Acadia National Park

Arrive prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. Summer temperatures vary from 45° F to 85° F, spring and fall temperatures from 30° F to 70° F. You may encounter rain and fog at any time, and snow and ice are common in the winter.

Acadia National Park is open all year. Information is available at park headquarters all year and at Hulls Cove Visitor Center from April 15 through October.

Most facilities—including the visitor center, museums, picnic areas, Seawall Campground, and many roads—close during the winter. Most of the Park Loop Road, including the road to Cadillac Mountain, is closed from December 1 through April 14 and at other times when severe weather creates dangerous conditions.

Please see the list below for operating hours and seasons of park facilities. Detailed information about seasonal closures and road closures is available.

Entrance fee between May 1 and October 31
Camping and activity fees start at $10

Reservations are recommended for camping at Blackwoods Campground from May 1 to October 31.

Acadia National Park is a destination for more than two million visitors each year. With many different facilities and attractions in the park, there is something to interest everyone.

The average visitor spends three to four days in the area, although you easily could fill a week with activities in the park and nearby attractions. Listed below are some suggestions based on length of stay. Use the information on this website to tailor these activities to suit your own interests. Whatever you chose to do, remember to take some time to relax and enjoy your time in the park.

The list below is intended for visits between mid-April and October. Many facilities and roads are closed during the winter; for more information, visit Operating Hours and Seasons.

If you have a half day…

Stop at the visitor center to pick up a map and park newspaper (the Beaver Log), pay your entrance fee, watch the 15-minute orientation video, and plan your visit using the 3-D map of Mount Desert Island.
Drive the 20-mile Park Loop Road for breathtaking views of ocean, mountains, and forests. Don't forget the 3.5-mile road up Cadillac Mountain. Driving the entire road, including short stops to read wayside exhibits or enjoy the scenery, takes three to four hours.
Walk the 1/3-mile loop trail (part of which is accessible) atop Cadillac Mountain.

For those visiting for a full day…

Take a short walk on a trail or carriage road.
Participate in a ranger-led talk or walk.
Investigate the Nature Center, where you can learn about plants and animals and how the park manages these resources.

For multiple days…

Explore the park's scenic 45-mile carriage road system on a bike or horse-drawn carriage tour.
Hike through forests and up mountains on 125 miles of historic hiking trails.
Visit the west side of Mount Desert Island, including stops at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Carroll Homestead guided trail, and the Ship Harbor or Wonderland trails.
Take one of four ranger-narrated boat cruises to learn about sea life, island history, and more. Other ranger-led walks, talks, hikes, and amphitheater programs are available daily from late May to early October.
Have tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House, a tradition for more than a century.

The park contains many good spots to sit down, enjoy the view, and have a quick lunch. If you are looking for a location with tables and fireplaces, however, you can visit one of the park's picnic areas listed here. All picnic areas are first-come, first-served; no reservations are accepted.

Bear Brook
35 tables
30 fireplaces

Fabbri
23 tables
23 fireplaces

Frazer Point (Schoodic)
26 tables
22 fireplaces

Pretty Marsh
11 tables
8 fireplaces

Seawall
14 tables
12 fireplaces

Thompson Island
46 tables
44 fireplaces

Acadia is a hiker's paradise. Within the park, 125 miles of trails offer choices for all abilities and interests. From flat rambles across meadows to challenging climbs up iron rungs, you can find it here. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods to open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. For those who prefer more level footing, 45 miles of carriage roads are excellent for walking.

Here are a few items to get you started on your hiking adventure:

Take note of annual trail closures that may limit traffic on certain trails to protect wildlife and temporary closures, if any.
Pick up a trail map or guide at the park bookstore or shops in nearby towns to get the most out of park trails.

Acadia National Park offers a variety of fine climbs on small cliffs created during the last continental glaciation. Most of these cliffs are composed of solid coarse-grained pink granite. The longest routes are three pitches. Otter Cliffs and Great Head provide a spectacular setting for sea cliff climbing not commonly available elsewhere in the U.S.

Safety
Climbers assume responsibility for personal safety. On some routes local climbers maintain fixed protection or rappel stations. As always, evaluate them before using. At Otter Cliffs, the park maintains fixed anchors on top that must be used instead of trees to belay several climbs. Evaluate these anchors as well, and notify the park immediately of safety concerns. Climbers at Great Head and Otter Cliffs should know tides and weather forecasts; climbing at these areas is more difficult and dangerous at high tide or in heavy seas. Climb within your limits.

Emergency Phone
911

Instruction/Guiding
Climbing instruction, guiding, and equipment are available locally. Check with area chambers of commerce.

