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 offers coastal scenery, woodland walks and summit outings across Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. Choose a geographic area before adding stops: a reservation, ferry connection or bus timetable can determine whether the day works. Keep park admission separate from a Cadillac drive or campground booking.
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
Cadillac Summit Road vehicle reservations are required May 20–October 25, 2026, for both sunrise and daytime entry. Book the $6 reservation on Recreation.gov; park admission is separate. Other park roads do not use this vehicle-reservation system.
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
Reserve Cadillac access separately from admission. Choose an Island Explorer route when it serves your outing; do not count on a particular parking lot having space.
Basecamp Logic
West Side: Bar Harbor area has more dining and services. East Side: Schoodic Peninsula tends to be windier and quieter. If you can, split your stay to see both sides.
Crowd Calendar
Do not treat September as crowd-free or infer road access from a calendar month. Build the day around current access and transport information.
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
$35 private vehicle entrance pass, valid 7 days; Cadillac vehicle reservation is a separate $6.
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 has gas stations, medical facilities, and dining options; within the park boundaries, services are limited, with more choices and supplies available in Bar Harbor or nearby towns.
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
Separate the seasonal road opening from the reservation window. Check NPS road conditions before choosing a driving route.
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, during the 2026 window shown above. Sunrise and daytime drives both require a reservation; this is not a peak-hours-only rule.

What passes do I need to enter Acadia?

Standard seven-day admission is $35 by private vehicle, $30 by motorcycle, or $20 on foot or bicycle for visitors age 16+. Non-US residents age 16+ pay an additional $100 unless covered by an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Check current NPS pass eligibility.

Where can I camp inside the park?

Reserve a designated campground through Recreation.gov. Acadia does not allow backcountry, out-of-bounds, overnight-parking or winter camping. Duck Harbor requires a separate Isle au Haut travel plan.

Is Island Explorer the best way to get around?

It can reduce driving when a route serves your destination. Check the service calendar above and the last return bus; it is not transport to Cadillac Summit Road.

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.

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Acadia Mountain

Loop hike with granite scrambling; coastal views reward your grit.

Acadia Mountain Trailhead

1.7 miles out-and-back, 985 ft gain; rock scrambling to a summit with Somes Sound and Echo Lake views.

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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.

Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop

Clam Trax: milk-chocolate ice cream with peanut butter swirl, yogurt pretzels, Oreo crunch.

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Echo Lake

Dark waters in a granite basin. Swim the lifeguarded beach, paddle, or hike Beech Mountain from one lot.

Little Hunters Beach

Fist-sized cobblestones frame a secluded Atlantic beach. Glacier-rounded stones, slippery rocks, cold water.

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Milbridge

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

Sedgwick

Quiet working town near Acadia; refuel before Sedgwick and plan dinner by 9 PM.

Prospect

Prospect is a quiet outpost near Acadia; gas hours vary, bring cash, and plan for early closures.

Steuben

Quiet outpost with a fishing past; expect limited dining and early kitchens. Gas up before you head toward Acadia.

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Abbe Museum

Bathrooms, maps, and Dawnland film—start your Bar Harbor visit here.

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Moose

Meet the biggest deer around, the moose. Beautiful beast, wide berth required.

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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.