Mount Desert Island

TrailsCarriage roadsPark Loop RoadCadillac MountainThe quiet side

Mount Desert Island holds most of Acadia National Park: granite mountains, lakes, a 27-mile Park Loop Road, and 45 miles of carriage roads (NPS, NPS). It's also home to year-round towns, with park land and private land side by side (NPS). Come ready to share the roads and trails, and to spread out.

Highlights

  • Trails. More than 150 miles of them (NPS). If a lot is full, the park asks you to pick another destination, come back at another time, or arrive another way. Parking along the road outside designated areas is prohibited (NPS).
  • Carriage roads. 45 miles of car-free gravel roads for walking and biking (NPS).
  • Park Loop Road. The 27-mile loop starts at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and reaches Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain (NPS).
  • Cadillac Mountain. In 2026, a $6 vehicle reservation was required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from May 20 to Oct 25. It was sold online only. Visitors on foot, on a bike, or in a taxi didn't need one (NPS).
  • Somes Pond, Somesville. In the village of Somesville, Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary protects more than 250 acres around Somes Pond and keeps public trails there. It also tracks the island's nesting loons and the yearly alewife run (Somes-Meynell).
  • The quiet side. The west side of the island covers about 10,000 acres, from Pretty Marsh to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and the park calls it a quieter area (NPS). See our Southwest Harbor guide.

When to go

  • Peak season usually runs from June into September. Parking is limited and fills early, and the Sand Beach lot is routinely full by 9 am (NPS).
  • Time of day: the park suggests arriving before 8 am or after 5 pm, because most car congestion happens midday. It also suggests visiting in winter, spring, or late fall for a quieter park (NPS).
  • Winter: most of the Park Loop Road, including the road up Cadillac, is closed to cars from Dec 1 through April 14. Spring opening depends on the weather. Two short sections stay open all year: a one-mile ocean stretch reached by Schooner Head Road, and Jordan Pond, reached by Route 3 and Jordan Pond Road (NPS).
  • You need an entrance pass all year (NPS).

Getting there

  • By car: From Boston, take I-95 north to Augusta, then Route 3 east through Ellsworth to the island. Or stay on I-95 to Bangor, then take Route 1A to Ellsworth and Route 3 (NPS).
  • By plane: Hancock County Airport has direct flights from Boston and is 10 miles from the park. Bangor International is about an hour away (NPS).
  • Once you're here: the free Island Explorer bus connects lodging, campgrounds, park destinations, and village centers (Island Explorer). It doesn't go to Cadillac (NPS). Check exploreacadia.com for the current season's dates.
  • Passes (2026 prices): Acadia is cashless. A private vehicle pass is $35 and is good for 7 days. Anyone 16 or older arriving on foot or by bike pays $20. An Acadia annual pass is $70 (NPS). Cell service is very limited, so print your pass and save any reservation QR code before you arrive (same source).