Commonly Used Climbing Areas

* Otter Cliffs: 60' sea cliffs, crack and face climbing, rappel access, routes up to 5.12
* South Wall (Champlain): 3-pitch routes to 5.12, good corners and thin cracks
* Central Slabs: 1-pitch routes, some good beginner routes, routes to 5.10
* South Bubble: 1- to 3-pitch routes, some friction climbing, good beginner routes
* Great Head: high-grade sea cliff climbing, rappel access, know tides and weather

Many other small areas are used infrequently. Good bouldering can be found along the ocean between Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs, and near Blackwoods Campground.

Learn more about Acadia National Park by joining a park ranger on a walk, campfire program, hike, boat cruise, or one of the many other programs offered from mid-May to mid-October. Some programs require advanced reservations and a fee. Most programs are free. A number of programs are wheelchair accessible; check with park staff for accessibility.

Park programs are listed in the park newspaper, the Beaver Log, or you can explore the Schedule of Events to find out what's happening on a specific day.

Boating

A number of lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island permit boating. Each body of water has specific watercraft restrictions. Please remember:

During eagle and seabird nesting season, some islands are closed to the public. Please respect posted closures, which include:

• From February 15 to August 31 - Bar Island (Somes Sound), Long Porcupine Island, Rolling Island, Schoodic Island, and Sheep Porcupine Island are closed to protect nesting bald eagles or seabirds.
• From April 1 - July 31 - Heron Island and Thrumcap Islands are closed to protect nesting seabirds.
• All towns have launching areas for saltwater near town docks and municipal piers.
• The law requires you to carry a Coast Guard approved life vest for each passenger. A better idea is to wear them. It could save your life!
• Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and motorboats can be rented in surrounding communities. A variety of commercial vessels offer ferry service, fishing, nature cruises, sailing, and whale watching excursions.

Kayaking

With its spectacular coastal scenery, Mount Desert Island is a great location for ocean kayaking. Beginner paddlers can join a number of private companies for guided kayak tours in Frenchman Bay. Experienced paddlers may opt to head out without a guide; public boat ramps are available in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor. Additional access sites include:

• Seal Cove (sponsored by state of Maine)
• Bass Harbor (sponsored by state of Maine)
• Seal Harbor Beach
• Hadley Point
• Bar Island Gravel Bar

When parking at any of these areas, please obey all posted signage regarding parking and other regulations. Respect private property. Remember that the difference between low tide and high tide can reach twelve feet; the spot where you park at low tide may be under water at high tide.

If heading out on your own, be careful. Kayaking in the ocean is for experienced paddlers only. It is easy to get in trouble in the waters off the coast of Maine, where tides, rough seas, fog, and cold water temperatures (less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit) often create difficult conditions. Know how to perform a self-rescue and always travel with a partner.

Fishing

Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound in Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. Lakes and ponds can have several species of freshwater game fish, including trout, landlocked salmon, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, and other species. Ocean species include Mackerel, Bluefish, and Striped Bass.

Freshwater fishing requires a State of Maine fishing license, as determined by state law. A license is not required to fish in the ocean.

Freshwater Fishing

The freshwater fishing season in Maine is generally April through September. During July and August, trout and salmon are found deep in the cooler waters of lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island. Special fishing gear, such as lead core line or a down-rigger, will greatly increase chances of hooking a salmon or trout in the summer. In the cooler seasons, trout and salmon can be caught readily using common methods. Warm-water species can be caught throughout the season using common methods.

Regulations

Portions of lake and pond shorelines may be privately owned. Please respect private property.

Several ponds and lakes on the island are public drinking water supplies where swimming, wading, and pets are prohibited. Please follow posted regulations.

Eating freshwater fish containing mercury can be harmful if consumed in quantities.

Boaters: Clean your boat before you float. Watch out for hitchhiking plants on boats and equipment. A single invasive plant or plant fragment can infest an entire lake or stream. Dispose of plants on high, dry land away from lakes and ponds.

Fishing Licenses

State of Maine fishing licenses are required for Maine residents 16 years or older and non-residents 12 years or older. Fees vary based on resident/non-resident status, age, and length of license.

Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family, weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Most of those roads are still available for horseback travel either on a horse of your own or with Wildwood Stables, providers of carriage rides and stabling services in Acadia.

When horseback riding on Acadia's carriage roads, be sure to have a copy of the Carriage Road User's Map to better identify the trails, routes, and roads where horses are permitted. The use of pack animals (horses, burros, mules, llamas, and alpacas) is permitted on the following trails, routes, and roads:

* carriage roads, except as noted below

Portions of the paved motor roads and 45 miles of historic carriage roads are suitable for bicycling.

