It's truly gorgeous. Lauren Himiak is a freelance writer and editor, and has visited all 62 national parks in the United States. Print or save a digital copy of your ticket since cellular service is limited inside of the park. In total the rustic carriage roads . Only Class-1 e-bikes are allowed. To get here, you will need to take the ferry. Side Street Caf. There are vacation rentals available, but the Monkmans recommend staying at Schoodic Woods Campground. This movie theater serves pizza, drinks, and dessert and shows two movies a night. The landscape is astonishingly dynamic as its colors and mood shift with the passing seasons and recreation opportunities never run out. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Or can we get similar feel staying midcoast Maine (maybe around Bath) with visits to Popham beach state park and Boothbay harbor areas? So, put day two on the day with the clearest morning weather forecast. Arrows: 9 x Fiberglass Arrows, 7mm fiberglass arrows - length about 28 inches. Hiking: The most popular hiking trails in Acadia are here. It has a mountain range and small lakes. Tim and I spent three full days in the park, from October 11 to 13. The night skies arent quite as clear as in fall, but its possible to see the northern lights. 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 main attractions on the east side are the extensive carriage road system, the islands highest peak (Cadillac Mountain), and only two sandy beaches (oceanfront Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach), along with the most popular hiking trails and first-rate popovers at Jordan Pond House. This side of the island also has its fair share of hidden gems, including the Valley Trail/Beech South Ridge Trailroute of up a Beech Mountain. Almost all of Acadia National Park sits on Mount Desert Island (MDI) and skirts the edges of island communities Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Mount Desert. I think the view from Beehive is better, since you are looking out over Sand Beach and the southern part of Mount Desert Island. The campground has five tent sites with lean-tos, potable water from a hand pump, clean privies, and free firewood. And the mid-coast has its share of rocky coastline, but nothing as continuously dramatic as the Acadia coastline. To get to Stonington from Bar Harbor, it is an hour and a half drive. For the best summit view, take the strenuous, 2.4-mile out-and-back Duck Harbor Mountain Trail. 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. The north end is still worth exploring for its views of the surrounding mountains and secluded coves. Traveled from South Dakota to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Continue south on Park Loop Road to the parking lot for Sand Beach and the Ocean Path Trailhead. 30% of the reservations are made 90 days in advance and 70% are released 2 days in advance at 10 am EST. Crowds are at their highest in the summer months, in July and August. Take the Spring Trail from the Jordan Pond House, hike the Jordan Cliffs Trail to the Bubbles Divide Trail, and enjoy the view from South Bubble. The park service hosts programs there, including stargazing and bird watchingthe area is a great spot to look for ducks and other sea birds! Acadia National Park Maine Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Plan Your Visit Last updated: September 14, 2022 Was this page helpful? 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 This is a beautiful stretch of coastline. To the south is Isle au Haut, a remote island that you can reach by ferry. The above two day Acadia itinerary covers the main highlights on Mount Desert Island. These are the hardest reservations to get so make your reservation as soon as you know your dates of travel. South Bubble, with its exposed granite face, offers amazing views from the summit. Alperin explains why its worth hiking during the winter months: Theres steam that comes off the rocks when its really cold. It may be warm and sunny one day then spitting snow and ice the next. Acadia National Park is a beautiful place that's well-worth exploring any time of year, as each season brings with it new experiences and sublime views. Before you (or others) write off Acadia, note that with a little effort and research one can find the less frequented areas of the Park and enjoy great hiking and solitude. Here you will find the 19th-century lighthouse named after its location. try sunnysidecottages.com, they have some 2 bedroom cottages with a queen in one room and two doubles in the other. 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. There are private homes that one can rent for less than a week. "I worried that living here would make it less magical, but it hasn't," she says. Acadia National Park is a nice park to visit. This bed and breakfast also gets glowing reviews and is a great value for the money. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112990266', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maine resident who has seen much, but admittedly not all (too many nooks and grannies for that), of the Maine coast, I can assure you that other sections of the Maine coast will not provide the same experience as the Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Sections of Acadia National Park. Its a very quick walk out to Sand Beach for this view. Located in Maine, Acadia National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Dont have one? We ate at both lobster shacks and Rose Eden was our favorite. Zoom in to see updated info. Here Are The 8 Things You Must Do During A One-Day Trip To Maine's Acadia National Park. If you only have time for two days in Acadia National Park, follow days 1 and 2 of this itinerary and omit day #3. The coastline is a hair less spectacular, but it more than makes up for it when you have the whole view to yourself. There were no parking spots! Advanced sea kayakers can also explore the islands off MDI, including the Porcupine Islands and the Cranberry Islands. Our visit (and all of the photos in this Acadia National Park itinerary) was from October 11 to 13, when fall colors were considered to be high.. And Maine photographer J.K. Putnam offers incredible classes. Acadia is worth a visit any time of year, but it just takes some insider info to avoid the crowds during peak season. This short, tough hike features a steep climb, numerous climbs up metal rungs and ladders, and short walks along narrow ledges. The crashing waves and massive granite shelves are at their most dramatic here. But even if you just have one full day, you can do and see a lot at many parks, including Acadia National Park . There is heavy boat traffic around the islands so avoid heading there when its foggy. 4. You'll confidently navigate through the park, never having to worry about getting lost or wasting time. Address. The peaks on the east side stay fairly busy but the western mountains have sweeping views of the foliage too. However, it is a small, local airport and flights here will be limited. Here are three different ways to spend day two of this Acadia National Park itinerary, depending on your interests. Otherwise, the only stop is on the other side of the island in town. For more information, visit the National Park Service website. 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. During our visit, this parking lot filled by 10 am, so try to get here early if possible. 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. Acadia National Park is on an island. Getting There: Most visitors drive to Schoodic from Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park Tours | Bar Harbor, Maine The Best Way to See One of the World's Most Beautiful Islands! On your way down, there are two worthwhile stops which will highlight the historical importance of the park. Respect all posted signs and notices and stay updated on temporary closures. It certainly is true that lodging has gotten very expensive near Acadia. If you are here on a calm day or during low tide, you will not get the full experience. Cyclists do share the roads with horses and pedestrians and are required to yield to other traffic. Thunder Hole is a small inlet that has been naturally carved out of the rocks. The network of bike and hiking trails intersect creating dozens of options for mixed hike/bike adventures. Even the most experienced cyclists might find the experience harrowing during the congested peak season. Then, follow days one and two of this Acadia itinerary. The uninhabited islands, mud flats, and salt marshes are haven for wildlife like harbor porpoises, great blue herons, and bald eagles. 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. This is a big property with a beautiful setting right on the coast. You know you have one day and now you will only need to remember one name: Mount Desert Island, where the majority of the national park is preserved. If youre new to the park, one of the visitor centers is the best place to begin. Here, you will find Echo Lake, a wonderful spot to swim and lounge on the small beach. The lunch rush at Jordan Pond House is as famous as its popovers, so go later the day. When the intense rush of the wave arrives, air and water is forced out like a clap of thunderhence the name. Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. 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. The 45-mile network of carriage roads that weave around the east sides mountains and valleys are a bikers paradise. 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. From Stonington, it takes 45 minutes by ferry to reach Isle au Haut. If you want to see Acadia National Park during the peak of fall colors, plan your visit from early to mid-October. We tried the popovers and they were warm and delicious. By mid-October the fall foliage peaks and becomes the star of the show. Yes No An official form of the United States government. Many onsite restaurants and visitor centers are closed from mid-October through the end of April or early May. 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. It's a rugged wilderness destination and stunning stretch of the East Coast. Skilled sea kayakers can paddle the 6 miles from Stonington as a day trip or as part of an island-hopping adventure. But you get to enjoy the view over Jordan Pond from two different vantage points, hike along narrow ledges, and finish the hike off with an easy, leisurely stroll along Jordan Pond. Archery Bow: length of the bow: 45", draw length 22 - 24" and draw weight 16-20 lb. Acadia National Park makes an excellent weekend getaway or a quick visit while road tripping through New England. Keep tabs on the foliage with Maines fall foliage tracker. How to Do This: Hike the Ladder Trail to the summit of Dorr Mountain. Five miles out to sea and home to fewer than 80 year-round residents, Isle au Haut is the least visited part of the park with only about 10,000 visitors a year. Acadia in October | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles . 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. You dont need a car to have a great visit. 