Top 10 Must-See Places to Visit in Acadia National Park

If you had the opportunity to be on the Eastern Seaboard, you must have visited the Acadia National Park, and if you have not, it is the right time for you! The Acadia National Park welcomes tourists all around the year. It is situated on Mount Desert Island, covers 47,000 acres, and is located on the coast of Maine. A part of the National Park is situated on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. There are so many activities like winter skiing, summer hikes, and fall foliage which are so exciting to enjoy as a weekend tour.

Where is Acadia National Park?

Located 160 miles from Portland, Maine, the National Park is renowned among tourists worldwide. This is also 50 miles from Bangor. If you are a tourist in the town, you will probably find suitable accommodation in Bar Harbour.

What are the best places to visit in Acadia Park?

Hiking spots and nature trails are part of the trip to Acadia Park, and if you plan a trip to this spot, then hiking and other such activities should top your chart. Here are some places that you can explore while you are here.

1. Cadillac Mountain

You will be intrigued to learn that the Cadillac Mountains are the first to receive the sun rays of daylight in the USA. The best thing to do is perhaps embark on the trail during the winter. You can opt for vehicle reservations to reach the summit.

2. The Thunder Hole

If you are somewhere close to the coast of the Mount Desert and you hear the rumble of thunder and do not see the rain, then you will know you have arrived at the Thunder Hole. This is a natural inlet that is famous for being a tourist spot.

3. Great Long Pond

This place is such a treat to the eyes! The Great Long Pond is four miles and ventures to a depth of 113 feet. You can engage in activities like canoeing, boating, and fishing!

4. The Sand Beach

Mount Island is also a spot for a great Sand Beach nestled amidst the rocky coastline. The best part is the water always remains cool throughout the year, and the refreshing sand beach is a great place to relax during your vacation.

5. Isle au Haut

You will get a boat from the town of Stonington to reach the island almost belonging to the Acadia National Park land. You can visit the campsites that are situated here. Five are accessible by mail boats, which are available for reservation. The eighteen miles of hiking trail gives you much-needed relaxation.

6. Schoodic Peninsula

Instead, this is a place tourists do not visit and is an offbeat site. The location provides a picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rest of Mount Desert Island. Schoodic Peninsula Road is 8.3 miles long and has a track for bikes.

What are the famous park activities?

Whether you wish to grab the opportunity for a much-needed solo retreat or spend a family vacation on this island, there are great activities for both situations. Let us have a look at them, shall we?

7. Hiking

Yes, you are in a wildlife park! So how can we miss out on hiking? The trail is 120 miles long. The track covers the entire park and ranges from smooth walks to challenging climbs.

8. Wildlife Viewing

The park is replenished with diverse wildlife; viewing them is not a Herculean task here. The park is a treat to bird watchers, with more than 300 species flocking here. You can even spot the remarkable meteoric peregrine falcon. And if your trail takes you near the sea coast, you might even be lucky to spot seals.

9. Fishing

The suitable location of the Park on the Island and the marine diversity of the oceans allows the fishermen and anglers to enjoy the fishing activity thoroughly. The combination of warm and cold water with seawater and waves makes this a fantastic fishing ground. Cold-water fish like landlocked salmon, brook trout, brown trout, or chase warm-water species like smallmouth bass are common in this region. A sheer delight to fishing enthusiasts.

10. Biking

Perhaps the best way to view the park is with the help of a bike that can take you around the region very quickly and with minimal effort. You can embark on the 27-mile Park Loop Road or the 45 miles of carriage roads.

Tips to making the most of your trip to the Acadia Park

As a throat, you may not have a proper sense of direction or which spots should top your list while you are on Mount Desert Island. The best thing you can do is take a bus tour around the park so that you are constantly bombarded with information regarding the best spots and view them. You can get an Oli’s Trolley and National Park Tours to enjoy a great trip here. We have an excellent solution if you wish to travel back in time.

Opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride along the park’s carriage roads. The Island Explorer bus service is also here to help out tourists and travelers like you. If uniqueness and excitement are on your mind, why not try a ranger-guided bike or boat tour? The scenic byways are splendid, and you should not miss out on them. Acadia All-American Road and the Schoodic National Scenic Byway are indispensable.

Learn about Camping and Nearby sites

Classic tent camping is quickly done over here, and if you are in the mood for the wilds and the ruggedness, this is the best option. Modern RVing is also possible in these spots, and you will undoubtedly have a great time. The camp spots are ample in the National Park. Mount Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Isle au Haut are the common spots for camping opted for by tourists. Many of these venues are accessible all year.

These regions and sites have proper washrooms and showers with a proper water supply. But that does not mean you can't get the enjoyment and experience of primitive campsites. The island, to sum up, provides the best of both. If you wish to get the best of the park's wilderness and the comfort of town, we have covered you with luxurious cottages, inns, and even hotels in Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, and so on.

Fees and working hours of the park

The details of the seasonal fees, opening and closing hours with the miscellaneous services, and their charges are listed below. The Park remains open for visitors between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. A separate pass is needed for teens 15 years and more.

Places to visit near Acadia National Park

As mentioned above, ample places surround Acadia National Park, a popular tourist spot. Some of them are as follows -

The Park Loop Road- This is a 27 miles road suitable for hiking; you may also take transport to enjoy the view and avoid the exhaustion of walking.
Bass Harbour Lighthouse- This is an 1858 structure that is now crowded with photographers waiting to capture the picturesque views. This lighthouse sits 58 feet above sea level.
Otter Cliff- This granite cliff has a height of 110 feet and provides a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Jordan Pond- The Jordan Pond House provides the best view of the Pond and is a popular spot for tourists to hike.
Pretty Marsh- This region is characterized by marshes covered with mosses and long firs surrounding ones that have set up a picnic table amidst the lush green nature.

FAQs-

1. Where do I go after visiting Acadia National Park?

Places like Roque Bluffs State Park, Pemaquid Point, and Old Orchard Beach should make it to your list.

2. How many days are needed to cover the entire Acadia Park?

You need three to four days to cover all the spots and witness all the spectacle sites of Acadia Park.

3. What are the towns that are situated close to Acadia?

Towns like Seal Cove and Tremont, along with Hulls Cove and Ellsworth, are near the park of Acadia.

4. How long does it take to drive through the famous Park Loop Road?

Approximately you will need three hours at a steady speed to cover Park Loop Road.

5. Which is the best month to visit Acadia National Park?

If you like to spend time in peace and avoid the rush hours, then May or June is the ideal month to avoid the crowd altogether.

6. Are Northern lights visible from the Park?

The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis is seen in the northernmost part of Down East Acadia.

Final word-

The Acadia National Park is a place of interest and is connected to the main significant cities and towns so that you have a luxurious experience on your tour.