The Park Loop Road offers scenic views, but it is winding and narrow and may be congested with vehicles. The road up Cadillac Mountain is very steep and can be dangerous. Bicyclists should use caution when riding on any park road.

Winding through the heart of the park as they do, the carriage roads have crushed rock surfaces perfect for bicycling. Cyclists share the carriage roads with horses and pedestrians. Bicycling is not permitted on hiking trails or on privately owned carriage roads.

Before heading out, cyclists should familiarize themselves with carriage road courtesy and safety:

* Bicyclists yield to all users on the carriage roads. Everyone yields to horses, which can be startled by sudden movements.

Scenic Driving

Although most of the Park Loop Road is closed in winter, two short sections remain open.

• The scenic, one-way ocean section, accessible from Schooner Head Road one mile south of downtown Bar Harbor on Route 3, stretches for two miles along the coast. Stay in the right lane, as snowmobiles are permitted to use the unplowed left lane. Exit this section via Otter Cliff Road to Route 3.
• You can access the Jordan Pond Road, just north of the town of Seal Harbor. This road joins the Park Loop Road, which is plowed to the south end of Jordan Road. Exit by backtracking.
• Sargaent Drive to Northeast Harbor and Route 102A to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse also offer scenic views.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Forty-five miles of carriage roads offer the perfect setting for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski tracks are sometimes laid down by volunteers on sections of the carriage roads when snowfall exceeds four inches. Skiing on hiking trails is not recommended because of the uneven and steep nature of trails, ice falls blocking the path, and trail routes obscured by snow.

You may also cross-country ski or snowshoe on unplowed park roads. Be careful, as snowmobiles are also permitted to use most of these unplowed park roads. Please do not snowshoe or allow dogs to walk in cross-country ski tracks. Dogs must be on a leash six feet or shorter.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobile travel is allowed on the 27-mile Park Loop Road system (including the road up Cadillac Mountain) and most fire roads. Only two miles of carriage roads are open to snowmobilers as connector trails (the east side of Eagle Lake and short portion near the Wildwood Stables).

Snowmobile regulations include:

• All Maine state snowmobile laws are enforced in the park. Maine registration is required.
• Snowmobiles are not allowed on the carriage roads, except for the east side of Eagle Lake to make the connection to the Park Loop Road at Bubble Pond.
• Snowmobiles are not permitted off-road or on any hiking trails.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph on the Park Loop Road and 25 mph on all unpaved roads.
• Yield to anyone not on a snowmobile (skiers, snowshoers, and hikers).
• Turn on your white headlight and red taillight 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 500 feet.
• Towing people on sleds or skis in prohibited.
• It is illegal to operate snowmobiles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Drivers must be at least 14 years old to operate snowmobiles in the park.
• Anyone under 18 years old must wear approved protective headgear.

Winter Hiking

Acadia's trails become icy and/or snowpacked in winter. Be prepared for unfavorable conditions and early darkness.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a popular activity in Acadia when weather conditions permit.

Winter Camping

From December 1 to March 31, a limited number of campsites at Blackwoods Campground are available for primitive camping only. During this time campers must first obtain a camping permit from the dispatch office at park headquarters.

Facilities are limited to a hand pump for water and a portable toilet. The campground entrance road is closed to automobiles during this time; campers are required to hike in from the campground entrance on Route 3. Campers must pack out all trash. Fee: Free.

Campers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions and must be self sufficient.

Dog Sledding and Skijoring

With the exception of the park’s carriage roads, the use of dog sleds, dog carts, and skijoring with dogs is permitted on all closed motor roads and fire roads under the following conditions:

• Dog sleds may be pulled by no more than four dogs, with a combined tow and tug line of not more than 12 feet. Sleds must be equipped with a braking system, and in the winter, with one snow hook.
• Skijorers must utilize a commercially manufactured skijor belt with quick release and tugline. The tugline should be equipped with a built-in shock cord, and may not exceed a combined length of 10 feet. Skijorers may use up to two dogs, which must be harnessed with either an “X” or “H” harness. A simple dog collar is not considered a harness.

The scenic 27-mile Park Loop Road system begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and offers access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. Most of the Park Loop Road is closed for the winter beginning December 1 every year. Severe weather may force the closure earlier. The road re-opens on April 15, weather permitting.

