Acadia National Park

Located on Maine's rugged coast, Acadia encompasses mountains, rocky shores, and dense forests with over 120 miles of hiking trails and a scenic carriage road system. Cadillac Mountain offers the first sunrise views in the nation, while the park combines natural beauty with charming nearby Bar Harbor.

Things to do

• Cadillac Mountain Sunrise — Drive or hike to the 1,530-foot summit to witness the first sunrise in the United States, a must-do experience that requires an early start.
• Jordan Pond Loop Trail — Walk this iconic 3.3-mile moderate trail that circumnavigates the pristine glacial pond with views of the Bubbles mountain reflections.
• Park Loop Road Drive — Navigate this scenic 27-mile roadway that winds through the park's most dramatic coastal and mountain landscapes with numerous pullouts.
• Carriage Road Cycling — Explore over 45 miles of gravel carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., perfect for biking and horse-drawn carriage tours.
• Beehive Trail Hike — Take this challenging 1.6-mile trail featuring iron rungs and ladders through forests to a rocky summit with ocean vistas.
• Thunder Hole — Visit this natural rock chasm on the eastern shore where waves crash dramatically, producing a thunderous sound during high tide.
• Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse — Photograph Maine's iconic red-and-white lighthouse perched on a rocky coastal point, located at the park's southwestern tip.

Food to try

• Maine Lobster Roll — Succulent local lobster meat served on a toasted bun with minimal mayonnaise, a quintessential Down East delicacy found throughout Bar Harbor.
• Blueberry Pie — Dense, tart wild Maine blueberries baked into flaky crusts, a regional specialty reflecting the local berry harvest season.
• Clam Chowder — Creamy New England-style chowder filled with fresh Atlantic clams, potatoes, and onions, served in many local restaurants.
• Acadia-caught Fish & Chips — Locally-caught haddock or cod battered and fried, reflecting the park's proximity to working fishing villages and daily catches.
• Lobster Dinner Experience — Waterfront dining featuring whole boiled lobster with drawn butter, corn, and potatoes, a traditional Maine coastal celebration meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early for Popular Trails — Popular hikes and Cadillac Mountain fill up by mid-morning in peak season, so start your day before 7 AM to secure parking and avoid crowds.
• Respect Leave-No-Trace Principles — The local hiking and outdoor community takes environmental stewardship seriously, so pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Embrace the 'Rusticator' Heritage — Acadia's culture is rooted in the 19th-century tradition of wealthy visitors seeking refuge in Maine's natural beauty, reflected in the park's elegant carriage roads and refined accommodations.
• Check Weather and Tide Schedules — Coastal weather changes rapidly and tide timing affects beach access and viewing spots like Thunder Hole, so consult local forecasts and tide tables before planning your day.