Located in the U.S. state of Maine, the Acadia National Park encompasses majority of the Mount Desert Island and nearby smaller islands off the Atlantic coast. Its mountains, ocean shoreline, lakes and woodlands make amazing destinations for nature explorers.
Attractions and Activities in Acadia National Park
Park Loop Road, a 27-mile stretch, provides a quick tour of Acadia. Many attractions and trails including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff are readily accessible from here. The trek begins at the Hulls Cover Visitors Center and leads through Mount Desert Island’s eastern side.
Jordan Pond, a picturesque pond reflecting surrounding mountains, can be reached via Jordan Pond Nature Trail through evergreen forests or Jordan Pond Shore Trail, a tougher trail along the rocky coast. The Jordan Pond House Restaurant serves lobster rolls, soups, popovers and tea.
Cadillac Mountain is Acadia Park’s tallest mountain at 1,530 feet. Visitors can hike up the Cadillac Summit Loop Trail. It is the Park’s only attraction that is accessible by car, but the steep, narrow and winding road is meant for the bold and adventurous.
Sand Beach is a great picnic spot en route to the Beehive or Great Head trails. Located off Park Loop Road, the beach is known for its cool waters, sharp shells, and forests and rocky hills on either side.
Carriage Roads, a 45-mile network of paved paths, circles around Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake and mid-Mount Desert Island traversing the best scenery and landscapes.
Precipice Trail is a challenging path with iron rungs and ladders fixed to cliffs on Champlain Mountain to reach a picturesque summit for a spectacular view of Sand Beach.
Seawall is a natural granite and rock wall on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island. Near the ocean is a spruce-covered picnic spot, a perfect place for evening cookout with fire and grill.
Acadia Repertory Theater in Somesville offers children’s program in summer.
Acadia National Park Transportation
The nearest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, about 10 miles from Bar Harbor. It is served by several Colgan Air daily flights. Bangor International Airport, Portland International Jetport and Boston Logan International Airport are other airports near Bar Harbor. Greyhound and Concord Coach buses connect Boston Logan Airport/Boston South Station, Portland to Bangor. Amtrak Downeaster train services Boston North Station and Portland.
The Island Explorers provides free bus service between Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport and several Mount Desert Island locations including Acadia National Park destinations from the end of June through Columbus Day. It transports bicycles as well. Downeast Transportation and Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle connect Bangor and Bar Harbor. Taxis, limos, car rentals, RV rentals, bus tours and seasonal ferry services are readily available.
Accommodations near Acadia National Park
Accommodation options range from park campgrounds to nearby hotels. The Bar Harbor Grand Hotel in downtown Bar Harbor, a historic yet modern hotel, is just a few minutes from Acadia National Park. It features 70 superior rooms and two-bedroom units with first-class amenities including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, complimentary HBO, complimentary continental breakfast, laundry and more. Other facilities include fitness room, gift shop, on-site parking and free seasonal shuttle including bike transportation.