Bridge clearances on the Park Loop Road are as follows:

• Stanley Brook Entrance (between Seal Harbor and Jordan Pond House) - 10'4"
• Sieur de Monts - 12'2"
• Fabbri Picnic Area - 11'6" (on road to boat landing)
• Blackwoods Campground - 11'8"
• Wildwood Stables - 13'

Park entrance fees are collected at the entrance station one mile north of Sand Beach on the Park Loop Road. Entrance fees are required to enter any portion of the park.

Federal law requires you to wear seat belts while driving in a national park.

Please obey all speed limits. Unless otherwise indicated, the maximum speed limit in the park is 35 mph.

In addition to the Park Loop Road, state and county roads may offer scenic views. The loop road located on the Schoodic Peninsula section of the park, one hour north of Bar Harbor, offers views of the rugged coast on the only part of the park on the mainland.

Although outdoor activities are the thing to do at Acadia, there are a number of options to keep you busy indoors.

At Hulls Cove Visitor Center, you can watch a 15-minute audiovisual presentation about the Gift of Acadia. Pick up some reading material at the park's largest bookstore, which contains books about Acadia's natural and human history, art, children's stories, and more.

What role does fire play in the park? How does the park track air and water quality? What wildlife have been seen recently? Find the answers to these questions and more at the Nature Center at Sieur de Monts Spring. Explore the park's plants and animals through hands-on exhibits. A small bookstore is available. Open from late May to early October. Free admission.

Visit the maritime past at the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. Exhibits tell the story of the Cranberry Isles and its people through ship models, dolls and toys, photographs, and tools. The museum can be reached by mailboat or tour boats from Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor. Open from late June through September. Free admission.

At the Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts Spring, you can explore Maine’s Native American heritage from 12,000 years ago to the present. Open from late May to early October. The privately operated museum charges a small fee. The Abbe Museum has a second location on Mount Desert Street in downtown Bar Harbor.

Acadia National Park is surrounded by scenic island harbors and quaint towns. Nearby attractions can be fun for young and old alike.

Federal Parks And Wildlife Refuges

Acadia's location in coastal Maine is convenient to a number of federal sites that are well worth a visit.

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site - 125 mi

Located eight miles south of Calais, Maine, on U.S. Route 1, Saint Croix Island IHS commemorates one of the earliest European settlements in North America and the first attempt at permanent French colonization in the territory they called l'Acadie (Acadia). Interpretive panels and bronze figures convey messages about French colonists and Native Americans who one frequented this site. Restrooms and a picnic area are also available.

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge - 50 mi

Composed of islands along the Maine coast, Maine Coastal Island National Wildlife Refuge protect nesting habitat for diverse seabird and wading bird populations, as well as Bald Eagles.

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge - 150 mi

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, the eastern-most national wildlife refuge in the Atlantic flyway, protects migrating waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, upland game birds, songbirds, and birds of prey.

State Parks

Maine contains more than 30 state parks. These are just a few.

Lamoine State Park - 21 miles

Lamoine State Park is the closest state park to Acadia. Located across Frenchman Bay from Mount Desert Island, it includes a campground, picnic area, and boat ramp.

Baxter State Park - 120 miles

Featuring Katahdin Peak, the tallest mountain in Maine and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, Baxter State Park offers numerous recreational opportunities.

This list is only a sampling of places to visit in the park. There are many more destinations and activities. Do take note that many facilities and roads are closed during the winter.

Cadillac Mountain

At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is not only the tallest mountain in the park, but also the tallest mountain along the eastern coast of the United States. Rising high above the town of Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain offers magnificent views of the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. Explore the summit of this granite mountain along a .3-mile trail, which includes wayside exhibits about natural and human history. Portions of this trail are accessible to wheelchair users.

Cadillac Mountain is accessible via a winding, narrow, 3.5-mile road. The road is closed from December 1 through April 14 and whenever weather conditions (e.g., dense fog or ice) require.

Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road system offers outstanding views of the park's ocean shoreline, coastal forests, and mountain silhouettes. This historic road system is open from April 15 through November 30, weather permitting (small portions remain open all year).

Sieur de Monts Spring Area

The Sieur de Monts Spring area is the heart of the park. Facilities include the Nature Center, the Abbe Museum, and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Set out on one of many historic hiking trails that begin in the area.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island. Currently a private residence for the commander of the local Coast Guard unit, the lighthouse has short trails on either side that provide spectacular views. The lighthouse is located along Route 102A in Bass Harbor, on the west side of Mount Desert Island.

Islesford Historical Museum

Visit the maritime past at the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. Exhibits tell the story of the Town of Cranberry Isles and its people through ship models, dolls and toys, photographs, and tools.