Bar Harbor. The Eagle Lake–Witch Hole loop (8 miles) is a classic beginner ride.
Visitor Information
Island Explorer Shuttle
The free Island Explorer bus network is one of Acadia's greatest assets for visitors and the environment. Running from late June through Columbus Day weekend, it connects Bar Harbor, major park destinations, and area campgrounds with 8 routes.
Using the shuttle eliminates the stress of limited parking (which fills by 8–9am at popular spots), reduces emissions, and frees you to enjoy views rather than watch the road.
Pro tip: Leave the car at your lodging
Many Bar Harbor accommodations are walkable to the Village Green shuttle hub, making a car-free park day completely practical in peak season.
Conservation at Acadia
With 4+ million visitors annually, Acadia faces real environmental pressure. Trail erosion, wildlife disturbance, and light pollution are ongoing challenges. Friends of Acadia has invested over $100 million in park preservation since 1986.