National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS / Kristi Rugg
Acadia National Park
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.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
3.2 mi · 1,000 ft gain · loop
Iron rungs, ladders, and sheer cliff faces up Champlain Mountain with ocean views. Seasonally closed for peregrine falcon nesting.
Starts at: Precipice Trailhead
1.4 mi · 450 ft gain · loop
Steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces with dramatic views of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine.
Starts at: Beehive Trailhead
4.4 mi · 1,100 ft gain · out & back
Exposed granite ridge hike to the highest point on the eastern seaboard with sweeping views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula.
Starts at: Cadillac North Ridge Trailhead
7.1 mi · 1,350 ft gain · out & back
The longest single-summit trail in the park, ascending through forest to an exposed granite ridgeline with panoramic Atlantic Ocean views.
Starts at: Cadillac South Ridge Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Carriage Road Bike Tour
Enjoy the car-free carriage roads at a comfortable pace on a ranger-guided 6.0 mile moderate ride while discovering the diverse beauty and history of Acadia. The program price includes the use of a 21-speed bike and helmet for the full day. Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Carroll Homestead Open House
Explore the grounds of an 1800s homestead and farm, play games, and hear family stories. Living history for children, adults, and families. At Carroll Homestead in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Carroll Homestead is wheelchair accessible with an accessible portable toilet on site. You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Acadia Photography Walk
Interested in photography? A park volunteer will share tips on how to capture the beauty of Acadia. The program is for enthusiasts of all levels. Participants will learn more about their cameras and the park's most iconic locations. Mirrorless, DSLR or films cameras. Sorry, no cell phones cameras. To Register: Reservations are required and can be made by calling (207) 288-3338, option 0 starting 3 days prior to the program. Limited to 6 participants. Location given with reservation. Ages 15+. No dogs. Important Visitor Information: The program leader suggests bringing a tripod, a wide-angle lens for landscapes, and a zoom lens for birds and wildlife. Bring bug spray, sunscreen and water. Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or acadia_information@nps.gov. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: April
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
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).