Acadia National Park Guide

Maine’s Acadia National Park protects the rocky coastline of Schoodic Pennisula and provides endless activities to it’s nearly 4 million annual visitors! Read on to plan your next trip to this East Coast gem, but be sure to check out our guide on the top 4-hiking trails at Acadia National Park.

Park Information

  • Mt. Desert Island, ME

  • 47,000 acres

  • 4 million

  • $35

Map of Acadia National Park (courtesy of NPS.gov)

While Acadia National Park is relatively small in size, the nearly endless hiking, biking, boating, and exploring of the park make it the perfect location for both short and long trips, alike! So, how many days should you spend in Acadia National Park? Well, it all depends on how much you want to see of this incredible landscape!

How Many Days Do I Need In Acadia National Park

  • Drive Park Loop Rd, See Sand Beach, Visit Thunder Hole, Drive up to Cadillac Mountain

  • 1 Day Itinerary plus: Hike Jordan Pond Loop, Bike the Carriage Paths, Visit Echo Lake and the Quiet Side, Hike Bubble Rock Trail

  • 2 Day Itinerary plus: Visit Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Hike The Beehive, Hike the Ocean Path Trail, Boat through Bar Harbor

While much of Acadia National Park can be visited in 2 days, if your travel plans allow it, a 3 day trip to this wonderful park will give you ample time to fully explore its different regions without feeling rushed in any way!

While Acadia National Park offers stunning sights throughout the year, each season brings with it a unique experience for all visitors! The park is open 24 hours a day, so while you are always able to access this wonderful wilderness, the weather can often dictate what and where you are able to see and explore.

When To Visit Acadia National Park

  • Mild temperatures (30-70F), lower crowds

  • Rapidly changing weather from 40-90F with occasional rainstorms, heavy crowds (especially around Sand Beach)

  • Mild temperatures (30-70F), excellent foliage, medium crowds (can be heavy during peak leaf peeping)

  • Colder temperatures (14-35F), occasional snowfall, light crowds

Although some may consider Coastal Maine to be a bit out of the way and far from civilization, there are ample amenities all around Acadia National Park. This gives you plenty of lodging, eating, and shopping options both within park boundaries and just outside the gates!

Where To Stay At Acadia National Park

  • Bar Harbor lies just Northeast of the park and provides nearly endless shopping, lodging, and eatings options just outside the entrance gates.

  • The quaint town of Sedgwick brings you back to the Maine mainland for an excellent coastal experience a short drive from Acadia National Park

  • Ellsworth provides many options for lodging, eating, and shopping as it is the nearest mainland town to the park

  • The quiet Southwest Harbors is the ideal location for anyone looking to be surrounded by Acadia National Park without dealing with the hustle and bustle from the heavy crowds

While every aspect of Acadia National Park should be experienced, check out a few of the must-see sights within the park. Make sure to spend some time hiking the trails, splashing in the water, and viewing the incredible vistas of Acadia National Park!

Top Sights of Acadia National Park

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