Known as the Crown Jewel of New England, and the only national park in the northeast, you may be considering a venture to this coastal New England destination. Wondering if Acadia National Park is worth visiting? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
I’ve been to this park countless times over the last 15+ years, and I’ve also traveled out west a bit to compare the terrain, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you, so you can decide if it’s worth making a trip to Acadia National Park.
With that’s, let’s begin!
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So, Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?
I absolutely think that Acadia National Park is worth visiting. Situated on unspoiled, rugged, and dramatic coastline on Mount Desert Island in Maine, it’s the perfect emblem of northeastern landscapes, and offers an incredible variety of activities. In my opinion, it’s one of the most charming national parks in the U.S., and it showcases New England’s natural beauty in a way where any skill level can enjoy the most scenic areas of the park.
Acadia is a fantastic park to visit that caters to beginner adventurers as much as advanced explorers, and you can find easy, scenic drives, flat carriage roads for biking around the lakes, easy hikes with stunning views, and even a dining option inside the park that overlooks one of the most iconic views on Mount Desert Island.
However, if you’re looking for dramatic peaks that compete with parks out west, you won’t find that in Acadia, as no area in the northeast has terrain that can compete with the west.
All this to say, I do think you may need to adjust your expectations if you’re hoping Acadia will have the same grandeur as national parks out west like Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Mt. Rainier. Many people list Acadia in their top 10 of national parks for many of the reasons I’ve mentioned above, however, many also rank it lower, stating that it just didn’t have the mind-blowing, unique factor that some of the parks out west have. However, for me, that’s part of the appeal. It stands out as different in this way, which I love.
Acadia is definitely unique in its own way, and if you’re looking for an incredible example of New England’s rugged coastline and maritimes charm, this is the best spot to experience it.
What Makes Acadia Special?
As mentioned, Acadia appeals to all skill levels, making it more accessible than other national parks in terms of effort required to explore, and those with mobility limitations.
It’s also special in that there are coastal views from most points in the park, offering the unique combination of mountains by the ocean, beaches backdropped by stunning mountains, and most hikes inside the park offer stunning coastal views.
The closest towns to Acadia are all also incredibly charming, and offer a completely different, but classic New England experience. I’ll get more into that later in the post, but when you visit Acadia, you also get to visit some quaint coastal towns that are minutes from the park.
Lastly, Acadia has a lot of really amazing carriage roads throughout the park, many of them around lakes, making it one of the most bike-friendly national parks to visit!
Is The Hiking In Acadia Worth It?
Absolutely! However, if you’re looking for tons of super challenging trails, and you’re used to hikes out west, Acadia may fall flat in that respect. That said, there are a few challenging and exciting trails inside the park that are worth checking out, and quite a few easy to moderate hikes that offer incredible pay off for the effort required.
The Precipice Trail in Acadia is known for being the most challenging one inside the park, and involves 1,000 feet of elevation gain in less than 1 mile. The climb is steep, complete with iron rungs, exposed cliffs, and some rock scrambling. However, the view from the top is worth it. It’s not recommended to descend back down Precipice, as this route is highly dangerous. Some people have died on this trail. It’s best to go back down via the North Ridge Trail of Champlain Mountain.
If you’re looking for similar views to Precipice, but aren’t interested in as much potential exertion and stress, the Beehive Trail is the most similar, and not as difficult. This trail does have exposed cliffs and iron rungs, but it’s not as strenuous, and moderately-skilled hikers should be able to tackle this one.
Some other trails to consider are:
→ Gorham Mountain (moderate)
→ Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the eastern seaboard, has several trails to the summit, ranging from moderate to hard.
→ Great Head (easy to moderate)
→ South Bubble, where you can take a photo of the famous floating Bubble Rock.
→ Ocean Path, which is the easiest trail in the park with the most iconic views of the coastline.
Is Acadia National Park Expensive To Visit?
Yes. One of the biggest downsides to visiting Acadia is that it’s subject to New England’s pricing, which means that it’s more difficult to do on a budget – this entire region is just more expensive than many other parts of the U.S.
However, while many hotel prices are higher than average, especially in the peak summer season, you can also find more budget-friendly options, or choose to go camping to save some money during your stay.
Where To Stay When Visiting Acadia
Most people choose to stay in Bar Harbor, which is the main town closest to the park, and known as the “Gateway to Acadia.” Bar Harbor a charming little coastal town that has plenty of dining options, shops, and even its own things to do. It’s still a small town, but packs in a lot, making it a great hub for those visiting Acadia.
Another reason to stay in Bar Harbor is because it’s the closest town to the main attractions, which means your drive to the park’s most popular trailheads and parking lots will be around 15 minutes.
