With beautiful ocean views, picturesque lakes, stunning mountain top vistas, hiking trails of all types, and more, Acadia National Park is packed with things to do for every type of visitor.
The park is divided into 5 distinct areas: Mount Desert Island East, Mount Desert Island West, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle de Haut (High Island), and also the Outer Islands.
At the end of this post, look for BONUS information about PRICING and TIPS for entering Acadia National Park. Also, look for a list of the MOST POPULAR HIKING TRAILS, organized by level of difficulty and distance.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND EAST: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
1. Sieur de Monts
Sieur de Monts actually has several different features. In non-COVID times, there is a visitor center with a few interactive exhibits, but which currently is manned by a ranger that stands outside the building. The Springhouse (pictured above) was built over a small spring.
Additionally, there are the Wild Gardens of Acadia (see below) with walking paths winding through it. Many people prefer hiking in this area as most of the terrain is flatter making the trails easier to navigate than many of the others.
2. Sand Beach
Sand Beach in Bar Harbor stretches for 290 yards. The incredible sand on the shore is actually seashells, pulverized by the relentless surf. Be ready, though because the water is cold! It is worth noting, however, the summer temperature does not usually exceed 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Thunder Hole
This natural wonder is a popular destination for both video and still photographers.
When you time your visit and are there 1-2 hours before high tide, the waves crash through a crevice into the mouth of a cave, creating a “thunder” as the air pressure in the cave competes with the mass of the wave.
4. Otter Cliff
One of the highest coastal headlands in North America, Otter Cliff looms 110 feet in height. The vantage point is easily within walking distance from Sand Beach and Thunder Hole.
5. Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the first place on the continent to see the sunrise during the winter months. It is the tallest peak in that part of the seaboard and offers stunning panoramic views.
Parking can be difficult to find if you are wanting to take pictures of the sunrise so you will need to get there super early.
6. Hulls Cove Visitor Center
As one of the main visitor centers, Hulls Cove Visitor Center has many activities and programs, along with Rangers on hand, to offer any assistance you may need. Along with a gift shop, this is also the place to pick up your booklet for any Junior Rangers you may have with you.
Daily hours are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and the location is closed for winter from October 24, 2021, until May 6, 2022.
You can purchase passes and tickets here as well as get any information you may be needing. it is also one of the shuttle stops if you would prefer to get around that way.
Additionally, the visitor center is actually at the top of the hill, not right at the edge of the parking lot.
There is a sign at the bottom of the steps telling you exactly how many steps it will take (52 if memory serves). It is definitely a bit of a challenge for some.
That said, the steps are very wide with a landing area if you need to stop and take a breather. You can take as long as you need.
7. Wild Gardens of Acadia
Managed by the Bar Harbor Garden Club, the gardens are a peaceful, beautiful location to visit. The nine display areas include over 300 labeled native plant specimens.
It is free year-round with park entry fees and they are always looking for volunteers.
8. Abbe Museum of Wabanaki
Art, history, and culture honor the first people to call the area home. This museum also honors communities including the Abenaki, Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations and all of the Native communities who have lived here for thousands of generations.
9. Jordan Pond House
A visit to Jordon House is a great way to refuel after a day of hiking in the park. The restaurant features all the local fare, besides that, the popovers here are a must.
The service is dine-in only and if you come around lunchtime, be prepared to wait. I went through the gift shop next door while I was waiting and it was a great way to kill the time plus get a souvenir or two.
10. Blackwoods Campground
This campground hosts 281 total sites. There is potable water but no electricity.
The campground has 60 small RV sites available, also.
11. Village Green Information Center & Park
Before you arrive at Acadia, stop at the Village Green Information Center located in downtown Bar Harbor.
Avoid the circling of the parking lot and waiting on crowds at the park’s entry points and secure your passes here. This is the most relaxed place to find park information and plan your visit to Acadia.
The park is in the same area as the information center. It is frequently the site for various activities throughout the year.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND WEST: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
12. Seawall
The Seawall is a unique beach formation. Because of the directional currents, large rocks wash up on the beach forming a wall. This is a great place to explore, picnic, and visit tidepools.
13. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
The lighthouse is open to the public for free, although it was closed when I was there. It sits majestically atop an open cliff but be prepared to climb some rocks if you want a sea-side vantage.
From the landside, you can walk right up to the house, which looks much smaller than it does in the pictures. it is still an interesting place to visit and is one of the most photographed lighthouses.
*Note* The parking lot is really small, so get there early or be prepared to wait to park. Especially if you are there during peak tourist season. I was there in October and while it was fairly full, we were able to find a spot..
14. Acadia Mountain
Acadia Mountain has a 500-foot summit. However, the 2.8 miles of the trail consists of only a moderately strenuous hiking trail that loops through the forest and over the peak. Interestingly, the Acadia Mountain trail is a quiet hike and not as popular as trails on the other side of the island.
15. Beech Mountain
The mountain hosts a 1.2-mile walking trail that climbs to the cliffs overlooking Echo Lake Beach. A historic fire lookout tower sits atop the mountain. However, the tower is not open for visitors and is no longer used.
16. Echo Lake Beach
Echo Lake Beach is a popular freshwater swimming destination on the island. Although the maximum depth is 60 feet, the lake and the beach itself have a very gradual slope, staying shallow for quite a distance. Its water is much warmer than the ocean and the water is clear.
