ACADIA

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by

Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited parks in the United States, and is perhaps the most beloved area of ‘Down East’ Maine. The rugged Atlantic coast suddenly meeting up with northern pine forests creates a landscape that has drawn artists, poets, and tourists alike for nearly 200 years. The Wabanaki people knew the island as Pemetic, “the sloping land”, while it’s current name is derived from French Settlers who were tossed out of Canada. Samuel Champlain called it ‘Island of Bare Mountains’, or, as it is currently known, Mount Desert Island. Of course, Acadia shares space with Bar Harbor and more than a dozen other Harbors and towns on the island, but the national park commands the lions share of acreage on the island. As the easternmost National Park in the States, it is also the first park to see sunrise every day.

Built over millions of years through a combination of water, magma and glacial flow, Acadia comprises nearly 50,000 acres of protected woodlands. With 158 miles of trails, a 27 mile Park Loop road, and 45 miles of Carriage paths, there is plenty of ground to cover by car, bike, or foot.

How long should I stay?
We would recommend at least three days, more if you are a hiker of any sort. The Park Loop Road will take a very long day, especially if you stop at each of the notable park photo spots. Add in some time to enjoy Jordan Pond and the loop can take you well into the early evening. Your second day could include a trip to Cadillac Mountain, Schoodic Peninsula, and a few short hikes. Day three might be a day in Bar Harbor or a harbor cruise. Additional days can be interspersed to take advantage of some spectacular hiking.

Our Favorite Experiences

Without a doubt, hiking is our number one preferred activity while at Acadia. However, there are more than enough non-hiking activities to fill several days in and around the park. The following list, in no particular order, are our favorite things to do while at Acadia.

Enjoy a Hike in the Mountains, Along the Sea, or into the Forest

Did you know?
The Cairns in Acadia are not art and they are definitely not random. They have been the standard for navigating due to the lack of trees along many of the routes and an inability to use traditional marking methods for over 100 years. In the early 1900s, Acadia trail builder Waldron Bates introduced what is now known as the Bates cairn. The Bates cairn consists of two large base stones supporting a mantel between them with a fourth rock, known as the pointer rock, resting on top. The entire cairn points in the direction of the trail. As trail markers, cairns keep hikers on route, protect fragile vegetation and in poor weather can literally save your life. It should be obvious then, that cairns should not be added to, turned, or manipulated in any way.

There are many full day, half day, and short excursions to be found throughout Acadia. There are hikes to the summit, along the coast, and into the forest. The trails can generally be divided into East, West and Schoodic peninsula. The East tends to be busier largely because the Park Loop Road runs through it, but don’t let the crowds discourage you, especially because both Precipice and Beehive Loop trails are on the East side. The west side is still on the island, but tends to be less crowded. Schoodic peninsula requires a forty minute drive to the mainland, but offers some beautiful and remote hiking. There are also twenty-six peaks in Acadia, so opportunities abound!

Some of our favorite trails are listed here.

Some honorable mention trails: Day Mountain Beech Cliffs Dorr Mountain Gorham Mountain

Drive the Park Loop Road

Diving the 27 mile Park Loop Road is definitely one of the most popular events in Acadia. Starting at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, you will encounter the following park highlights:
Sieur de Monts – Also known as the heart of Acadia, this area is home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It is also the starting point for several routes to Dorr Mountain
Ocean Drive – This section of the loop contains the parking lots for many of the most popular trails including Beehive and Precipice. It also has the parking areas for Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point. For the true Thunder Hole experience, check with the Visitors Center or tide charts. If you happen to arrive during low tide, you are going to experience something more akin to Whispering Hole.
Jordan Pond – This is perhaps the most heavily congested area in the entire park. Not only is the pristine lake eminently hikeable from the parking lot, the Carriage Roads also lead here. Throw in the irresistible popovers from the Jordan Pond House, and you could make a day of this location alone. Regardless of your intentions, make time for lunch here. Reservations are a must (or expect to wait an hour or more), but the outdoor seating overlooking the lake can’t be beat. The popovers are easily the most famous item on the menu, but everything on the menu was excellent for our party of five. The menu also happens to have a fantastic history of the property on the inside front cover.
Cadillac Mountain – Although technically on the Park Loop road, Cadillac Mountain is on a separate offshoot and requires a separate reservation. Personally, we preferred to hike to the summit, but as we discuss, there are definitely times when the drive is appropriate.

Bike or Walk the Carriage Roads

John D. Rockefeller was instrumental in the creation of the Carriage Roads. Whether hubris or altruism, his efforts are uniquely responsible for the gorgeous paths we still have today. They comprise nearly fifty miles of vehicle free paths and represent his vision for maximizing the beauty of the park for him and his horse riding friends. The roads were built with preservation in mind aligning the path with the contours of the lands taking advantage of scenic views. They are gravel paths approximately sixteen feet wide perfect for a summer stroll or bike ride. For a realistic account of a novice’s day on the trail, please read here. Even if you don’t explore very far, make it a point to find at least one bridge to appreciate the detail and craftsmanship put into each and every one of them.

Spend a day at Schoodic Peninsula

Although Schoodic Peninsula requires a drive, it makes for an excellent day away from the crowds. The peninsula is intentionally managed to remain remote, but that does not mean there are not points of interest. There is naturally hiking, but it is also the home of the Schoodic Institute which is currently housed in a former Navy listening post. There are also several great picnicking spots in addition to one of the most popular spots in the entire park for artists to capture sunset.

Explore Bar Harbor

Regardless where you may be laying your head at night while enjoying the park, try to spend at least one day in Bar Harbor. A walk around the downtown area following the route of the Museum in the Streets is an easy stroll and will take you to all of the shopping, eateries, and historical sites the town has to offer. Take advantage of one of the many excellent restaurants in town.