Acadia National Park
National Park · Maine

Acadia National Park

Photo: Plh1234us · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Acadia protects granite coastline, lakes and forested peaks on Mount Desert Island, next to the town of Bar Harbor. Highlights include Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. From late May to late October you need a separate vehicle reservation to drive the Cadillac Summit Road, so book it ahead.

Good to know

Tickets
The park charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates. Non-US residents pay an extra per-person fee here. Driving Cadillac Summit Road from late May to late October also needs a timed vehicle reservation on Recreation.gov.
Time needed
2 to 3 days to drive Park Loop Road, hike and bike the carriage roads.
Best time
June and September for mild weather; early October for fall color, but it is busy.
Getting there
Bar Harbor sits at the park's edge. Bangor International Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away by car.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Bar Harbor, Maine
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Acadia National Park questions

Do I need a reservation for Cadillac Mountain?

Yes, to drive up from late May to late October you need a vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov. Hiking or biking up needs no reservation.

What are the best hikes in Acadia?

Popular picks are the Beehive, Jordan Pond Path, Gorham Mountain and the Precipice Trail for experienced hikers.

Where should I stay near Acadia?

Bar Harbor has the most hotels and restaurants. The park also has campgrounds, including Blackwoods and Seawall, which take reservations.

Nearby national parks