Acadia National Park

Precipice Loop (2.7 miles, 1000 feet elev. gain): Acadia’s most exhilarating hike is not for the inexperienced or those afraid of heights. The bulk of this trail involves a thousand-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face to the summit of Champlain Mountain. Hikers are assisted in their climb by iron rungs installed in the rock faces, which act as ladders and hand-rails throughout the climb. DO NOT ATTEMPT this climb when it is raining or has recently rained.
 Beehive Loop (1.5 miles, 508 feet elev. gain): The younger brother of the Precipice, the Beehive is a similar but shorter hike that also features iron rungs installed in the rock. Since this hike is easier, it’s a more popular alternative to the Precipice. Don’t do this hike when the rock is wet!
 Ocean Path (4.1 miles, 337 feet elev. gain): This popular trail follows the Atlantic coastline, giving hikers an up-close look at Acadia’s rocky coastlines and crashing waves.
 Jordan Pond & the Bubbles (4.1 miles, 700 feet elev. gain): The walk around Jordan Pond is a flat, easy & peaceful way to enjoy Acadia’s nature… when it’s not swarming with people, that is. If you want a bird’s eye view of the pond, climb the South Bubble and the North Bubble for sweeping views of the valley.
 Cadillac South Ridge (7 miles, 1,581 feet elev. gain): Most people drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, but hiking it is a much more rewarding way to experience the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States.
 Bass Harbor Head Light (0.4 miles, 62 feet elev. gain): Less a “hike” and more a short stop on the road, this trail takes visitors down a set of stairs to the shoreline below Bass Harbor Head Light, an instantly-recognizable landmark of Maine.

Whale Watching: In the summer (June-August), whales and dolphins are a common site off Acadia’s coast. A guided boat tour off the coast of Maine can be a great way to spot spectacular marine wildlife!
Park Loop Road: The 27-mile scenic drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island provides access to most of the park’s major trails. It’s also a great way to enjoy Acadia’s scenery both on land and along the water.
Carriage Roads: Walking, running, biking, and horseback riding are all acceptable modes of transportation on Acadia’s 45 miles of carriage roads. These historic roads once served as a primary conduit for motor-free transportation on Mount Desert Island. Today, they offer a pleasant escape into Acadia’s wilderness, free of cars or motor vehicles. Wildwood Stables offers guided horseback tours of the carriage roads during peak season.
Bar Harbor: Though technically outside park borders, Bar Harbor is a staple of Mount Desert Island and a quintessential part of every visit to Acadia National Park. This cute & historic coastal town offers a variety of dining & shopping experiences along with a handful of local outfitters and tour providers.
Catch a Sunrise or Sunset: Cadillac Mountain is a popular place in Acadia to watch sunrise or sunset. From October 7 to March 6, it’s the first place in the continental United States to see the sun rise. Visitors can drive to Cadillac Mountain with a timed entry ticket or hike to the summit via one of several trails.
 Eat a Popover at Jordan Pond: Before visiting Acadia, I’d never heard of a popover. It’s a pastry that can best be described as a muffin-shaped croissant baked with custard-rich dough, often served with jam or butter. Popovers are a nice treat that can be purchased at the Jordan Pond House after a long hike or a morning walk.
Cycling: Whether you enjoy gravel biking or road cycling, Acadia is a cyclist’s paradise. The park’s large network of carriage roads are perfect for gravel bikes or mountain bikes, and the Park Loop Road and other roads around Mount Desert Island offer scenic, challenging routes for experienced cyclists.
Rock Climbing: You’d be forgiven for not realizing that Acadia hosts a plethora of rock climbing adventures. Trad climbing, sport climbing, top roping, and bouldering routes are all found in the park. Check out Mountain Project for details on the park’s offerings. Several companies in Bar Harbor offer guided climbing outings.
Schoodic Peninsula: The Schoodic Peninsula boasts scenery similar to Mount Desert Island but away from the crowds. From Bar Harbor, it’s a 1-hour drive to the peninsula. This area hosts a few hikes and a campground.
Isle au Haut: This remote island can only be accessed by way of a ferry. Isle au Haut provides an exciting escape from the mainland in a serene coastal wilderness. From Duck Harbor Campground, consider completing this 4.5-mile hike around the island.