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. Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. Get more information on the Maine Foliage website. The 32-foot high construction is attached to a house that was used by a single keeper and his family. Pam M. Fort Worth, Texas. 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. It is one of the prettiest areas of the park. Acadia National Park is definitely worth the trip! The garden is open all year-round. For more suggestions about the best parks to visit month by month, check out our guide Best National Parks by Season. They host a magnificent system of picturesque bridges, along with mountain vistas and waterfalls. We spent three days in Acadia and it was the perfect amount of time for us. But even if you just have one full day, you can do and see a lot at many parks, includingAcadia National Park. There are three main regions of Acadia National Park. This island is the largest region of Acadia National Park and this is where you will find Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, and many of the top things to do in the park. It includes the full list of US national parks and the best months to visit them, based on weather, road closures, and crowd levels. My daughter and I flew from Atlanta to Boston and then road tripped north to spend. To the north is the small but scenic Schoodic Peninsula. We had plenty of time to explore Mount Desert Island, visit Bar Harbor, and journey north to Schoodic Peninsula. The air is crystal clear, so at night youll find some of the best stargazing in the east and during the day every vista stretches even further. Dont forget that Acadia isnt just Mount Desert Island! The ledges are slippery and a fall can be fatal. This large parking lot has restrooms and from here, you can take your pick from several wonderful short hikes. Which is a good thinga larger parking lot would make these cliffs even more crowded. The coastline is still high on natural drama, and theres less traffic on the roads and on the more gentle, meandering trails. Twenty-seven-mile Park Loop Road is the main drag. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Acadia experiences all four seasons and is worth a visit any time of year. This is based on the fall foliage report on the Maine Foliage website. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you get into town in time, have dinner at one of the restaurants in town. Get updates on the National Park Service website. The water temperatures are cold, the low 50s Fahrenheit at the warmest, and fog is a near constant possibility, so you need to know what youre doing before you hit the water. Theres really nothing like it, where you get the ocean, mountains, a beach, and unique hiking trails for views like no other. 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. I worried that living here would make it less magical, but it hasnt, she says. Learn more about how to hike the Precipice Trail, and see it in photos, in our Guide to the Precipice Trail. The fee to drive up (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The town itself has few amenities but does have a general store and a seasonal food truck. TRAVEL GUIDE: The Complete Guide to Acadia National Park BEST OF ACADIA: 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park ACADIA HIKES: 10 Great Hikes in Acadia National Park PRECIPICE TRAIL: How to Hike the Precipice Trail, Acadias Most Thrilling Hike BEEHIVE TRAIL: How to Hike the Beehive Trail US NATIONAL PARKS: Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist). Hiking at Acadia National Park is a bucket-list item for millions of people every year. Check the parkswebsite for the most up-to-date information. 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. Biking: If you have a bike, bring it. Jordan Pond House is famous for their popovers. 4. If you have more time, you can visit the Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut. The MDI portion of the park is divided in two: the east side and west side. You won't get the same access to the stunning (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its a great pick for couples traveling to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Sign up for special offers, conservation alerts, adventures near you, and stories from across the region. It takes a full day to visit Isle au Haut from Mount Desert Island. We visited Acadia National Park in October 2019. All of the carriage roads are connected, with clear signage at intersections, so there are dozens of possibilities for loop rides of all lengths. This easy hiking path does a full loop around Jordan Pond. Rooms can accommodate up to six people and this hotel has a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. From the water you can also take in Jordan Cliffs on the east face of Penobscot Mountain. South Bubble | Acadia National Park Itinerary, Jordan Pond from the South Bubble Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Water sometimes shoots as high as 40 feet with a thunderous roar! Seal Cove Pond has less dramatic scenery but its great for birdwatching since a wide range of waterfowl frequent its shallow waters. It is wonderous, she says. Its only 0.3 miles and offers panoramic views of the park, Bar Harbor, and the coastline. The water can spray up to 40 feet in the air. It is a tough hike, with two strenuous climbs and one very steep descent down the South Bubble Trail, so this hike can trash your quads. In many national parks, visitor centers sometimes close or allow limited people inside at a time. I have three hikes to recommend at Jordan Pond. 