National Park

Acadia National Park

National Park★ 4.9
Cadillac Mountain sunset overlook in Acadia National Park shows a rocky, mossy foreground with grasses and pines as a glowing horizon melts into a colorful sky.

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) bring lighter crowds and milder conditions for hiking and exploring. July typically marks the peak in visitation, while September often delivers cooler weather and fewer visitors.

Highlights

Why Visit
Acadia sits on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s coast. Granite shorelines meet forested uplands and glacial outcrops, creating a mosaic of coastal, woodland, and mountain habitats. The park spans broad shorelines, inland carriage roads, and rugged summits, so planning is essential: Cadillac Summit Road is open to motor vehicles only with a reservation from mid-May through mid-October, daily from sunrise to sunset. Reservations are purchased online through Recreation.gov; 30% of slots are released 90 days in advance and the remaining 70% are released two days before the date at 10:00 a.m. ET. The reservation is per vehicle, not per person, and does not guarantee a parking space. Park management aims to protect natural resources while maintaining access and guiding visitors toward low-impact use, underpinned by long-term scientific study and climate resilience across this dynamic coastal ecosystem.
Top Things To Do
Cadillac Mountain sunrise; Ocean Path from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff; Jordan Pond and the Jordan Pond House; Bike the Carriage Roads; Bass Harbor Head Light overlook

Areas to plan around

Cadillac Mountain & Park Loop
Cadillac Summit Road (seasonal), Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Park Loop vistas
Jordan Pond & The Bubbles
Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock Trail, The Bubbles rock formations, kettle ponds
Carriage Roads & Lakes
Carriage Roads network for cycling and walking; Eagle Lake; scenic bridges
Schoodic Peninsula
Schoodic Head, Schoodic Loop, quieter shoreline experiences

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Bar Harbor, ME (BHB) and Bangor, ME (BGR) are common access points; additional options include Portland (PWM) and other regional airfields
Getting There Driving Distances
From Bangor to Bar Harbor roughly 1.5–2 hours by car; from Portland area about 3.5–4 hours; distances vary based on route and seasonal road Status
Getting There Entrances
Primary gate at Route 3 (Bar Harbor side); Cadillac Summit Road entry; Schoodic Peninsula entry on Route 186
Getting Around Shuttles
Island Explorer is the recommended transport to avoid parking congestion; network covers key park areas and trails
Getting Around Reservations
Vehicle reservations required for Cadillac Summit Road from late May through mid-October for sunrise/peak times; all other entries are by permit/fee purchase as applicable
Getting Around Parking
Parking limited and fills early; Sand Beach lot routinely full by 9:00 AM; plan for shuttle or backup options

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
In-park camping available at designated sites: Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut); reservations required via Recreation.gov
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, Schoodic Woods Campground, Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut)
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Bar Harbor (gateway town with services, lodging, and access to Hulls Cove arrivals)

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Wildlife presence includes porcupines and ticks; keep a safe distance from all wildlife; carry appropriate repellents and check regulations; food storage in locked containers
Safety Weather
Fog common along the coastline; rapid weather shifts possible, especially at Cadillac Mountain; plan for cooler conditions at elevation
Safety Altitude
Cadillac Mountain rises to 1,530 feet (466 m)
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out trash; stay on trails; minimize impact on fragile ecosystems; observe Leave No Trace principles
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry camping or overnight stays require backcountry permits; camping is limited to designated campgrounds; dispersed or winter camping not allowed
Wildlife Overview
Diverse coastal and forest fauna; porcupines and ticks present; bears less common than in western parks
Wildlife Where To See
Coastal edge zones, forested ridges, and lake regions; be mindful near water and trailheads
Wildlife Safety
Maintain distance; do not feed wildlife; carry bear spray only if local regulations require or recommend; follow posted guidelines

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Drive Park Loop West to East with Cadillac Mountain; Day 2: Jordan Pond and carriage roads; Day 3: Schoodic Peninsula and Bass Harbor headlight
Entrance Hacks
Cadillac Summit Road requires reservations May–Oct for sunrise/peak times; Park Loop is best accessed early; Sand Beach lot fills by 9 AM, plan shuttle or earlier arrival
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE: Bar Harbor area offers more dining and services; EAST SIDE: Schoodic Peninsula provides windier, quieter experiences; plan two stays if possible
Crowd Calendar
July is peak mosquitoes and wildflowers; September is crowd-free but cooler; June may have winter road closures limiting full-road access
Tips Advice
  • Buy passes online
  • Reserve Cadillac Summit Road if planning sunrise/peak visits
  • Shuttle is highly recommended
  • Do not feed wildlife
  • Bring layers and waterproof gear

