Located in the state of Maine, Acadia National Park is one of the most stunning and diverse parks in the United States. From its rugged coastline to its towering peaks, Acadia offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Eastern United States in a truly unique way.
When To Visit
Where to stay
Things to do
When To Visit
When planning a visit to Acadia National Park, it's important to consider the time of year you'll be traveling. The park is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. Additionally, the park can get quite crowded during the peak summer months, so visitors may want to consider visiting during the spring or fall for a more peaceful experience.
The fall time is a very desirable season to visit to see the autumn leaves change colors. We visited early October and saw the start of the leaves changing. The peak foliage is very unpredictable, and only lasts a few days so it is difficult to properly plan to visit but sometime in early October is a safe bet. We saw the vibrant leaves but ended up being a few days too early for the peak.
Where to Stay
Bar Harbor: The most popular town to stay at, Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert, is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park. It is extremely close to the While it is expensive to stay in Bar Harbor, there are many restaurants, shops, and activities. If you aren't planning on staying here it is definitely worth visiting.
Ellsworth: About a 30 minute drive from Acadia National Park, Ellsworth is a more affordable town to stay at. We stayed at the Comfort Inn which was right next to a L.L. Bean outlet store. There are less food options here but it is still a good place to lodge at if there are not any good deals in bar harbor.
Things to do
Hiking
Cadillac Mountain: This is the highest peak in the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike to the summit is moderate in difficulty and takes about 1.5 hours. NOTE: you can reserve a spot to drive up Cadillac Mountain instead. We did this and it was a stunning drive. Here is the link to reserve a time to drive up Cadillac Mountain
Precipice Trail: For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Precipice Trail is a strenuous hike that takes you up the side of Champlain Mountain. This hike offers some of the best views in the park and is not for the faint of heart.
Ocean Path: This is a relatively easy hike that takes you along the park's rugged coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is about 4.4 miles in length and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Jordan Pond Path: This is a gentle hike around the tranquil Jordan Pond that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is about 3 miles in length and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Beehive Trail: This is a strenuous hike up the side of Beehive Mountain that offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding coastline. The hike is about 2 miles in length and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Gorham Mountain Trail: This is a moderate hike that takes you up to the summit of Gorham Mountain, offering stunning views of the park and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is about 2.2 miles in length and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Drive or Bike Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road is the road that circles the entire National Park. There are some look outs to stop and enjoy the view. Biking would be very scenic and a great workout!
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
Located south of Southwest Harbor and Tremont, there is a lovely light house. There is not much parking available, so there is often a line of cars waiting for available parking spots. It is a quick visit but if you want to see a light house this is the nearest one.
Stargazing
Something we did not do (due to the cold temperatures) was stargaze at the park. The best spots within the park to view the constellations are
Seawall
Jordan Pond
Ocean Path
Sand Beach
Overview
In conclusion, Acadia National Park is a truly unique and stunning destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the Eastern United States. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Acadia has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and head to America's Eastern gem.
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