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. Click here to learn more. Thunder Hole | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Looking at staying around 3 days. Take a sightseeing cruise, go fishing, cruise past Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, go on a puffin cruise, or take a sunset nature cruise. Be aware that you might not have clear skies in the morning during your visit to Acadia National Park. Browse 300 native plant species that have been organized into nine display areas and labeled for easy identification. Thanks for the recommendation. It's a worthwhile drive in and of itself, but is also the. We had breakfast here and it was awesome. Views are scarce but they feel wild, more like the North Maine Woods than a coastal National Park! You can also take the Bar Harbor Ferry from mid-June through mid-September. While the southern Maine coast has many more sand beaches, it has few of the water-side cliffs of Acadia. You can even ski or snowshoe on the sections of Park Loop Road closed to carsjust watch out for snowmobiles! One Day in Acadia National Park, Maine. Receive updates from your local AMC Chapter. Just be prepared to make your reservation right at 10 am EST because tickets can sell out fast. I drive 18+ hours every year to hike Acadia NP. 102 A for an easy stroll to gorgeous beach. We both liked this hike, but we thought that views from Cadillac Mountain, Champlain Mountain (via the Precipice Trail), and Beech Cliffs were better. Acadia National Park. Its quieter than the north end since it sees less motorboat traffic. The reservation fee is in addition to the park entrance fee. Before your visit, check sunrise times here. Rooms can accommodate up to two people and guests rave about the breakfast. The coastal climate usually keeps temperatures pretty mild, but they can range between 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night and as high as 90 degrees on the hottest days. Once on the Canon Brook Trail, the hike is flat and easy and gorgeous in October. It starts out on Western Head Road just south of the campground. Fresh seafood, the Atlantic coastline, hiking trails of all experience, and breathtaking views from atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park are just some of the top experiences along this route. And to top it off, a freaking fee to drive up Cadillac Mountain drive. Getting Here: From Bar Harbor, it is an hour and fifteen minute drive to get to Schoodic Point. Bar Island Trail is another popular hike, but Sue Alperin recommends saving it for the winter months. It has breathtaking views of Cadillac and Pemetic Mountain and the Bubbles. If youre looking to escape the crowds during peak season or just get off the beaten path, there are plenty of other trails to explore. Around Southwest Harbor you will find Somes Sound which has been described as the only fjord in the US. We did go to the top of Cadillac Mt for the sunset and it was spectacular. And not only does the Park offer stunning scenery but there are so many beautiful places along the way. The view is breathtaking and you will not be disappointed if you stay to see the sunset. However, that doesnt mean the fun stops. Acadia Bike and Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop rent bikes that can be taken on the Carriage Roads. . To get back to the Jordan Pond House, hike down the South Bubble Trail to the Jordan Pond Path. Acadia's 27-mile Park Loop Road is the quintessential scenic drive, with ocean views, lakeside splendor, and dramatic cliffs in spades. 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. There are some exposed sections here, but the cliffs are wide and if you have a fear of heights, you can stand far enough away from the edge and still enjoy the view. The campground is open May 15 to October 15. Our website uses cookies. 5.0. Were really looking forward to hiking through the colorful landscape in October. 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. If you did not walk the Ocean Path Trail, stop off to see Thunder Hole. These are made in advance on recreation.gov and cost $6 per reservation. 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. Biweekly emails featuring news and updates from AMC, plus our latest articles with in-depth features, gear and trip guides, conservation news, and more. Consider stopping by Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse before driving back to the airport. The top is somewhat flat so there's lots of space to walk around and see the expansive views. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-115365257', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Park Loop Road and right lane parking will also be eliminated. On the clearest days you can see Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Crowds are at their highest in the summer months, in July and August. If you will be arriving to Maine by plane, the closest airport to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport. Jordan pond was great too! The park is so big I wish we were there longer. The ferry does charge an additional fee to transport bikes. 