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.
Missing Mansion: George Dorr and the Founding of Acadia
Take a tour through the ruins of the historic Oldfarm mansion and learn about the history of George Dorr, the park's first superintendent and the founder of Acadia. Parking is limited at Compass Harbor. If the parking lot is filled then the program is full. Visitors can also walk a mile from Bar Harbor to the trailhead or take the 10# Blackwoods island explorer shuttle starting end of June. 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 207-288-8832 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
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).