Its less hot. The park needs the revenue - all state parks do - so I wish they would have someone checking passes to make sure everyone is paying.I would return again and send a lot more time exploring this glorious park! The trail follows a narrow gravel bar that appears in the Mount Desert Narrows for half an hour on either side of low tide and links the town of Bar Harbor to Bar Island. so, we went . However, there are sections of the park that close during the winter. The 32-foot high construction is attached to a house that was used by a single keeper and his family. The world's largest travel site. This is a quiet time of year to visit the park, before the summer crowds arrive. Looking at staying around 3 days. Duration: 8 to 11 hours. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Acadia National Park gets on average 3.4 - 3.5 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. You can either do one of the hikes listed on day one of this Acadia National Park itinerary or take your pick from these: Distance: 2.2 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Learn more about how to hike the Precipice Trail, and see it in photos, in our, Learn more about how to hike the Beehive Trail, and see it in photos, in our, For more information about hiking in Acadia, check out our, Advance Reservations for Cadillac Mountain, Afternoon/Sunset at Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse, More Information about Acadia National Park. Theres no shoulder on the road and youll need to bike with the flow of traffic on one-way sections. Get more information on the Maine Foliage website. Twenty-seven-mile Park Loop Road is the main drag. Hio Fire Road near Sewall Campground is a short, easy ride that traverses a spruce forest near Big Heath bog. Archery Bow: length of the bow: 45", draw length 22 - 24" and draw weight 16-20 lb. Coasting above the drama of the changing leaves are millions of songbirds and raptors following migration routes from Canada further south to the Caribbean and Central and South America. Echo Lake is home to AMCs Echo Lake Camp and is also a great place to swim since it has a sandy beach. Learn more about how to hike the Beehive Trail, and see it in photos, in our Guide to the Beehive Trail. Jordan Pond Loop is a moderate 9-mile loop that passes beautiful but busy Jordan Pond, along with the quieter Bubble Pond which has dramatic scenery of its own. Just a suggestion / recommendation. Generally, the peak fall foliage is in mid October which means the busiest time is the first of October through the Columbus Day weekend. Acadia National Park. You can definitely have some great visits to other sections of the Maine coast, but there is only one place that offers the unique geography and scenery you'll find around Acadia. Travellers like you have written 450 reviews and posted 10,613 candid photos for Acadia National Park hotels. For the best summit view, take the strenuous, 2.4-mile out-and-back Duck Harbor Mountain Trail. During the winter and early spring, most of Park Loop Road is closed. You can still visit during the winter, but rather than hiking or going on a scenic drive, your time will be spent snowshoeing or skiing. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-115363556', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine to see Acadia National Park for my second time. The views are spectacular and this trail is tons of fun. Fall is the season when most people dream of visiting Acadia National Park, and while the leaves at their peak are something everyone may want to see in their lifetime, a spring trip is absolutely delightful. In winter, most of Park Loop Road is closed. Acadia National Park is a national park located in the U. S. state of Maine. 1,212 Reviews. A trip to Acadia National Park is a great way to use those hard-earned points you've been saving for a vacation. With 45 miles of auto-free carriage roads for biking and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, nothing really compares. So, I think that both are worth it. It includes the full list of US national parks and the best months to visit them, based on weather, road closures, and crowd levels. Rooms can accommodate up to six people and this hotel has a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. 4. It takes a full day to visit Isle au Haut from Mount Desert Island. The west side of the park is known as the quiet side since it receives significantly fewer visitors. If you plan to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (which is on day two of this Acadia itinerary), you need to do so when the weather is clear. I cover this in more detail later in this guide, or you can skip ahead now. Called the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, this national park protects part of the rocky coastline in Maine. The eastern side is nestled between Somes Sound to the west and Frenchman Bay to the east. Tim and I did this and loved it. You can purchase hiking essentials such as maps and guidebooks, and even souvenirs. Check the parkswebsite for the most up-to-date information. Rooms are beautifully decorated and some have a balcony and some have an ocean view. Thanks for the feedback. There are rocky mountain views and lush forests to explore, not to mention the 24 ponds and lakes that can be found within the park. Here are three different ways to spend day two of this Acadia National Park itinerary, depending on your interests. Located in central Bar Harbor, this is one of the highest rated properties in town. Theres also more fog, mist, and haze than other times of the year. Yum! It