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Breathtaking Acadia National Park…Discover its Extraordinary Beauty and Mystery

Last updated on February 20th, 2020 at 12:57 pm

Acadia National Park is a place like no other on Earth. Every corner of the park is breathtaking!

Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, the park has about 130 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Acadia National Park is the fifth smallest national park in the US with a land area of about 49,000 acres.

However, this small park is among the top ten most visited national parks. With an average of 2.4 million visitors each year, people visit the park to explore its beauty and uncover its secrets. The magnificent scenic views, evergreen forests, rosy granite mountaintops, ocean shoreline, rocky cliffs and picture-perfect lakes, it attracts visitors from all over the world!

acadia-national-park-scenic view

There is so much to see and do in Acadia National Park for nature lovers and families. Get off the beaten path to find and discover wildlife, plants, beaches, natural wonders, experience the island, and you will be amazed by the extraordinary beauty and mystery of this park.

Did you know?

  • Acadia National Park is the first National Park east of Mississippi and the only national park in the Northeast.
  • The park has a unique and fascinating history because it was created with land donations of private citizens with a vision to protect and preserve the park.
  • In July 2010, President Barack Obama, along with his family, had their vacation in the park.
  • Good Morning America named Acadia “America’s Favorite Place” in 2014.
  • In 2016, Acadia National Park is celebrated its100th birthday along with National Park Service.
  • There are 26 mountains, 6,000 lakes and ponds, and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams in the park.

Top Things to do and See in Acadia National Park

Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road lets you enjoy the scenic views and get a good overview and quick tour of the park without leaving your vehicle. It leads to popular trails and sites like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff.

Carriage Roads

The park has 45 miles of carriage roads for biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking.

acadia national park carriage roads

Thunder Hole

Plan your trip and time your visit to the waves and tidal surge into the rocky shores in this beautiful natural formation.

acadia national park thunder hole

Cadillac Mountain

The panoramic views at the top of the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic Coast is a must see for park visitors. You can hike, bike or drive to see the best views Acadia has to offer. At the top of the mountain, there are restrooms and a shop that sells snacks.

acadia-national-park-cadillac mountain top view

Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in Acadia. You can see the light from the lighthouse as far as 13 miles away in the ocean. Although it is not open to the public, the lighthouse is a tourist spot that makes the perfect setting during your vacation.

acadia-national-park-lighthouse

Sieur de Monts Spring

Sieur de Monts Spring is the heart of Acadia National Park where other must see park attractions are located such as the Acadia Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Abbe Museum, Sweet Waters of Acadia Spring, and hiking trails.

Sand Beach

This is one of the most popular attractions in the park. Sand beach is a gorgeous long beach with a spectacular setting with stunning mountains and rocky shores. It is a great place where people can relax and enjoy activities along the shore.

acadia national park rocky beach shore

Whale Watching

Whale watching is a great family activity in Acadia. Book a whale-watching tour and see Humpback, Finback and Minke Whales in action.

Hiking

The park offers historic hiking trails, both for beginners and seasoned hikers. Hiking in Acadia National Park is a great way to explore the park and enjoy seeing breathtaking views while exploring the mountains.

acadia-national-park-mountain views

Camping

Acadia National Park is basically a camper’s paradise. Choose from the three campgrounds and plan your visit to experience the best outdoor activities the park has to offer.

acadia-national-park-camping sunset

Things to Consider when Preparing for a Camping Trip

Campgrounds

Acadia National Park offers a wide variety of campgrounds to visitors who want a rustic kind of vacation. There are modernized campgrounds that offer various amenities for a more comfortable stay. There are also remote camping sites to have a more rugged camping experience.

Blackwoods Campgrounds – “The most popular campground”

Availability: Open year-round, but reservations are required from May 1 to October 31
Location: Five miles south of Bar Harbor
Amenities: 306 wooded campsites and RV sites, picnic tables, campfire ring, bathrooms
Advantages: Perfect location near the ocean, Bar Harbor, the Park Loop Road, and many hiking trails
Disadvantages: No showers available
Camping Fee: May to October $30 per site, per night
April and November $15 per site, per nights (self-registration)

Seawall Campgrounds – “Second most popular campground”

Availability: Open from late May to September 6, reservations are recommended
Location: 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor.
Amenities: 200 wooded campsites, picnic tables, campfire rings, bathrooms with flush toilets
Disadvantages: No showers available
Camping Fee: $22 per night for walk-in tent sites

Schoodic Woods Campground – “Acadia’s newest campground”

Availability: Reservations are required
Location: Near Schoodic Peninsula
Amenities: 94 campsites, RV sites, nine hike-in campsites, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets
Disadvantages: No utility hookups
Camping Fee: $22 walk-in tent sites

Many campgrounds in Acadia are within a 10 minute walk from the ocean and have access to park activities such as fishing, and whale watching for park guests. Some remote camping sites are also located near hiking trails.

Pets

Acadia is a pet-friendly national park. Pets are allowed on most trails in the park and in all public areas but must be kept on a leash at all times and may not be left unattended. Pets are not allowed on trails that require iron rungs or ladders, public buildings, and in Duck Harbor Campground, Wild Gardens of Acadia, and on Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach (during high season). Pet owners are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of their pet’s waste. Do not leave your pets locked in the car to ensure their safety from extreme heat.

hiking with pets

Best Time to go

Acadia National Park is open year-round, but most people visit Acadia during the summer months and the fall foliage season. Check with Maine Publicity Bureau for more information about fall foliage.Some facilities in the park are closed in the winter when snow and ice are common, but it is also a beautiful season to visit the park. In spring, blackflies are common and mosquitoes can be annoying. Pack light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and insect repellant for protection.

acadia-national-park-winter activities

Weather

Be prepared for various types of weather conditions in the park. Rain is possible and frequent at any time and fog is common during the months of June, July and August. Plan your trip accordingly and be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Check the latest weather conditions and call the park at (207)288-3338.

Tips for Planning your Camping Trip

  • If you are planning a trip to the park during the park’s busy season, arrive at the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowd. If you want to stay at a campsite, arrive at the park early.
  • For reservations to Blackwoods, Schoodic Woods, and Seawall campgrounds, reserve online at www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
  • Group campsites, which accommodate groups of 15 people are located at Blackwoods, Schoodic Woods, and Seawall campgrounds. Group camping regulations must be followed.
  • All camping must be done on established campgrounds.
  • Overnight backpacking is prohibited in Acadia National Park because the park is small and fragile.
  • Camping fees are subject to change. Camping fees and entrance fees are separate charges.
  • Park regulations require all campers to properly store food, trash, cooking utensils, and other items that may attract wildlife. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
  • All campers must comply with the conditions set in camping permits.
  • Protect the park and follow camping regulations. For more information, check here.

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