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. Get into Acadia with us. This beautiful body of water will definitely do one thingget you in the mood to swim. Cheers, Julie. Alternatively, you may use, https://www.harpswell.maine.gov/index.asp?SEC=79733FB6-583F-486C-AB5A-904B5747C989&Type=B_LOC, https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/management/transportation_rod.htm, https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1438849-i16223-k14138756-Hikers_Trip_Report_pt_1-DownEast_and_Acadia_Maine_Maine.html#115302656. Acadia National Park; 54; 35:31; 1,720 mi; $265; Take This Trip . 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. The beautiful park extends along the Maine coast, but ocean views aren't the only thing the park has to offer. We were fine in a light jacket for walking around and in the morning, but it will be cooler overnight. Temperatures range from the 30s to the 70s Fahrenheit. You must enter Cadillac Summit Road within 30 minutes of your daytime reservation. 9 Best Beaches Near West Palm Beach, Florida, The 9 Best Acadia National Park Hotels of 2022, The Best Things to Do at Acadia National Park in Maine, 10 Top Road Trip Routes in the Northeastern US, The Most Charming Towns to Visit on the Maine Coast, Whale Watching in Maine: The Complete Guide. Thanks again! Rooms are beautifully decorated and some have a balcony and some have an ocean view. Acadia is a photographer's dream any day of the year, but fall foliage really kicks things up a notch. Its less hot. Then, heavily forested trails reveal stunning views as the leaves drop. With so many towns nearby there are lots of options for accommodations, including hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. Echo Lake Beach is also closed from December 1 through April 15. If you want to eat a whole Maine lobster, there are two highly-rated lobster shacks just outside of Bar Harbor. While you are here, there are several short hikes to do. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Mailing Address: PO Box 177 Bar Harbor , ME 04609 Phone: 207 288-3338 Contact Us Tools Those driving will have no problem on the 3.5-mile road, equipped with parking. If you want to see another iconic spot in Acadia National Park, visit Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in the afternoon. How to Do This: This can be done as a short, strenuous, round-trip hike from the Jordan Pond parking lot (1-mile round trip on the Bubbles Divide Trail). Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Quietwater Paddling: Heading out onto Acadias quiet inland waters can give you a fresh perspective on this remarkable landscape. As a whole, Acadia spans 49,052 acres, over half of which consists of Mount Desert Island. Generally, the peak fall foliage is in mid October which means the busiest time is the first of October through the Columbus Day weekend. This hike has a little bit of everything: iron rungs and ladders, scenic views over lakes and the coastline, and brief cliff walks. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Backcountry camping is not permitted in Acadia. The free Island Explorer bus system links hotels, inns, and campgrounds with destinations within the park. Its a great tool to research weather for anyplace you want to visit any time of year and we use it a lot. I gladly paid the $30 fee to enter the park. Along the way, you will pass Echo Lake (worth the stop!!) Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park : Knighton, Conor: Amazon.pl: Ksiki . The views are different from both of them. You can purchase hiking essentials such as maps and guidebooks, and even souvenirs. Consider familiarizing yourself with the road in advance. The New England road trip is found among many basic bucket lists and for good reason. The ferry runs year-round. 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. Reservations are sought after so book early. To visit Isle au Haut from Bar Harbor, it will take most of a day. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is one the most beautiful and popular parks in the USA, which preserves a rich cultural heritage. It is essentially one massive stair climb to the top with a few ladders thrown in, just to keep things interesting. 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. 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. Center for Outdoor Learning and Leadership, Explore New Englands Stone Walls on These 5 Hikes, (Receive updates from your local AMC Chapter). Fall: Its less crowded. How to Do This: Park at the Echo Lake Beach Entrance. The view over Echo Beach from the Beech Cliff Loop | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor comes out of hibernation in April. How to Get to Acadia National Park Cadillac Mountain Vehicle Reservation Best Time to Visit Acadia Day One: Park Loop Road & Jordan Pond Day Two: Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor & More Time in Acadia Day Three: Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut Weekend Getaway in Acadia Tips for Planning Your Trip Where to Stay Where to Eat. The park gets 3.5 million visitors annually and for good reason. But hiking trails, parking lots, and restrooms remain open. Its flat, its easy, and along the entire walk you have wonderful coastline views. Perfect Design: Ambidextrous riser design for use with right and left handed shooters. Check the tides here. Alperin recommends a fall visit since its one of the less crowded spots to take in the fall foliage from the water. 