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Acadia National Park protects much of Mount Desert Island on the Maine coast, along with part of the Schoodic Peninsula and several smaller islands. Pink granite mountains, rounded by glaciers, rise directly from the Atlantic. Much of the land was donated by summer residents in the early twentieth century, and it became the first national park east of the Mississippi.
Cadillac Mountain, the island's highest summit, is a classic place to watch the sunrise. Along the Park Loop Road, Sand Beach fills a sheltered cove, the iron rungs of the Beehive trail climb above it, and Great Head offers a gentler headland loop. The Ocean Path follows the rocky shore past Thunder Hole, to the cliffs of Otter Cliff. Inland, Jordan Pond reflects the rounded twin summits of the Bubbles, and the carriage roads funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. carry walkers and cyclists. On the quieter western side, Bass Harbor Head Light perches on the rocks, Echo Lake draws swimmers, and Somes Sound cuts deep into the island. Bar Harbor is the main town, and at low tide a gravel bar leads out to Bar Island.
Acadia suits hikers, cyclists, families and photographers. Summer and early fall are peak season, and the sunrise drive up Cadillac has required a vehicle reservation in busy months.
WiserMap travel guideAcadia National Park Maine Cadillac Mountain and Jordan PondPlan Acadia National Park with this guide to Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, the carriage roads, Schoodic Point, seasons and vehicle reservations.Read the guide
The highest point on the US Atlantic coast, with a road and several trails to the bare granite summit and views over Bar Harbor and the islands. A vehicle reservation is required to drive the summit road from late May to October, especially for sunrise. Booking opens online in advance.
Pink granite cliffs rising about 110 feet above the sea along the Park Loop Road, among the highest headlands on the Atlantic coast. The Ocean Path passes along the top, and rock climbers use the cliffs. It is a lovely spot at sunrise, and you can watch lobster boats working below.
The Beehive is a short but steep climb above Sand Beach with iron rungs and ledges with drop-offs, not suited to those afraid of heights. The Great Head Trail nearby is gentler, looping around a headland with sea views. Avoid the Beehive in wet weather, and descend by the Bowl trail.
A very steep climb up the east face of Champlain Mountain using iron rungs, ladders and narrow ledges, about 1,000 feet of gain in under a mile. It is one of the most challenging hikes in the park. It usually closes in spring and summer for nesting peregrine falcons, so check its status.
A clear glacial lake with the twin rounded peaks of the Bubbles at its north end. A flat 3.3-mile path circles the shore, and a steeper trail climbs to Bubble Rock, a perched glacial boulder. Jordan Pond House has served tea and popovers on its lawn since the 1890s.
An easy coastal path of about two miles from Sand Beach to Otter Point, passing pink granite ledges and sea views. Thunder Hole is a narrow inlet where waves crash with a loud boom, best about two hours before high tide. Stay behind the railings when the sea is rough.
A small beach between granite headlands on the Park Loop Road, made largely of crushed shell fragments. The water rarely gets much warmer than the 50s Fahrenheit, so most visitors just wade. The parking area fills by mid morning in summer, so arrive early or use the free Island Explorer bus.
About 45 miles of broken stone roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. for horse-drawn carriages, now closed to cars and open to walkers, cyclists and horses. They pass stone bridges and lakes. Rent bikes in Bar Harbor, and remember e-bike rules and that horses have the right of way.
The only part of Acadia on the mainland, about an hour's drive from Bar Harbor or a seasonal ferry ride from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor. A one-way loop road follows the coast to Schoodic Point, where waves crash on wide granite ledges. It is much quieter than Mount Desert Island.
A lighthouse from 1858 on the quiet southwest side of Mount Desert Island, perched on red granite cliffs. A short path and stairs lead down the rocks for the classic view, which is best at sunset. The keeper's house is a private residence, and parking is very limited, so expect to wait.
Echo Lake is a freshwater lake with a sandy beach and lifeguards in summer, popular for swimming on the island's quieter western side. Somes Sound nearby is a long narrow inlet cutting into the island, often called a fjord. Drive along it to Northeast Harbor or take a boat cruise.
Bar Harbor is the lively gateway town with inns, shops, whale watch tours and lobster restaurants. At low tide a sand bar opens to Bar Island for about three hours on either side of low tide. Check tide tables carefully, as the water returns quickly and can strand walkers and cars.
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