Can you visit Acadia without a car?
Yes, you can absolutely visit Acadia National Park without a car, and it’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Maine’s coast without the hassle of driving and parking. Acadia’s shuttle system, bike rentals, scenic trails, and even kayak routes make it a uniquely accessible park for those without a vehicle. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to navigate Acadia car-free, covering transportation options, tips for getting around, and highlights of the best sights to enjoy on foot or by bike.
1. Getting to Acadia National Park Without a Car
Arriving by Plane
The closest airport to Acadia is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), which is about 10 miles from the park. It has seasonal flights connecting with major cities. Alternatively, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is about 50 miles away and offers more flights throughout the year. From either airport, you can take a taxi, ride-share, or shuttle service to reach Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia.
Arriving by Bus
The Downeaster Amtrak train and Concord Coach Lines buses connect Boston to various cities in Maine, including Bar Harbor. This service is ideal for those coming from nearby states. From Bangor, Concord Coach Lines offers bus services to Bar Harbor. Once in Bar Harbor, you’re right on the doorstep of Acadia and can start exploring.
2. Using the Island Explorer Shuttle System
One of the best ways to explore Acadia National Park without a car is by using the Island Explorer shuttle system, a free shuttle service that operates from late June through early October. The Island Explorer is eco-friendly and convenient, connecting Bar Harbor with key points in Acadia, including trailheads, beaches, campgrounds, and scenic spots.
Key Routes
The Island Explorer has several routes covering different areas of the park:
Route 1 (Eden Street): Connects Bar Harbor to campgrounds and hotels along Eden Street, perfect for accessing popular trails and sites.
Route 3 (Sand Beach): Takes you to Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Thunder Hole, some of Acadia’s most iconic sites.
Route 4 (Loop Road): This route travels along the scenic Park Loop Road, stopping at key locations like Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.
Route 6 (Jordan Pond): Takes you directly from the Village Green in Bar Harbor to Jordan Pond House, a great starting point for hikes around Jordan Pond.
The shuttles run frequently, about every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore.
Accessibility and Bike-Friendly Options
The Island Explorer buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks, making it convenient for those who want to combine cycling with shuttle travel. If you’re staying at a campground, such as Blackwoods or Seawall, shuttles make frequent stops, making it easy to get back and forth from your accommodation.
3. Exploring Acadia on Foot
Acadia is a hiker’s paradise, offering a wide range of trails from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain summits. Here are some excellent options:
i. Ocean Path Trail: This relatively easy trail stretches 4.5 miles round trip along the coast from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff, with stunning ocean views, cliffs, and plenty of spots for a picnic.
ii. Jordan Pond Path: A scenic 3.3-mile loop trail around Jordan Pond, perfect for an easy hike with views of the Bubbles, two distinctive hills.
iii. Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail: While Cadillac Mountain is accessible by shuttle, the 1-mile summit trail loop allows you to enjoy 360-degree views of the park and is especially popular for sunrise and sunset.
4. Biking Through Acadia
For those interested in cycling, Acadia is home to a network of carriage roads—45 miles of gravel pathways that wind through the park and are closed to motorized traffic. John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed these paths in the early 20th century, making them a beautiful and historical feature of Acadia.
Bike Rentals
You can rent bikes in Bar Harbor from several local outfitters. They offer mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes, and even options for children. Some companies provide maps of the carriage roads, and certain rental shops offer drop-off and pick-up services, which can be convenient if you want to explore specific areas without backtracking.
Top Carriage Roads to Explore
i. Jordan Pond Loop: This 3.3-mile loop around Jordan Pond offers serene views and connects to other carriage roads.
ii. Witch Hole Pond Loop: A 6-mile loop that takes you through wooded areas, ponds, and meadows.
iii. Day Mountain: For a moderate challenge, take the Day Mountain carriage road, where a 2-mile uphill path leads to excellent views.
5. Kayaking as an Alternative Transportation Option
If you’d like to explore from the water, kayaking is another way to enjoy Acadia without a car. The coastline offers scenic paddling with views of Acadia’s cliffs, forests, and wildlife. Kayak rentals are available in Bar Harbor, and many companies offer guided tours that cover routes around Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and other coastal areas. Guided tours are ideal for beginners, as they provide all the gear and instruction you need.
6. Additional Tips for Visiting Acadia Without a Car
i. Accommodation: Staying in Bar Harbor or at one of the campgrounds near the park is ideal. Both Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds are serviced by the Island Explorer shuttle, making it easy to get around.
ii. Plan for Dining and Supplies: Bar Harbor has plenty of dining options, grocery stores, and shops where you can pick up supplies. You’ll find everything from casual eateries to more upscale dining, perfect for refueling after a day of exploring.
iii. Consider the Season: The Island Explorer shuttle operates seasonally, so if you’re visiting in the off-season, you’ll need to rely more on walking, cycling, or local taxis.
iv. Plan Around the Shuttle Schedule: If you're relying on the Island Explorer Shuttle, plan your itinerary around its schedule. Keep in mind that it runs only seasonally and stops at specific locations, so check the timetable and map ahead of time.
vi. Download Offline Maps: Cell service is limited in parts of Acadia, so downloading offline maps can help you navigate within the park.