is wonderous, she says. Take the Beech Cliffs Trail to the summit, a short but strenuous climb to the summit of Beech Mountain. Get back into your car and continue the drive south on Park Loop Road. To get back to the Jordan Pond House, hike down the South Bubble Trail to the Jordan Pond Path. While in Acadia National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. This airport is just 12 miles from Bar Harbor. We spent three days in Acadia and it was the perfect amount of time for us. Thank Rosemary N Report Ask Rosemary N about Acadia National Park These are the hardest reservations to get so make your reservation as soon as you know your dates of travel. Thunder Hole is a small inlet that has been naturally carved out of the rocks. Its a 3 to 4 hour drive that winds along the coastline, delivering near constant knockout ocean views and passing almost all the tourist hotspots. From the Jordan Pond House, it is a steep, strenuous climb up to the highest point of the trail, but once up here, the views are beautiful. Around Southwest Harbor you will find Somes Sound which has been described as the only fjord in the US. Map updates are paused. Schoodic Head Loop takes you to best viewpoint in the trail network. If youre planning on adventuring, pack the Ten Essentials, including a map and compass that you know how to use. I just checked the Acadia NP website, and currently there are no restrictions, other than wearing a mask inside the visitor center. Beehive Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Getting There: Most visitors drive to Schoodic from Bar Harbor. Precipice Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. The landscape is astonishingly dynamic as it's colors and mood shift with the passing seasons and recreation opportunities never run out. It happened to us. Since its on the busier side, Alperin recommends a visit at dusk or dawn to watch the colors in the sky, and on the water, change. Its a great option to avoid traffic and parking headaches during the busy season. Then, heavily forested trails reveal stunning views as the leaves drop. There were no parking spots! Due to the cliff walks and the amount of exposure on this trail, this hike is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Its like walking through a sea of fog. Just be sure to wear your crampons since the rocks can be slippery and check the tide chart before you head out. Caf this Way serves an awesome breakfast. Now, these historic roads are now also open to hikers, walkers, and bikers. Here, you will find Echo Lake, a wonderful spot to swim and lounge on the small beach. The second stop is the Wild Gardens of Acadia. As always, trails and accommodations can change without notice, so be sure to double check specific routes or plans with park staff. Cheers, Julie. Look for Summit Trail which will lead you to the top of the highest east coast mountain north of Brazil. Its a 1.9-mile moderate hike that starts out on grassy Alder Trail at Blueberry Hill before continuing up a dirt road to Schoodic Head Trail. This is one the most beautiful and popular parks in the USA, which preserves a rich cultural heritage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Many of the park roads are closed during the winter months due to snow. Eagle Lake Loop is an easy to moderate ride through the forest along the perimeter of Eagle Lake. To visit Isle au Haut from Bar Harbor, it will take most of a day. Half of the 8,000-acre island belongs to the lobstering town of Isle au Haut. Distance: 3.4 mile loop | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: 3 to 4 hours. The eastward viewpoint Schoodic Head (440 ft) is at the end of the trail past the intersection with Anvil Trail. Schoodic has 8 miles of carriage road-style bike paths that traverse the peninsulas hilly, forested interior with views of the coast at high points. As a whole, Acadia spans 49,052 acres, over half of which consists of Mount Desert Island. It gets that crowded. Its only 0.3 miles and offers panoramic views of the park, Bar Harbor, and the coastline. And while the Bold Coast of far down-eastern Maine does offer some waterside cliffs and rocky craigs, it lacks the adjacent mountains of Acadia. This movie theater serves pizza, drinks, and dessert and shows two movies a night. The Bald Peak, Parkman Mountain, Gilmore Mountain, and Sargent Mountain Loop is a relatively short but seriously intense peak bag with view after view that traverses steep wooded slopes, two small gorges and granite paths above tree line. To get here from Bar Harbor, take Route 3 south to Park Loop Road (4 miles, 10 minute drive). Fortunately, the weather conditions improved each day, so we had an overall great experience, but we never got to see the legendary sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. Its hard to find a decent place to stay that doesnt break the bank when you have 5 people in a hotel in Acadia. The other thing to be aware of is that vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road between the end of May and the end of October. Note: This post contains affiliate links. You select the time that you plan to visit Cadillac Mountain, whether it is 10 am or 3 pm. This small bed and breakfast is located on the waterfront in Bar Harbor. Day Two: Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor & More Time in Acadia, Day Three: Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut. Find a more detailed guide to these routes here. From Bangor, it is a 2 hour drive to Bar Harbor and from Portland it is a 3 hour drive to Bar Harbor. I read as a done deal, but I