Things to do at Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a natural wonder offering a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs. With its striking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a blend of forest, mountains, and shoreline, Acadia offers a diverse array of experiences. Here’s a detailed guide to the things you can do in Acadia National Park.

1. Hiking the Scenic Trails

Acadia boasts over 150 miles of hiking trails that cater to every skill level, from easy strolls to challenging scrambles. The trails offer spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, forests, lakes, and granite peaks.

i. Cadillac Mountain: At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast and is a must-visit for sunrise watchers. From late fall to early spring, it’s the first place in the U.S. where you can see the sunrise. You can either drive to the summit or hike via the challenging Cadillac South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles round trip).

ii. The Precipice Trail: This trail is for the adventurous. It involves climbing iron rungs and ladders up the cliffs of Champlain Mountain, offering dramatic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. It’s not recommended for those afraid of heights or for children.

iii. Jordan Pond Path: For a more relaxed hike, the Jordan Pond Path is a 3.5-mile loop around the picturesque Jordan Pond. The path offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the twin granite domes known as "The Bubbles."

iv. Beehive Trail: Similar to the Precipice Trail but slightly less intense, the Beehive Trail offers iron rungs and ladders for an exciting scramble up a cliffside, ending with panoramic views over Sand Beach and the coastline.

2. Explore the Carriage Roads

Acadia’s 45 miles of historic carriage roads, built by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., are perfect for biking, walking, or even horseback riding. These roads, free from motor vehicles, offer a peaceful way to explore the park’s forests, lakes, and mountains. You’ll also encounter 16 unique stone bridges along the way.

i. Jordan Pond House: A popular stop along the carriage roads is the Jordan Pond House, known for its scenic views and traditional tea and popovers. It’s an ideal place to rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Carriage Roads

3. Drive the Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road offers an excellent overview of Acadia’s diverse landscapes. This scenic drive takes you along the rugged coastline, through dense forests, and up mountains, offering numerous pull-offs for photos and short walks. Highlights along the Park Loop Road include:

i. Sand Beach: A stunning, crescent-shaped beach nestled between rocky headlands. This is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming (if you can brave the cold Atlantic water), or just relaxing by the shore.

ii. Thunder Hole: A natural rock formation where incoming waves create a thunderous roar and dramatic splash. The best time to visit is around high tide when the waves are most powerful.

iii. Otter Cliff: One of the highest coastal headlands in North America, Otter Cliff provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for rock climbing.

iv. Sieur de Monts Spring: This area is home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia, showcasing native plant species, as well as the Abbe Museum, which highlights the culture and history of the Native American Wabanaki people.

4. Wildlife Watching

Acadia is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, foxes, beavers, and more elusive animals like black bears and bobcats. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as peregrine falcons, bald eagles, ospreys, and various seabirds.

i. Seawall Picnic Area: This area, located on the quieter side of the park, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially for bird species along the rocky shoreline.

ii. Schoodic Peninsula: A lesser-known part of the park, the Schoodic Peninsula offers solitude, scenic views, and wildlife watching opportunities away from the crowds.

5. Kayaking and Canoeing

Acadia’s lakes and coastline provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle through the calm, crystal-clear waters of Jordan Pond or Echo Lake, or explore the dramatic coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Sea kayaking tours are available for those interested in guided trips along the rugged shores, offering a unique perspective of the park’s cliffs and islands.

i. Frenchman Bay: Paddle through the waters of Frenchman Bay, where you might encounter seals, porpoises, and seabirds. The view of Mount Desert Island from the water is breathtaking.

6. Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of fishing opportunities in Acadia. Jordan Pond, Echo Lake, and several other bodies of water are open to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Make sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

i. Bass Harbor Head Light: After a day of fishing, head to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse on the southwestern tip of the island for one of the most iconic sunset views in the park.

7. Tide Pooling at Wonderland and Ship Harbor

Acadia’s tide pools are teeming with marine life. At low tide, explore the rocky shores at Wonderland and Ship Harbor for a chance to see crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and other intertidal creatures up close. These areas are especially enjoyable for families with children.

8. Stargazing

With minimal light pollution, Acadia National Park is one of the best places on the East Coast for stargazing. The park hosts an annual Acadia Night Sky Festival each September, celebrating the park’s exceptional night skies with ranger-led programs and astronomy presentations.

i. Cadillac Mountain Summit: The summit of Cadillac Mountain offers a spectacular vantage point for watching the stars and planets in the night sky. On clear nights, the Milky Way is often visible.

9. Winter Activities

While Acadia is most popular in the warmer months, winter brings its own set of activities. The park’s carriage roads are groomed for cross-country skiing, and there are plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing. The quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience.

10. Visit Bar Harbor

Just outside the park lies the charming town of Bar Harbor, a great base for exploring Acadia. Bar Harbor offers a range of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as boat tours for whale watching or visiting nearby islands like the Cranberry Isles. You can also rent bikes or kayaks here for your adventures in the park.

Final Thoughts

Acadia National Park is a haven for outdoor activities and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, exploring the rugged coastline by kayak, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water, Acadia offers something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder Acadia remains one of the most beloved national parks in the United States.