More details

Park Code
acad
Tagline
Gateway to Mount Desert Island
Operating Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee
$6.00 - Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
$35/vehicle (7 days); $30/motorcycle; $20/person on foot or bike; children 15 and under free; America the Beautiful Pass accepted. 2026 non-resident surcharge: $100/person ages 16+ for non-US residents.
Nearby Services
Bar Harbor provides gas, medical, and dining options; limited services within the Park boundaries
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger activities available during peak season; check schedules at Hulls Cove or Sieur de Monts
Accessibility
Key facilities include Hulls Cove Visitor Center (Bar Harbor), Sieur de Monts Nature Center, Rockefeller Welcome Center, and Park Headquarters (Winter Visitor Center). Hulls Cove and Rockefeller centers have accessible restrooms and paved or level paths in parts of the campus; Sieur de Monts offers a paved route and accessible facilities. Trails range from smooth, boardwalked segments to rugged, unpaved routes; availability of accessible options depends on the chosen route. Check current trail notes and park maps for specifics.
Photography Tips
Position for Cadilllac Mountain sunrise and dramatic coastlines; avoid blocking traffic on Park Loop viewpoints
When To Visit Peak Season
July
When To Visit Shoulder Season
May and September
When To Visit Winter
Park Loop Road closed Dec 1–Apr 14; Cadillac Summit Road generally closed Dec 1–Apr 14; unpaved roads closed mid-November through mid-May
When To Visit Road Opening
Cadillac Summit Road open late May through mid-October for reservations; Park Loop Road typically reopens in spring after closures; unpaved roads reopen as weather permits
Weather Averages
Coastal Maine climate; summers mild and pleasant; frequent sea fog and wind; elevation adds temperature variability
Weather Precipitation
Moderate precipitation; frequent mist and light rain; heavier rain possible in shoulder seasons
Weather Info
Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 45-90F (7-30C). Fall temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C). Typically the first frost is in mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 73 inches (185 cm). Winter temperatures range from 14-35F (-10 - 2C). Spring temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C).
What To Bring Essential Gear
Water, base layers and insulating layers, rain shell, sturdy footwear, map or GPS, flashlight
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; wool or synthetic layers; waterproof outerwear; gloves and hat for cooler conditions
Review Summary
Visitors consistently note the park’s scale and coastline require planning; parking can be tight in peak months; the shuttle system helps mitigate congestion

Location

Fall colors line the cliff overlook over Somes Sound in Acadia National Park, with calm blue water and distant islands.Sunset over a rugged Acadia coastline with jagged rocks and pine trees framing a calm inlet.Rugged Schoodic Peninsula shoreline along Acadia National Park with rocky coast, evergreens, and calm blue Atlantic waters.Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park reflects forested shores with the Bubbles rising beyond.Hiker at a rocky Cadillac Mountain overlook in Acadia National Park gazes over Frenchman Bay.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation for Cadillac Summit Road?

Yes. Vehicle reservations are required from late May through mid-October for sunrise or peak times via Recreation.gov. Outside that window, general access follows standard park entry rules.

What passes do I need to enter Acadia?

A 7-day entrance pass is $35 per vehicle; online digital passes are available; other passes include America the Beautiful $80/year and Acadia Annual $70/year; youth under 15 are free.

Where can I camp inside the park?

Designated campgrounds include Blackwoods, Seawall, Schoodic Woods, and Duck Harbor (Isle au Haut); backcountry camping requires a permit and is not allowed in unapproved areas.

Is Island Explorer the best way to get around?

Yes. The fare-free Island Explorer operates late May–mid-October and helps avoid parking congestion along Park Loop Road and popular trailheads.

Are pets allowed in Acadia?

Pets are allowed on most carriage roads and trails with a 6-foot leash, but not in certain beaches, public buildings, or on steep trails; never leave pets unattended.

Essential Acadia National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park's planning library.

Evergreen Yurts

Private baths in each 24’ yurt; forested base near Acadia with creekside trails.

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Highbrook Motel

Vintage 1950s motel near Acadia. Quiet, spotless, breakfast delivered to your door.

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Schoodic Point

2.5-mile loop: scrambling on granite; quiet coastal payoff.

Beehive Trail

Hard loop with iron rungs and cliff exposure; big payoff at the summit.

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Drive Park Loop Road

27-mile scenic loop past coastal views and mountain overlooks. Expect crowds in summer.

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PITA COAST

Shawarma wrap or falafel wrap with hummus; hibiscus soda to brighten the bite.

Humblebee Cafe

"The Slammer" breakfast, or The Gobbler with fries—top crunch, perfect toast.

Clark Point Cafe

Blueberry Dutch Baby: popover-light, blueberry caramel; sells out fast.

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Cadillac Mountain

Granite crown; first light on the U.S. coast; sculpted by ancient glaciers.

Sand Beach

Shell-sand beach in a cliffed cove; waves grind shells into sand.

Echo Lake Beach

Flat sandy shore on Echo Lake; a glacial lake formed in the Pleistocene.

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Little Deer Isle

Quiet coastal outpost with an artsy edge. Plan ahead: early kitchens, cash, and a car.

Bucksport

Bucksport: practical base near Acadia. Gas up, stock groceries, and plan dinner before you roll toward the park.

Milbridge

Milbridge: a quiet fishing town 40 min from Acadia. Gas up first; kitchens close early.

Corea

Sleepy Downeast fishing village near Schoodic. Expect limited services and early kitchen hours.

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All Acadia National Park guides 11 published

Browse the complete planning library, grouped by the decision you are making.

Park strategy

Getting there

Trails & hiking

Photography & scenery

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.