Exploring Acadia National Park

Park: Mount Rushmore National Park 

State: Maine

Year Established: 1919

Acres: 44,052

Annual Visitors: 4.7 Million

Entrance Fee: $15- $30

Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is actually one of the most visited national parks in the United States. There are so many places to explore in the Acadia Region from Bar Harbor to the Schoodic Peninsula with tons of unique landscapes and beautiful views. Where the woods meet the coast, it’s the first national park located east of the Mississippi and it’s the easternmost national park as well.

Bar Harbor was originally a fishing village that evolved into a vacation getaway for artists and the wealthy. Now, it’s the park’s main tourist center with whale watching tours, restaurants, and hotels. From Bar Harbor you can visit Winter Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula by ferry.

Things to do in Acadia National Park

If you enjoy a good road trip, you can start at Hulls Cove Visitors Center to begin Acadia’s scenic Park Loop Road. The 27-mile route takes you on a steep drive around the park to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Most people plan a trip up to Cadillac Mountain to see the sunrise because of the unspoiled views.

Thunder Hole is another must-see stop on Park Loop Road, a location named for the thunderous sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline.

Hiking in Acadia National Park

If you’re a beginner hiker or simply want an easy stroll with great views of the coastline, we suggest hiking Ocean Parth. Taking you from Sand Beach to Otter Point, it’s flat, easy, and the entire walk takes you along the coastline. For more great views of Acadia National Park and an easy hike, try Cadillac Summit Loop Trail. 

If you’re a true daredevil, we suggest taking on the Precipice Trail. The strenuous climb takes you to the top of Champlain Mountain where you will be scrambling up the side, hanging off a series of metal rungs in the rocks. Walking along cliffs that are only a few feet wide, it’s not for the faint of heart! Beehive is another difficult hike with amazing views if you’re up for the challenge.

Camping in Acadia National Park

If you want to camp in Acadia National Park you have your choice of Blackwoods, Seawall, Duck Harbor and Schoodic Woods. Blackwoods is the largest campsite and is open year round. The location near Bar Harbor and Park Loop Road makes it a very convenient and beautiful place to camp in the park. 

Seawall is open from May through September and is a short walk to the ocean. However, it is on the opposite side of the island from the major attractions. Schoodic Woods is located in Winter Harbor and is open May through October. Not only is it close to serene ocean views and ponds, it's also less busy and crowded than Blackwoods and Seawall. 

Duck Harbor is the only campsite with no flush toilets and it has only five sites. It’s located on Isle au Haut, which is a rugged island and it’s open from May to October. If you’re craving a quiet and peaceful camping experience, this is it! You can hike coastal trails all day along the cliffs and not see anyone.

When to visit Acadia National Park

Although it's the most crowded time of year, summer is the best time to visit Acadia National Park. July and August offer the best weather, however fall is also beautiful if you want to catch the changing colors. Most importantly, no matter when you visit, be prepared for sudden shifts in the weather. There’s a saying in Maine, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes” because even on a summer day you may need an extra layer.

Each season gives such a unique perspective of Maine, so you can base your vacation around any time of year you prefer. The most affordable time to visit Acadia National Park is the winter when accommodations are cheaper and the crowds are thinner.

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