Acadia is the Cadillac of National Parks: So much to See & Do
Ready to explore Maine's rugged coasts and stunning coastal scenery? Acadia National Park is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a magical outdoor getaway. Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, this park offers many activities that make you feel like you've stepped into a true wilderness oasis. Whether it's exploring hiking trails, visiting spectacular lighthouses, or simply taking in breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Cadillac Mountain – there is something for everyone here! In this blog post, we'll examine what Acadia offers so you can start planning your ideal trip today.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the top ten most popular national parks in the U.S., with more than 4 million visitors annually. You will find Acadia along the rugged coast of Maine just southwest of Bar Harbor. It offers over 48,000 acres of breathtaking beauty, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes, and more.
Know Before You Go
Like all National Parks, an entrance fee is required. You can purchase a day pass online or at the park. If you have an America The Beautiful, Senior, Military, Access, or Annual pass from the national parks system, you will not need another pass to gain entry.
The busiest months for visitors at Acadia are July, August, and September.
Acadia provides transportation inside the park. The free Island Explorer bus system links hotels, inns, and campgrounds with popular attractions. It's a great option to avoid traffic and packed parking lots during the busy season. Information on routes can be found on the Island Explorer's website.
What to Do in Acadia
Explore Cadillac Mountain
The summit of Cadillac Mountain rises to 1,528 feet above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Acadia and the highest point along the entire east coast. Cadillac Summit Road is a three-mile drive to the top, with breathtaking views and scenic stops along the way. Of course, the best views are at sunrise or sunset.
At the top, you will find scenic overlooks, a gift shop, and restrooms connected by paved walks. Take your time and enjoy the beauty surrounding you. It's the reason Cadillac Mountain is so famous.
Cadillac Summit Road requires special vehicle reservations that can only be purchased at recreation.gov. The reservation prevents overcrowding at this popular activity. These reservations always fill up, so book as early as possible.
Take a Scenic Drive
The Acadia National Park Loop Road offers spectacular views of the park’s natural beauty. This 27-mile road is a 3-4 hour drive that winds along the coastline for incredible ocean views and access to all the tourist hotspots.
Hike a Trail
There are more than 150 miles of trails at Acadia National Park. Whether you are looking for challenging hikes or leisurely strolls, Acadia has your perfect hike with views to match. Many trails are dog-friendly so you can bring your 4 legged friend along too!
Little Long Pond
Although not technically in the National Park, one of our favorite places to go is a 1,000-acre park called Little Long Pond. It is a pet-friendly park that allows you to let your dog run around off-leash. It's a popular spot so it can be busy.
Bike a Carriage Road
Acadia offers 45 miles of rustic carriage and fire roads with sweeping vistas and beautiful views. The roads are about 16 feet wide and travel through stone bridges, over streams, beside waterfalls, and cliffs. It is a beautiful place for a ride.
Explore the “Quiet Side” of the Park
Enjoy some quiet time away from the crowds with a view to yourself. The west side of Acadia gets fewer visitors and is just as beautiful as the more touristy areas on the east side. There are plenty of trails, views, and vistas! Click here for more information on the west side of the park.
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
Explore historic Lighthouses
Acadia National Park manages three historic lighthouses: Baker Island Light Station, Bass Harbor Head Light Station, and Bear Island Light Station. Bass Harbor Head Light Station is one of the most popular attractions in the park. It has even been on the America the Beautiful quarter and a postage stamp. It is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
While Bass Harbor Head Light Station is beautiful, it is also crowded, especially at sunset, and parking is limited. More information about the lighthouse can be found on the Acadia NP website.
Baker Island Light Station sits on the south side of Mount Desert Island. There is no dock on the island, so it is only accessible by small boats. You can view the lighthouse from the water or take a guided tour on land. Access inside the lighthouse is not permitted.
The Bear Island Light Station is privately leased and closed to the public. You can view the lighthouse from the water.
Walk across historic bridges
Acadia National Park has many majestic bridges that stretch over rivers, carriage roads, and historic trails. You will find 32 historic bridges dating back to 1917. These magnificent bridges are built from stone or wood and scattered throughout the park. So take a moment to admire the construction of these hard-working bridges built so long ago.
Listen to the song of the warbler
If you love birdwatching, then Acadia is the place for you! At least 20 species of warblers come to Acadia to breed. Plus, another 308 different birds have been observed throughout Acadia. You only need your binos and a little patience to enjoy this premier birdwatching location. You will find the best birdwatching spots here.
StarGazing in Acadia
Stargazing in Acadia is a must for everyone. The night sky from the national park is something that you won’t soon forget. The stars light up the night, and you can even see the Milky Way! During a full moon, the light it reflects from the sun is so bright it glows across the ocean.
In 2011, Acadia began a quest to protect the night sky from light pollution. And even with the proximity to Portland, Boston, and other large cities, the night sky in Acadia is breathtaking.
You can help protect the dark sky
Use a red flashlight when walking around outside after dark
If coming into the park after dark, turn off headlights as soon as possible.
Turn off as many lights as possible in and around your RV or cabin.
Pull shades and curtains once you turn the lights on inside
Use warm-colored lights with only as much intensity or brightness as necessary
More info on how you can protect dark skies
Put your toes in TIDEPOOLS
Acadia is the perfect place to see what lies beneath. You can see barnacles, snails, crabs, bugs, and even starfish. The best time to visit a tidepool is about an hour before and after low tide. Acadia offers three excellent locations for tidepooling: Bar Island, Ship Harbor, and Schoodic Peninsula.
Before you head out to see the beautiful marine life, remember the following tips to keep you and the fishies safe.
Before getting into the water, wash sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and bug spray off your hands to protect marine life from harsh chemicals.
Do not wade into the tidepools. You could hurt the marine life and habitat.
Be mindful of where you place your feet. So you don’t hurt or injure marine life.
Collection is prohibited, including rocks and marine life.
Never use force to remove an animal. Replace animals where you find them.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park offers something for everyone in the family. So next time you find yourself in Maine – even if it’s just for a weekend – head on over to Acadia National Park and experience it all! Now that you know the best things to do in Acadia, click the link below to find the best campgrounds around Acadia NP!
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Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.
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