didnt see a specific timeline for implementation. Biking: This side of the island is best explored on dirt fire roads ensconced in a quiet boreal forest. Our second day started off rainy, so it was nice to have some extra time to be able to enjoy the main sights with nicer weather. We were fine in a light jacket for walking around and in the morning, but it will be cooler overnight. In Acadia there are breath taking views of the ocean, rocky shoreline to climb on, trails for hiking or biking, a sandy beach, forests and flowers and birds. For more information, visit the National Park Service website. And the mid-coast has its share of rocky coastline, but nothing as continuously dramatic as the Acadia coastline. One of these private campgrounds is AMCs Echo Lake Camp. How to Do This: Hike the Ladder Trail to the summit of Dorr Mountain. The 27 mile Park Loop Road takes you to many vistas. AMC authors Jerry and Marcy Monkman call it the wildest part of Acadia because of its rough-hewn oceanside cliffs, deserted beaches, and 18-miles of rugged mixed-use trails. How to Plan Your Acadia National Park Itinerary, For a detailed list of the best things to do in Acadia, with many more photos, take a look at our article. The Precipice Trail is Acadias most thrilling hike. Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Cheers, Julie, Thanks for your great webpage. This short, tough hike features a steep climb, numerous climbs up metal rungs and ladders, and short walks along narrow ledges. Guests must be 18 years or older (no children allowed). You can rent one in Bar Harbor or Winter Harbor. Eagle Lake is the largest lake on this side and has an exceptionally wild shoreline. We really liked this hike. In 1858, Bass Harbor Head was built to warn mariners of the Bass Harbor Bar at the eastern entrance to Bass Harbor, and also to mark the southeast entrance to Blue Hill Bay. To the west, Around the Mountain Loop is a challenging 12 mile ride that skirts the contours of six peaks, passing three waterfalls and crossing seven carriage road bridges. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112981118', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine in July with 2 adults and 3 boys. Find the perfect holiday package for Acadia National Park on Tripadvisor by comparing Acadia National Park hotel and flight prices. This year it seems they're all private, but they're totally worth it. Pam M. Fort Worth, Texas. The Elmhurst Inn. Staying in Ellsworth may not be ideal, but Ellsworth is better than not going. One of the best ways to take in the coast is Western Head/Cliff Trail Loop. 1. Maine, USA. And not only does the Park offer stunning scenery but there are so many beautiful places along the way. Only Class-1 e-bikes are allowed. Cell service is limited, so dont rely on your phone for navigation. I read that the best time to visit Thunder Hole is two hours before high tide, if you want to hear the thunder clap that the waves create. With so many towns nearby there are lots of options for accommodations, including hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. Continue over the summit across several additional high points that require some serious scrambling before descending as it nears the ocean. From the Bar Harbor Inn, it is less than a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants in the center of town. If you are looking for something to do in the evening, have dinner and watch a movie at Reel Pizza Cinerama. It will feel like a long day at the end of your journey, but a great one nonetheless. To learn more about sea kayaking opportunities speak to a local outfitter and consult guidebooks, such as the Monkmans Outdoor Adventures: Acadia National Park and AMCs Best Sea Kayaking in New England by Michael Daugherty. You can also hit the water to see the colors by kayak on one of the parks ponds or take a boat cruise off the coast. Most visitors from farther away fly into Boston and drive from there, but you can fly into Bangor International or Portland International Jetway, which is served by more airlines than Bangor. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The direct drive from Thunder Bay to Acadia National Park is 1715 mi (2760 km), and should have a drive time of 1 day 5 hrs in normal traffic.. Just keep in mind that the surrounding towns dont fully reopen until Memorial Day weekend so lodging and food options will still be limited. To shorten day 2, watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, have brunch in Bar Harbor, and then either go hiking or take a boat cruise. These range from an easy lake stroll to another thrilling cliff trail. The highlight of this scrappy bit of coastline is Schoodic Point. Peak season is July and August.Expect big crowds, full parking lots, and lots of hikers on the most popular trails. These Are the Most Popular National Parks in the U.S. Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip. The Ladder Trail will make your thighs scream. The entire area is also home to the Abbe Museum which showcases Native American culture and its history in Maine. The trail was nice and there were a lot of spots to take pictures of the scenery. Or can we get similar feel staying midcoast Maine (maybe around Bath) with visits to Popham beach state park and Boothbay harbor areas? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We hiked the Sundew Trail, a flat, easy trail through a dense forest with detours out to the coastline. There is heavy boat traffic around the islands so avoid heading there when its foggy. But even if you just have one full day, you can do and see a lot at many parks, including Acadia National Park . Plan on getting here before 8 am (we started this hike around 7:30 am). Get updates on the National Park Service website. