Acadia National Park

Insider Tip for Visitors

If you're planning a day in the park or want to maximize your exploration time, get a boxed lunch from Downeast Deli & Boxed Lunch Co. Order the night before and skip the lines the following morning to grab your food. – Hilary Nangle

Introduction to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

A big reason visitors come to Bar Harbor in the first place is that the town is the gateway to Acadia National Park. The park wraps around Bar Harbor, and even some of its smaller offshore islands are part of the park. More than 30,000 of Acadia's nearly 50,000 acres of land are located on Mount Desert Island, where Bar Harbor also sits. The 27-mile Park Loop Road takes in the best of Acadia on this island, including stunning coastline, enchanting forests, and shimmering ponds and lakes.

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the North Atlantic seaboard. If you ascend to Cadillac's bald summit from October to early March, you'll be the first in the country to see the sun rise. This is just one of the many sights that make Acadia truly magical.

You can hike to the summit, drive to the summit (you'll need a timed-entry vehicle reservation, which costs $6, from late May through late October) or book a trip with Cadillac Mountain Summit Shuttle service ($10 each way). Travelers who've visited Cadillac rave about the spectacular views. Some who went on foggy or rainy days still were pleased with the experience.

Sand Beach

This pocket of sand cradled between Great Head and the Beehive's cliffs and backed by dunes is the park's largest sand beach. While it's tempting to take a dip, be forewarned that the water rarely exceeds 60 degrees.

Hiking trails nearby include the Ocean Path, Great Head, and the Beehive. Given the area's popularity, it's no surprise that the parking lot often fills by 9 a.m., so consider visiting in the early morning or later in the afternoon. Better yet, come on a clear night for excellent stargazing. Recent visitors praised the views and noted that it is an especially good spot for families.

Thunder Hole

Waves, wind, and tide created Thunder Hole, which earns its name during the period one to two hours before high tide. On an incoming tide, waves explode, reverberate and spray to 40 feet in the air from this narrow chasm. When visiting, it's safest to stick to the viewing platform areas as rogue waves can splash over the granite rocks.

Visitors who timed it right highly recommend Thunder Hole. Those closest to the water may get wet when the waves crash.

Jordan Pond

One of the park's icons, Jordan Pond's status comes from a postcard setting framed by mountains, clear waters, and a historical tea room famed for its tea and popovers. But those aren't the only reasons to visit this beloved site.

It's a hub in the park's carriage road system; the easy-to-moderate 3.3-mile Jordan Pond Path that circumnavigates the pond; and canoeing and kayaking. Because the pond is a public water supply, swimming isn't permitted. Recent visitors have found Jordan Pond calming, beautiful, and especially stunning at sunset. They caution that it's a heavily trafficked area.

Other Must-Visit Spots

Other mesmerizing must-visit spots along the Park Loop Road include the Wild Gardens of Acadia and Otter Cliffs. On the western side of the island, both Seawall and Bass Harbor Lighthouse are worth visiting. The Schoodic area, best known for its crashing surf, is on a mainland peninsula. But these beautiful surroundings come with a price: tons of tourists.

During peak season, the park can be crowded and parking can be a challenge, so keep that in mind or plan your visit for off-peak times.

Visitor Information

Acadia National Park's Visitor Center is located a little more than a mile southwest of the center of town. The park is open 24/7 daily. Note that there are winter closures from November through early May.

Entrance passes, which are valid for seven days, cost $35 for vehicles, $30 for motorcycles, and $20 for pedestrians and cyclists. For more information, check out our Acadia National Park travel guide.