Acadia National Park
Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most visited National Parks in the United States and one of the few parks on the East Coast. The park is made up of 49,071 acres of sprawling coast line along the Atlantic Ocean and is home to many unique landscapes, plant and animal species.
Ascend to new heights at Cadillac Mountain. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around Jordan Pond. Catch an astounding view of the Atlantic Ocean from the Beehive Trail. Marvel at the ocean’s might at Thunder Hole. There’s something at Acadia National Park for everyone!
Acadia National Park Stats
When to visit
Below is a chart outlining the average number of visitors and temperatures for each month in Acadia National Park as of 2023.
Plants and Animals at Acadia National Park
The national park service tracks each animal and plant species sighting in the park. The data below is a summary of the NPS Species database, updated in 2024.
Acadia National Park Best Hikes
There are many options for hikers eager to explore Acadia. Whether you choose to hike for a day or a week, read on for hikes ranging from easy to strenuous and carefully consider what you may need to pack to stay safe on your journey.
Please note: There is a fee to enter the park and passes may be bought in advance online .
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is accessible by car and is a popular destination for visitors. Many visitors choose to wake up early and drive to the summit to watch the sun rise from the cliffside.
You can hike 3.5 miles up to the Summit from Park Loop Road. The Island Explorer public shuttle can take you to the trailhead, but the shuttle does not go to the summit. If you wish to drive to the summit, you’ll need to take your own car. It’s best to get there early, as the summit gets crowded during peak park season.
There’s a short trail at the summit of the mountain, as well as a gift shop and restrooms. Vehicle reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May to mid-October and must be purchased in advance at Recreation.gov.
Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is another highly popular hike within Acadia National Park. It’s located off of Park Loop Road, approximately 30 minutes from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. This stop is accessible via private vehicle or the Island Explorer shuttle.
There are multiple day-hikes around Jordan Pond and in the area, including trail hikes and carriage roads. One of the most popular of these hikes is the Jordan Pond Path, a moderate 3.3 mile loop hike around the pond. This hike follows a boardwalk and includes some uneven footing including rocks and roots along the pond’s edge. Wading and swimming in the pond are strictly prohibited.
Beehive Trail
This 1.4 mile hike is strenuous and not a great choice for anyone afraid of heights. But if you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the Beehive Loop Trail. This loop starts off ascending a 450 ft cliff, including granite staircases and exposed cliff faces with no guardrails, and leads to stunning views over Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine stretching to the horizon.
The Beehive Loop begins on the Bowl Trail across the park loop road from Sand Beach and follows a loop back to the Bowl Trail at the end. This hike takes 1-3 hours to complete, depending on the number of breaks you take.
Precipice Trail
The Precipice Loop Trail is one of the most well-known hikes in Acadia National Park. This trail is a 3.2 mile loop ascending steep cliff faces to the top of Champlain Mountain for spectacular views. This trail is not recommended for small children, anyone afraid of heights or for anyone during wet weather conditions. This hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and begins at Precipice Trailhead. There is no public transit to Precipice Trailhead: Visitors must arrive via their own personal vehicles.
What to bring to Acadia National Park
Bringing the right gear is essential to explore the park safely and responsibly. Check out these packs other hikers brought to explore Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park - History
5,000 acres of what is now Acadia National Park became designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Over the next few years, more land was acquired. In 1919, President Wilson changed Acadia’s status from a National Monument to Lafayette National Park. In 1929, the last section of the park on Schoodic Peninsula was adopted and the park was redesignated as Acadia National Park.
The land now known as Acadia National Park was once home to Wabanaki Native Americans. As early as 1604 according to recorded history, French colonists began exploring this land and building relations with the Wabanaki people. The land began to be heavily settled in the mid-1800s with the rise of the “rusticators,” a group of wealthy artists and journalists who began painting and writing about Acadia, enhancing tourism in the region.
Acadia National Park Camping
Acadia National Park features four campgrounds: Duck Harbor, Seawall, Black Woods and Schoodic Woods. There are RV campsites as well as tent campsites available, as well as five lean-to shelters at Duck Harbor. All campsites must be reserved in advance. Reservations may be made at Recreation.gov.
There are also a number of Airbnb’s and other lodging in the nearby towns of Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor, for those who may prefer not to camp.
Other Resources:
If you’re planning a trip to Acadia National Park, check out the additional resources below for help.