17. Carroll Homestead
John and Rachel Carroll homesteaded this small farm, building their Mountain House here, and moved in in 1825. Over the years, most original homesteads were sold, razed, and developed for other use, but here is a rare survivor.
For 92 years, three generations of Carrolls lived on and worked the farm. Although it was closed when I was there, I was able to get some pictures of the inside through the windows.
18. Seawall Ranger Station and Seawall Campground
An interesting campground, it only has 59 RV-only sites. Potable water is available, but electricity isn’t.
Overall, there are 202 total sites, with 98 accessible only by foot or boat.
19. Pretty Marsh Picnic Area
This picnic area is near the lighthouse in Bass Harbor. In order to access it, follow the wooden stairs going through trees that lead to the shoreline. A much quieter place for a picnic than most of the island.
The area does have bathroom facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits. However, you will need to bring your own fuel and water is not available.
SCHOODIC PENINSULA: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
20. Schoodic Point
Schoodic Point is on the southern tip of the Schoodic Peninsula and it is known as one of the best vantage points to see the surf pound the shoreline during rough seas. Also to be seen from here is Cadillac Mountain and the dark basalt veins known as diabase dikes.
21. Blueberry Hill
I don’t know if this is the one Fats Domino sang about, but it has an amazing vantage point of and access to the coast. Tidepools abound here and nature lovers can find marine life trapped by low tides in them. This is also the trailhead for Anvil Trail and Alder Trail.
22. Frazer Point Picnic Area
You will find fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and nearby restroom facilities. Bring your fuel and water, because none is available here.
23. Rockefeller Building
You will see this huge and beautiful visitor center long before you arrive. A causeway from Schoodic Peninsula connects to Moose Island. Once home to a Naval base, you can find local history and park information here.
24. Schoodic Woods Campground and Ranger Station
Schoodic293a.jpg
Although small, this campground has 89 total sites with electricity to 78 of them. Additionally, it serves up to 41 RVs with a variety of accommodations and prices (RV with electric and water, 20/30/50 amp is $40). Since both water and electricity are available, book your stay as early as you can.
ISLE DE HAUT: “High Island”: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
The island is the most remote area of Acadia and is accessible only by ferry.
25. Duck Harbor Campground
This isolated campground is on Isle de Haut, off the coast of Stonington, Maine. There are only five sites here, and it is accessible only by boat.
This campground features 5 three-sided lean-to shelters, with floors and roofs. Each shelter accommodates up to 6 people. The fee is $22 and you will need a reservation.
26. Western Head Trail
For those wanting a moderately difficult 1.3-mile hike, this remote (desolate?) trail has connections to other trails. Additionally, at low tide, a land bridge appears, connecting Isle de Haut with Western Ear.
27. Isle De Haut Lighthouse on Robinson Point
The tiny island boasts a spectacular, working 1907 lighthouse. You will see it when you arrive by the mail boat. However, the lighthouse isn’t open for tours, except as arranged through the docent.
OUTER ISLANDS: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
28. Islesford Historical Museum
Located on Cranberry Island, the museum hosts both permanent and visiting displays that feature life on the island and the hardy inhabitants.
On permanent exhibit are objects that tell stories of island life including ship clocks, sextants and octants, harpoon guns, and store ledgers and weights. In addition to the museum and interpretive exhibits, facilities include restrooms, drinking fountains, and a small bookstore.
29. Baker Island Light
Baker Island Light is rich in local lore filled with love, spite, envy, and drama. This 40’ light sitting at 125’ elevation is less necessary as time advances. Beginning in 1832, the position has hosted the light with brief periods of disuse.
Tours are still conducted although trees are growing in the area, slowly engulfing the structure’s visibility.
BONUS: THINGS TO DO IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Hike the stunning trails in Acadia National Park
The park actually has over 125 miles of trails that range in level of difficulty from very easy to strenuous. Below are just a few of the main trails, divided into levels of difficulty and distance.
FEES FOR ENTERING ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Entrance fees are good for 7 days.
Private Vehicle- 15 passenger capacity or less- $30.00
Motorcycle – $25.00
Acadia Entrance Fee – Per Person, bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian- $15.00.
Youth 15 and under – free of charge.
PASSES TO ENTER ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Acadia Annual Pass – Pass only provides access to Acadia National Park – $55.00
Interagency Annual Pass– Provides access to all National Parks for a few more dollars- $80.00
*Tip– Interagency passes are good for a full year and are based on months, not days. This means that they are good for 12 months, not 365 days. So wait until the first of the month to purchase if you want to get a full 12 months’ worth of use.
Even if you purchase one on the last day of any month, it includes that month so you only actually have another 11 months to use it.
For example, the pass wouldn’t go from September 30, 2021-September 30, 2022 but from September through August. It doesn’t matter that there was only one day left in the month; if it was bought in September on any date, September is included. If you can wait and purchase at the beginning of the month, then you would get the full 12 months’ use.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Reservations are available 2 months in advance. Tent camping and RV sites are available, sites are $22-$30 per night. Dump stations and potable water are available.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Drop-in and scheduled programs are available. The booklets can be picked up and returned at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
This is a favorite activity of the granddaughters! They have collected badges from numerous ones across the country and it seems to really increase their level of engagement and they look forward to it at every national park they visit.
We were only able to spend a few days at the park this last trip and are planning on returning again. There are so many more things to do and see at Acadia National Park.
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