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. Hours of Operation: Acadia National Park is open 7 days a week, 365 days per year. On this section of road, which includes the Precipice Trail, Sand Beach, the Beehive Trail, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point, this part of the loop can only be driven in a clockwise direction. Getting There: Take the passenger-only ferry from Stonington, ME, an hour and a half drive from Bar Harbor. Julie Last updated: October 10, 2022 United States 8 Comments. Its a great way to spend an afternoon and the fort there is really cool. The best time to do this hike is late summer through the fall. In the spring the carriage roads often close due to muddy conditions. The most up-to-date source for COVID-related policies and closures, along with conditions within the park is the parks website. The first, Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center, is open from June thru October. Caf this Way serves an awesome breakfast. In 2021, access to the historic Eagle Lake Carriage Road will be reduced due to ongoing preservation projects. Located in the U.S. state of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses much of Mount Desert Island, including smaller islands just off the Atlantic Coast. Its an especially scenic way to the summit of this popular peak through a valley Sue Alperin compares to an enchanted forest. A trip across forested St. Sauveur MountaintoValley Peakrewards hikers with a breathtaking view of Somes Sound and Northeast Harbor. Actually we prefer camping, but in October Im not sure if it wont be too cold in the evening. Get back into your car and continue the drive south on Park Loop Road. and Seawall (nice coastal views but the views along Ocean Path and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse are better). Ocean Path is an easy stroll that runs parallel to Park Loop Road along a particularly stunning stretch of coastline with jagged pink granite formations between Sand Beach and Otter Point. I just visited this past weekend and 3 days is just not enough days to discover this beautiful park! Take a walk and explore the glaciated rock formations, just be careful. Its the jewel of the North Atlantic coast: a rare meeting of ocean and mountains, with evergreen forests fanning out from craggy granite peaks onto miles of rugged coastline. Theres Even More to Do: Acadia isnt just about hiking, biking and paddling. Once you are awake, grab your much-needed coffee and breakfast and head to the top of Acadias most popular attractionsCadillac Mountain. Acadia becomes a birders paradise. Unfortunately, low-lying clouds covered the peak of Dorr Mountain during our hike, so we never got to see the views that so many others have raved about. 102A. 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. It can be accessed down Arey Cove Road off the southwest side of Schoodic Loop Road. Eagle Lake Loop is an easy to moderate ride through the forest along the perimeter of Eagle Lake. Jordan Pond is the deepest of Acadias ponds and lakes. The second stop is the Wild Gardens of Acadia. 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. From Bar Harbor, it takes over 30 minutes to drive here. The Ladder Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. It's not easy to keep your eyes on the road as you take the scenic Boston to Acadia drive. 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. The current fee is $30 per vehicle, and the pass is valid for seven days. The ranger-led program Stars Over Sand Beach is a great way to learn about the night sky. This cant-miss attraction literally allows tourists to experience the force of the sea around. We also went to Sand Beach, Thunderhole and Otter Point. Eagle Lake is the largest lake on this side and has an exceptionally wild shoreline. It is optional because its not for everyone. 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. Its flat and its easy so its great for all ages and ability levels. Here are some tips to get the most out of your trip whenever you visit. The west side of the park is known as the quiet side since it receives significantly fewer visitors. Fall is the most popular time to visit Acadia National Park because of the autumn colors. We've visited other National Parks that were more beautiful in our opinion! 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. 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. However, if you only walk from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole and back, its 2 miles total. Alperins favorite time to visit the point is during winter. For Beth, but also for others who may pick up on her original question: As a life-long (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The only U.S. National Park in New England, Acadia helped birth the U.S. conservation movement in the 19th century and is the oldest national park east of the Mi. 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. In fact, this makes an excellent weekend getaway destination. Dont forget to make your reservation for Cadillac Mountain. There are numerous companies offering tours of the islands and coastline of Acadia National Park. It was scraped out by a receding glacier that also gave the Bubbles at the north end of the pond their distinctive rounded appearance. Amphitheatre Loop passes through a narrow valley between Penobscot Mountain and Cedar Swamp Mountain with the occasional ocean views. You select the time that you plan to visit Cadillac Mountain, whether it is 10 am or 3 pm. 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. This year it seems they're all private, but they're totally worth it. 27 miles of historic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads and 158 miles of hiking trails. 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