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National park · Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park
The park covers Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula: granite mountains, glacial lakes, rocky beaches and the Park Loop Road, plus about 70 km of carriage roads for walking and cycling.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park began with land donations from summer residents in the early 20th century and was the first national park in the eastern United States. It covers about 200 km², mostly on Mount Desert Island, plus the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland and much of Isle au Haut, which is reachable only by boat. It is one of the country’s most visited parks.
The Park Loop Road circles the eastern half of the island. On the seaward stretch, called Ocean Drive, are Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff; further inland are Jordan Pond and the road that climbs Cadillac. Most of the road is one way clockwise, and there are parking areas at trailheads, which often fill up in the middle of summer days.
The carriage roads, built between 1913 and 1940 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., total about 70 km of gravel within the park, with 16 stone bridges and no motor vehicles. They are used for walking, cycling and, in winter, cross‑country skiing. For hikers, there are short exposed climbs with iron steps anchored into the rock, and easy lakeside paths.
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center, just north of Bar Harbor, is the main entrance and the place to pick up maps and trail information. The Island Explorer, a fare‑free bus, runs in summer and early fall, connecting the village, the visitor center and the main stops.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One day for the Park Loop Road with short stops; two or three days to include trails, Jordan Pond and the carriage roads.
Best time
From June to October, when all park roads are open. Arrive early in summer months because the parking areas at Sand Beach, Jordan Pond and the most popular trails often fill by late morning. In October the maples and birches change color.
How to get there
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is about 5 km from downtown Bar Harbor via Route 3. The Island Explorer departs from the Village Green during the season. Park entry is paid, and visitors who do not live in the United States pay an additional fee; check the park website.
Tip
Buy the park pass online beforehand and leave the car parked to use the Island Explorer on busy days. To drive to the top of Cadillac, reserve vehicle access separately.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Acadia National Park
How much is the entrance fee to Acadia National Park?
Entrance is charged per vehicle or per person, and non-U.S. residents pay an additional fee. Rates change: check the park’s website before you go.
Is Acadia National Park open year-round?
The park is open year-round, but the Park Loop Road and the Cadillac Road close to cars in winter, generally from December to mid-April. A section of Ocean Drive usually remains open.
How does the Acadia Park bus work?
The Island Explorer connects Bar Harbor, the visitor center, the beaches, lakes and island villages, free of charge, generally from late May to mid-October, with more routes in summer. Check the routes and schedules for the year.