Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, is a scenic and historically rich destination. Established in 1919, it spans over 49,000 acres and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Situated along the Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park offers breathtaking views of rugged shorelines, granite peaks, and lush forests. Its diverse landscape showcases a unique blend of nature and wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

The park holds significant historical value, with evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. The Wabanaki people, the area's original inhabitants, have a deep connection to the land and its resources. Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, arrived in the region in 1604 and named the island "Isle des Monts Déserts" due to the lack of vegetation.

Acadia National Park is home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast. The mountain's summit provides a stunning vantage point, especially during sunrise when it becomes the first place in the country to see the morning light. Another notable attraction is Jordan Pond, a picturesque lake surrounded by the Jordan Pond Path, offering serene views and opportunities for hiking and picnicking.

The park provides a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the well-maintained trails, suitable for all skill levels, that wind through the park. Cadillac Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views accessible via a scenic drive or hiking trail. Bicycling, camping, fishing, and bird-watching are also popular activities within the park.

In addition to the park's offerings, the nearby town of Bar Harbor provides a charming coastal experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation options. Whale-watching tours are another popular attraction in the area, allowing guests to witness majestic marine mammals up close.

Overall, Acadia National Park in Maine offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique experience in the heart of nature.

Acadia National Park is situated along the rugged and picturesque coast of the state of Maine. Nestled primarily on Mount Desert Island, it encompasses over 49,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. This national park's location grants visitors stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, adorned with stunning rocky shores, sandy beaches, dense forests, and majestic mountains. The proximity of Acadia National Park to popular towns like Bar Harbor makes it easily accessible, and its unique position along the easternmost point of the United States gives it a sense of coexistence with both the serene and wild beauty of the land and sea.

Address & Contact

25 Visitor Center Road
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Driving Directions
Phone: 2072883338
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Acadia National Park would be during the months of September and May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 63°F to 70°F, providing comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation falls between 3.4 in and 3.7 in, indicating relatively dry conditions. These months also have a moderate number of visitors. This allows visitors to enjoy the park without encountering large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Acadia National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Fishing Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Ice Skating Snow Play Snowshoeing Swimming Boat Tour Group Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour Citizen Science Saltwater Fishing Cultural Demonstrations Stand Up Paddleboarding Freshwater Swimming Saltwater Swimming Compass and GPS Geocaching

Topics

Learn about these topics at Acadia National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Arts Transportation Tragic Events Fish Fire Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Colonization and Settlement Painting Photography Schools and Education Women's History Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Lakes Mountains Astronomy Wetlands Monuments and Memorials Roads, Routes and Highways Bridges Sculpture Maritime Oceans Catastrophic Fires Lighthouses Poetry and Literature

Visitor Centers

Winter Information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce

During winter and spring, information and sales of some passes are available at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 2 Cottage Street, at the corner of Cottage and Main streets (GPS coordinates = 44.398633, -68.204933). The center is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 4 pm. There will be full-day holiday closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Winter Information: Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Campsites within or near Acadia National Park

Blackwoods Campground

Blackwoods Campground is located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Bar Harbor on Route 3. All sites at Blackwoods are wooded and within a 10-minute walk of the ocean. The majority of Blackwoods' sites are for small and large tents; other sites can accommodate travelers with RVs. Flush toilets, running water, and a dump station are provided, as are picnic tables and fire rings. Roads are paved.
Fees (US$): 60.00 (Group Tent Only Area - Non-electric), 30.00 (RV Non-electric), 30.00 (Tent Only Non-electric)
Total Campsites: 281
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Duck Harbor Campground

Duck Harbor Campground is located on Isle au Haut, a rugged island off the coast of Stonington, Maine. This campground has five sites with lean-to shelters and is a great launch point for paddling excursions. Remote and inaccessible to automobiles, Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by mailboat.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Tent/Shelter Non-Electric)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Schoodic Woods Campground

Schoodic Woods Campground is the newest campground in the park and located 1.5 miles (2.5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. It is approximately 60-70 minutes from Bar Harbor and other areas of Mount Desert Island.
Fees (US$): 22.00 (Hike-In Site), 40.00 (RV Electric and Water), 30.00 (Standard Electric), 30.00 (Tent Only Electric), 60.00 (Group Tent Site), 36.00 (RV Electric No Water)
Total Campsites: 89
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Seawall Campground

Seawall Campground is located on the west side of Mount Desert Island about 4 miles (6 km) south of Southwest Harbor. The campground is approximately 18 miles from Bar Harbor. All sites at Seawall are within a short walking distance of the coastline.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (RV Non-electric), 60.00 (Group Tent Only Area - Non-electric), 30.00 (Standard Non-electric), 30.00 (Tent Only Non-electric), 22.00 (Walk-in)
Total Campsites: 202
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Acadia National Park

Quality Inn

When you stay at Quality Inn in Bar Harbor, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 5-minute drive of Bar Harbor Historical Society and Village Green. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 40 Kebo Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

The Primrose

Located in Bar Harbor, The Primrose is next to a golf course, a 5-minute walk from Bar Harbor Historical Society and 6 minutes by foot from Village Green. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 73 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

Chiltern Inn

With a stay at Chiltern Inn in Bar Harbor, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Bar Harbor Historical Society and Abbe Museum. Featured amenities include luggage storage and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11 Cromwell Harbor Rd, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

A stay at Bar Harbor Grand Hotel places you in the heart of Bar Harbor, within a 5-minute walk of Village Green and Abbe Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 269 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

Cromwell Harbor Motel

Located in Bar Harbor, Cromwell Harbor Motel is within a 15-minute walk of Village Green and Agamont Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 359 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

Bar Harbor Manor

With a stay at Bar Harbor Manor in Bar Harbor, you'll be in the historical district, just a 3-minute walk from West Street Historic District and 5 minutes by foot from St. Saviour's Church. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 47 Holland Ave, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

The Inn on Mount Desert

With a stay at The Inn on Mount Desert, you'll be centrally located in Bar Harbor, a 6-minute walk from Village Green and 12 minutes by foot from Bar Harbor Whale Watching. Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 68 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

Anchorage Motel

When you a stay at Anchorage Motel in Bar Harbor, you'll be near the beach, just steps from St. Saviour's Church and Jesup Memorial Library. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 51 Mount Desert St, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link

Otter Creek Inn

With a stay at Otter Creek Inn in Mount Desert (Otter Creek), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Acadia National Park and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 47 Otter Creek Drive, Mount Desert, Maine 04660
Web: Link

Holbrook House

Located in Bar Harbor, Holbrook House is in the historical district, within a 15-minute walk of Bar Harbor Whale Watching and Shore Path. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a library, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 74 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Web: Link