I also love to recommend that you stay in Southwest Harbor, which is about a 30-minute drive from the top attractions inside the park, but close to some of the park’s lesser-visited areas. Southwest Harbor is a smaller, quieter version of Bar Harbor, and for that reason, it feels a little less touristy. However, you’ll have fewer hotel options. I love this area, though, and there are some great hotels to choose from.
My favorite hotels to stay in when visiting Acadia:
→ Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – Waterfront hotel in downtown Bar Harbor that’s worth the cost.
→ The Claremont – A gorgeous oceanfront hotel in Southwest Harbor.
→ Bar Harbor Villager Motel – A great option that’s walkable to everything in town.
Psst! I have a detailed post all about the surrounding towns, with more hotel suggestions and a deeper dive into the area. Be sure to check out my guide on Where To Stay When Visiting Acadia for more options, including splurges and budget-friendly places 😉
Can’t-Miss Things To Do In Acadia
In addition to hiking, here are the top things I always suggest you experience while visiting Acadia:
→ Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the park (and the eastern seaboard, as mentioned!). This is one of the most iconic experiences to have in the park, and it’s easy to do by driving the auto road to the summit. It’s famous because it’s the first place to experience sunrise on the East Coast during some parts of the year. Reservations are required mid May through October – click here for information! I also really love sunset on Cadillac Mountain, if you can’t get tickets for sunrise.
→ Drive Park Loop Road, which is one of the most scenic roads through the park.
→ Walk Ocean Path, which is a flat 4.4 mile (round trip) walking trail that runs parallel to Park Loop Road, and offers some of the best coastline views in the park. It starts at Sand Beach, and ends at Otter Cliffs, and passes by Thunder Hole and scenic overlooks along the way.
→ Have lunch at Jordan Pond House, the only dining option inside the park. The restaurant is famous for its afternoon tea and popovers, but the best part is the view of Jordan Pond and the mountains, especially if you can get a table outside on the lawn. Reservations highly recommended! If you can’t get a reservation, or the wait is too long when you arrive, they now also have a take-out café with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks, and tables overlooking the pond.
→ Go for a swim at Sand Beach if visiting in the summer. The views can’t be beat!
→ Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which is on the Southwest Harbor side on the park. This lighthouse stands guard over the coastline, and you can walk right up to it, or climb down onto the ocean rocks via a staircase, and try to view it from the coastline (this is best done at low tide). This is also a top sunset spot in the park, and you’ll want to arrive early to get a parking spot for sunset, especially in the summer.
Honorable Mention: Schoodic Peninsula, the lesser-known part of Acadia, and the only part of the park that’s attached to the mainland. This area is about an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor, but it’ll be less crowded, and it’s very easy to experience. All the attractions and trailheads are off the main road, which runs as a loop around the peninsula. There’s some really beautiful coastal scenery on Schoodic!
Psst! I have a detailed post on my Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary, if you’re looking for help with planning your trip 😉
Visiting Acadia National Park – FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need In Acadia?
I often suggest three days in Acadia, which will allow you enough time to see a lot inside the park, and also experience the surrounding towns, if you’d like. But the nice thing about Acadia is that you can also see the highlights in a day, as long as you have good weather.
Acadia is a bit secluded in Maine, so that’s another reason I suggest you spend about three nights there, which makes your drive there worth while. I’ll get more into this below.
However, if you’re seeing Acadia as part of a road trip around New England, I often recommend budgeting two nights here instead of three. This allows you more time to enjoy the other stops on your road trip, while also getting a taste of the best parts of Bar Harbor and Acadia.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Acadia?
The most popular time is summer, during the months of July and August. This is when you can expect the best weather for being outside, and also enjoying the beaches for swimming. However, it’s when you’ll want to anticipate the biggest crowds, and highest prices at hotels.
However, my personal favorite times to visit Acadia are in the fall, and early June. You’ll find fewer crowds during the first part of June, and the lupines will likely be in full bloom all over Maine (including Mount Desert Island).
And, of course, fall foliage always makes everything better! Acadia has some beautiful places to spot fall foliage, and while it’s not quite as impressive as places like Vermont and New Hampshire, it’s definitely worth seeing. The fall foliage season will bring in some crowds, but it’s not usually as packed as July and August.
Psst! I have a detailed post all about the Best Time To Visit Acadia, if you need more info on the different seasons 😉
Is Acadia Worth Visiting In The Winter?
Yes and no. Having been in the winter, I can honestly say that I loved my trip there in January! However, I had already been in spring, summer, and fall, so I’d experienced everything in Acadia before.