Portland, ME: This coastal tourism hub in southern Maine is a great place to spend half a day or several days. Excellent seafood, boat tours, historic sites, lighthouses, and shopping are just a few of the things to do in this cute town.
Katahdin & Baxter State Park: The highest point in Maine and the surrounding wilderness provide a spectacular escape into nature. Summiting Katahdin itself is an exhilarating and challenging hike that is feasible for those with exceptional fitness… just be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand!
The White Mountains: New Hampshire’s White Mountains should not be underestimated as a hiking destination. The trails in this region are steep, rocky, and challenging. Those up for the challenge will discover breathtaking views from the summits of some of New England’s tallest peak, including Mount Washington – the tallest in New Hampshire. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider tackling the Presidential Traverse.
Vermont: A small state packed with excitement, Vermont is a paradise for travelers year-round but especially in the fall. The state is home to dramatic mountains, rural townships, scenic drives, breweries, and – of course – homemade maple syrup.

When to Visit: Acadia offers activities & excitement year-round. The most popular times to see the park are summer (June-August), when wildlife is most active on land and in the water and weather is most favorable, and fall (late September-November), when fall foliage creates vibrant colors across the park’s landscapes.
How Long to Visit: 3 days provides plenty of time to enjoy Acadia’s core offerings on Mount Desert Island, including time in Bar Harbor. If you want to visit Isle au Haut or the Schoodic Peninsula, budget an extra day for each of these excursions.
How to Get There: Mount Desert Island is easy to reach by car. The closest major cities are Portland (3 hours’ drive) & Boston (5 hours’ drive), each featuring a major international airport. Getting to the Schoodic Peninsula takes additional driving time, and Isle au Haut requires use of a passenger ferry.
Where to Stay: Acadia National Park operates four campgrounds, Blackwoods and Seawall on Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Woods on Schoodic Peninsula, and Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut. These campgrounds offer reservable campsites during peak season. Outside of park borders, a plethora of lodging options & privately-owned campgrounds are available.
What to Bring: Due to the variety of activities available at Acadia and variable weather, it’s important to come prepared. Bring layers, sun protection, rain gear, and swimsuits. If you plan to hike, bring sturdy footwear with good traction.

DO seek out longer trails to avoid crowds. Acadia’s most accessible trails & roads see lots of traffic, but longer trails, less popular trails, and more remote areas can yield great peace and quiet.
DO be tick aware. Deer ticks are prevalent in the park from late spring to early fall and can transmit tickborne illnesses like Lyme disease. Wear pants, use bug spray with DEET, and check yourself for ticks daily.
DO pick your season wisely! Acadia National Park offers excitement year-round. June-August offer the best opportunities to see marine life and enjoy Acadia’s most enjoyable weather. Late September through early November often present dramatic fall colors and cooler temperatures. The winter months offer cross-country skiing, hiking, and an escape from the crowds.
DO use caution on slick rocks across the park. When rocks are wet, hiking trails become slippery.
DO plan to visit other parts of New England on your trip to Acadia. Northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, & Massachusetts all offer lots to see and do.
DON’T underestimate the difficulty of trails in Acadia. You’ll be surprised by the elevation gain, uneven terrain, and steep climbs offered by these trails. Pack food & water and budget extra time, accordingly.
 DON’T attempt the Precipice or Beehive trails when the rock is wet. If it is raining or has recently rained, stay off of these trails. The slick rock can lead to deadly falls.
DON’T get too close to the water along the shore. The crashing waves of the Atlantic are gorgeous to look at but dangerous to swim in.
DON’T forget about toll roads. If you’re driving to Acadia from Boston, be prepared to pay tolls on the interstate.