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Most people who visit Acadia drive. The daytime reservations have timed entry spots throughout the day. The fee to drive up (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From the water you can also take in Jordan Cliffs on the east face of Penobscot Mountain. To hit popular trails and landmarks but avoid the crowds, arrive before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Take a spin down Park Loop Road first thing in the morning to see scenic Otter Point, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole, a natural inlet that sees big wave action. Go plan your Acadia getaway! But what an awesome day! The water can spray up to 40 feet in the air. View of Bar Harbor from Cadillac Mountain | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Day one of this Acadia National Park itinerary is spent visiting the highlights of Mount Desert Island, many of which are located along Park Loop Road, hiking some of the most thrilling trails, and spending some time at Jordan Pond. A state park or a state road along the water just isn't the same as land set aside for recreation and public access in a National Park. Maine is one of the most scenic areas to visit with its stunning forests and vast ocean views. Its also the main hub for the islands trail system which is also accessible from various points on Schoodic Loop Road. 5.0. Bike the 57 Miles of Historic Carriage Trails in Acadia. Acadia National Park is definitely worth the trip! The waves roll into the inlet and approach a small cavern at the end. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Required fields are marked *. Use glass fiber riser, safe and durable. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Schoodic Peninsula | Acadia National Park Itinerary. The park comes filled with history, including the story of its original inhabits, the Wabanaki people, and the tale of an almost-month-long fire back in 1947, which burned over 10,000 acres. It has breathtaking views of Cadillac and Pemetic Mountain and the Bubbles. So much to see, wish we could've stayed longer!, It was beautiful, but not overly impressive, Ask luvtotravel019 about Acadia National Park, Ask Rosemary N about Acadia National Park, Ask alhubbard7 about Acadia National Park. Distance: 1.4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 450 feet | Time: 1 to 2 hours. Print or save a digital copy of your ticket since cellular service is limited inside of the park. Before your visit, check sunrise times here. We ate at both lobster shacks and Rose Eden was our favorite. Watch the sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. The night skies arent quite as clear as in fall, but its possible to see the northern lights. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If you have a place to stay mid coast I would do that this year and add following to your list go to, Reid State Park for a beach day have dinner here : https://fiveislandslobster.com/ and if need lunch to take to beach Georgetown Country Store hiking dayhttps://www.harpswell.maine.gov/index.asp?SEC=79733FB6-583F-486C-AB5A-904B5747C989&Type=B_LOC and eat here https://www.cookslobster.com/ Boothbay day do a boat ride, link is https://www.harpswell.maine.gov/index.asp?SEC=79733FB6-583F-486C-AB5A-904B5747C989&Type=B_LOC. You can learn more about them here. Julie Last updated: October 10, 2022 United States 8 Comments. If you plan to camp, there are four campgrounds in the park with varying amenities and twelve private ones elsewhere on the island. While youre there, ask a ranger for personalized recommendations for adventures and see what programs are coming up. Located on the shore of Jordan Pond, you can enjoy these tasty treats before or after doing one of several great walks in the area. Since the waters are so shallow, plan your trip during high tide to maximize the area you can explore. It's about getting a time slot so that the number of cars are limited at any given time and the crowding situation is solved. Im wondering if it is better to rent an RV or go camping? 14 Best Things to do in Acadia National Park. Browse 300 native plant species that have been organized into nine display areas and labeled for easy identification. Are the Precipice Trail and the BeeHive trail the same views, just at a different angle and height level? Just be prepared to make your reservation right at 10 am EST because tickets can sell out fast. They dont take reservations and wait times can be long (we waited an hour for a table) but its worth the wait. https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/management/transportation_rod.htm, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. See the menu here. Theres Even More to Do: Acadia isnt just about hiking, biking and paddling. You dont need a car to have a great visit. There are fewer bugs. Schoodic Peninsula sits just across Frenchman Bay from Mount Desert Island. Take a sightseeing cruise, go fishing, cruise past Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, go on a puffin cruise, or take a sunset nature cruise. You can book your reservation in advance. This is another popular restaurant in Bar Harbor and they are famous for their lobster rolls. A visit to Maines Acadia National Park takes adventurers through one of the most varied landscapes the National Park system has to offer, and the word is out. Acadia National Park Tours | Bar Harbor, Maine The Best Way to See One of the World's Most Beautiful Islands! From Bar Harbor, it takes over 30 minutes to drive here. Center for Outdoor Learning and Leadership, Explore New Englands Stone Walls on These 5 Hikes, (Receive updates from your local AMC Chapter). From hiking trails to camping locations, this guide will help you plan the ultimate trip to Acadia National Park. Where to Stay: Visiting just for the day is doable but if you want to stay on the island the only accommodations are rental homes and Duck Harbor Campground. While you are here, there are several short hikes to do. Our website uses cookies. On your way down, there are two worthwhile stops which will highlight the historical importance of the park. Fall: Its less crowded. Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 6-mile long Schoodic Loop Road traverses the outer of edge of this thickly forested headland, where the waves crash into the pink granite ledges with enormous force. This is a big property with a beautiful setting right on the coast. There are no carriage roads so bikers will be less spoiled; aside from that, its nearly identical to the east side. Be the first to hear about new merchandise and exclusive deals at AMCs Online Store. Receive updates from your local AMC Chapter. Even most of Park Loop Road closes on December 1 and only reopens on April 15 if weather permits. It features sections of cliff walks with metal rungs, but with less elevation gain and less exposure, this is a good option if you are not quite sure if you can handle the Precipice Trail. Alperins favorite time to visit the point is during winter. I drive 18+ hours every year to hike Acadia NP. Tim climbing one of many sets of ladders on the Precipice Trail. Be aware that you might not have clear skies in the morning during your visit to Acadia National Park. However, this seems to be a low traffic trail, so if you dont mind a brutal stair climb and want a break from the crowds, this is one to consider. The most common routes are from the south, utilizing I-95 north to Bangor and then either Routes 3 or 1A east through Ellsworth to MDI. Acadia National Park is a nice park to visit. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Address. 27 miles of historic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads and 158 miles of hiking trails. We were not able to secure a reservation for the sunrise on Cadillac Mt. Mount Desert Island, partially Isle au Haut also below to Acadia National Park. More than 3 million tourists visit Acadia Park each year. It can be accessed down Arey Cove Road off the southwest side of Schoodic Loop Road. You can also paddle in Somes Sound and Frenchman Bay. Anvil will lead you back to the road where you can walk a short distance west to return to Blueberry Hill. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. I personally liked the coastal views more than watching the waves hit the rocks. Its the best way to get to Mount Desert Island, but there are more options once you get there. Another kid-friendly spot is the Sieur de Monts area on the east side. This motel is located north of town, so you will have to drive and park in town if you want to eat or shop here. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The coastline is still high on natural drama, and theres less traffic on the roads and on the more gentle, meandering trails. Absolutely beautiful. If you get into town in time, have dinner at one of the restaurants in town. The Bar Harbor Inn also has a spa, heated outdoor pool with hot tub, and one of the highest rated restaurants in town, The Reading Room. While you wont find any serious mountain biking in Acadia, there are a few grueling rides that will test the strength and endurance of experienced cyclists. PRO TRAVEL TIP: You can either reserve your ticket 90 days in advance or wait until 2 days before your trip, if you want to watch the weather. Our favorite part of the hike was seeing the two small ponds in the Gorge, not far from the Dorr Mountain Trailhead. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Respect all posted signs and notices and stay updated on temporary closures. How long is the drive from Thunder Bay to Acadia National Park?. The free Island Explorer bus system links hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations within the park. Hike the Canada Cliffs Trail back to the Echo Lake Beach Parking Lot. Arrive with a Plan And a Back-Up Plan. The densely forested area is located on the shore facing Bartlett Island and Western Bay and contains picnic tables spaced apart enough to give a secluded experience. Read about the 40 best attractions and cities to stop in between Cambridge and Acadia National Park, including places like Toronto, The Breakers, and Marginal Way The astonishingly varied landscape, well-maintained trails, and intense isolation make this a hiking experience like few others in the region. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Cyclists do share the roads with horses and pedestrians and are required to yield to other traffic. How to Do This: Park at the Echo Lake Beach Entrance. Quiet Water Paddling: This main paddling destinations on this side of the island are Long Pond, Echo Lake, and Seal Cove Pond. Theyre more leisurely than the trails on MDI, setting a relaxing pace. As you were there at the same time of the year, I would be interested in your opinion. On the clearest days you can see Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Dont forget to make your reservation for Cadillac Mountain. There are two reservation types: sunrise reservations and daytime reservations. Alperin explains why its worth hiking during the winter months: Theres steam that comes off the rocks when its really cold. Jordan Pond House is famous for their popovers. Its also windy and depending on the weather, muddy. If you want to see Acadia National Park during the peak of fall colors, plan your visit from early to mid-October. Thanks for the recommendation. Its quieter than the north end since it sees less motorboat traffic. Backcountry camping is not permitted in Acadia. Distance: 2.5 miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,060 feet | Time: 1 to 3 hours. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles . Were really looking forward to hiking through the colorful landscape in October. The temperatures can vary widely at any time of year, so pack plenty of layers. The Camden area is awesome and you could hike/snowshoe up to Camden hills state park which has some amazing views down on the harbor/town. If you want to see and do everything listed above, you will need three days in Acadia National Park. Its the most visited part of the park for a reason, but its not the only way to experience Acadia. Acadia becomes a birders paradise. This hike has a little bit of everything: iron rungs and ladders, scenic views over lakes and the coastline, and brief cliff walks. What better way to see the sunrise? Bangor and Portland both have international airports. John D. Rockfeller Jr. played a huge role in funding and building the carriage roads that crisscross Mount Desert Island. Youll pass several impressive viewpoints as you ascend Duck Mountain. Then, follow days one and two of this Acadia itinerary. It is important to pace yourself at the beginning of this hike because it is challenging. You also can see Bubble Rock, an enormous granite boulder that precariously sits on the edge of a cliff. With its beaches, coastal views, short hiking trails, and scenic drives, Acadia National Park is a joy to visit. The trails near the campground are easy rides but become challenging near Frazier Point and in the northeast section of the trail network. I think the view from Beehive is better, since you are looking out over Sand Beach and the southern part of Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park is on an island. Even if you have to stay 30 minutes away in Ellsworth, it would be well worth it to visit Acadia for nature lovers and hikers. If youre new to the park, one of the visitor centers is the best place to begin. The other thing to be aware of is that vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road between the end of May and the end of October. During our visit, this parking lot filled by 10 am, so try to get here early if possible. If you have more time, you can visit the Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut. View from the Beehive Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Here is a list of the best things to do in Acadia National Park: For a detailed list of the best things to do in Acadia, with many more photos, take a look at our article 14 Best Things to do in Acadia National Park. Amphitheatre Loop passes through a narrow valley between Penobscot Mountain and Cedar Swamp Mountain with the occasional ocean views. When you arrive at the busiest parking lots, they'll still be empty. Biking: Take your pick of great bike options aplenty on this side of the park, which hosts carriage roads and designated bike paths, along with gravel and paved roads. Plus the coastline in Acadia is much more rugged than in mid-coast Maine. There are private homes that one can rent for less than a week. We tried the popovers and they were warm and delicious. If you have any questions about this Acadia National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Temperatures range from the 30s to the 70s Fahrenheit. We also went to Sand Beach, Thunderhole and Otter Point. Its just about as perfect as perfect gets. This cant-miss attraction literally allows tourists to experience the force of the sea around. This itinerary works best between May and December. Sign up for special offers, conservation alerts, adventures near you, and stories from across the region. A canoe or a kayak is a great vantage point for bird and wildlife watching. Due to its location and height, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first spots in the United States to view the sunrise, making this Acadia National Parks most popular sunrise spot. Many onsite restaurants and visitor centers are closed from mid-October through the end of April or early May. Summer: Be prepared for traffic during Acadias busiest season, particularly on holiday weekends when Park Loop Road is mired in gridlock and parking is scarce. Hiking: Seven and a half miles of hiking trail crisscross the peninsula, stretching from the town of Winter Harbor to the southern edge of the peninsula at Blueberry Hill. This is one of Acadias landmarks so expect big crowds here. Tim and I thought that this was one of the toughest climbs we did in Acadia National Park. You can buy your park entrance pass in advance to beat the crowds at the entrance. Thanks again! Whether you visit alone or with others, be prepared for a peaceful experience. For a relatively sheltered paddle in shallow waters try the Mount Desert Narrows, the body of water that separates Mount Desert Island from the mainland. We both liked this hike, but we thought that views from Cadillac Mountain, Champlain Mountain (via the Precipice Trail), and Beech Cliffs were better. It's truly gorgeous. 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