In the winter, many things in Bar Harbor, including many shops and restaurants, are closed for the season, and parts of Park Loop Road inside the park are also closed in the winter. However, many trails are open in Acadia in the winter, so if you’re up for dealing with the potentially snowy weather conditions, it can be a very fun time to visit. Just know that you definitely won’t get the full Acadia and Bar Harbor experience this time of the year, which is why it may not be worth it for some people.
Psst! I have a detailed post in visiting Bar Harbor, Maine & Acadia In The Winter, if you’d like more info 😉
Is There Anything Else To Do Near Acadia?
There sure is! Much of Mount Desert Island offers more things to do beyond Acadia. Here are some that I suggest checking out:
→ Walk out to Bar Island from downtown Bar Harbor, which is only accessible at low tide.
→ Visit the Tidal Fall Preserve in Hancock, where starfish and other marine life are often visible at low tide.
→ Head out on a whale watch or puffin tour.
→ Explore the small but lovely Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park.
→ Hike the trails at the The Frenchman Bay Conservancy, which are free, and less crowded than Acadia’s trails.
There’s lots more to do in the surrounding area, but these suggestions will get you started!
Is Acadia Close To Other Northeast Attractions?
The short answer is mostly, no. The downside to visiting Acadia is that it’s pretty out of the way from most other points in New England, and requires a drive relatively far north in Maine. In fact, it’s only 2.5 hours from the Canadian border, to give you an idea.
However, it depends on your definition of “close.” If you’re planning a longer trip to the New England region, and have at least a week to explore, Acadia can easily be worked into most itineraries. In fact, I almost always include Acadia in my road trip itineraries because I think it’s very much worth the drive up, especially since you can make fantastic stops along the coast. Many of my readers have written to me and have said that they were very happy they made the drive!
However, the closest major attractions and destinations to Acadia would be Lubec in northeastern Maine (2h15m from Bar Harbor), and Camden, which is just under 2 hours from Bar Harbor. There are smaller, lesser-known places to experience that are a bit closer, but those are the nearest major attractions and towns.
Are There Other National Parks In The Northeast?
No, Acadia is the only national park in the northeast. However, there is the Cape Cod National Seashore, and National Forests, including the White Mountains National Forest in New Hampshire, and the Green Mountains National Forest in Vermont.
What’s The Best Way To Get To & Around Acadia?
The best way to get to Acadia is to drive, and depending on how much time you have during your trip, I think the best way to get there is to drive from Boston. The drive from Boston along the New England coast allows you to stop at some of the best places and towns in the region, and makes for an epic trip.
Public transit options to the park are incredibly limited and borderline non-existent, unless you take a tour, so having a car to get to Acadia is more or less necessary.
Once you get to the park, I personally always prefer to drive myself around to have the most freedom and flexibility. However, if you’re visiting in the summer, the park has a free, seasonal bus system called the Island Explorer, which stops at many points within the park, and typically operates from late June through mid October. If you don’t want to worry about parking lots filling up fast, this may be a good option for you! Click here for more info on the Island Explorer.
Psst! I have a detailed post on My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor Road Trip Itinerary, if you’re considering making that drive 😉
Tips For Visiting Acadia
→ Offline maps to your phone. You’re likely to lose cell phone service while inside the park, as well as driving around other parts of New England to get here, so you’ll be happy to have an offlined navigation system! Or, at the very least, have a paper map handy.
→ Buy your park pass online before arriving, and print it out. It’s much easier to have your park pass before you arrive, as some gates may be closed, depending on when you get to the park. However, they will still be patrolling parking areas to make sure you have your pass, so you’ll need to have it printed, and displayed on your dashboard at all times.
→ Make your Cadillac Mountain reservation ahead of time if visiting between mid May and October. As mentioned, if you want to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain between these times, you’ll need to click here to make your reservation in advance. Keep in mind that 30% of the tickets are released 90 days in advance, and 70% of them are released two days in advance, so they allow many people to book last minute to plan around the weather.
More posts you may find helpful:
- My Perfect Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- Incredible Stops To Make Driving From Portland, Maine to Acadia
- Visiting Maine In The Winter
- Visiting Maine In November
- Visiting Maine In The Spring
- Visiting Maine In The Summer
- Maine In October: Best Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- Best Places For A Maine Vacation
- Is Cape Cod Or Maine Better For Your Next Vacation?
That’s A Wrap On If Acadia National Park Is Worth Visiting
And there you have it! All my insight on if Acadia National Park is worth visiting, based on what you’re hoping to get out of your experience. In a nutshell, I think this park is absolutely stunning, in very different ways than the national parks out west. It’s filled with charm, gorgeous coastline, unique hikes, and surrounded by quaint New England towns. I hope this post was helpful, and happy planning!
