A novice's guide to exploring Acadia National Park

The breathtaking, rugged coastline of Acadia National Park in Maine has captivated visitors since it became a national park in the summer of 1916. Located on Mount Desert Island, just three hours from Portland, the deep blue waters crash against granite cliffs and misty beaches. The expansive northern forests descend from the hills, meeting the Atlantic Ocean at the easternmost point of the United States.

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Acadia National Park showcases the stunning beauty of Maine’s wilderness: ancient coniferous forests, rugged peaks, diverse wildlife, and the wild Atlantic come together in a pristine, seemingly undiscovered landscape, despite its undeniable popularity.

How to get to Acadia National Park

Top airports close to Acadia National Park

To get to Acadia National Park, you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with airlines like American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, and United. From there, catch a direct flight to Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), which is serviced by Cape Air, Silver Airways, JetBlue, and United Airlines. BHB is just a quick 10-minute drive from the park.

However, flying directly into Bar Harbor Airport means you'll miss the scenic drive along Maine's coastal Route 1, which can take about six hours from Boston, allowing you to explore some of Maine's most charming coastal towns along the way, depending on your stops.

Moreover, Bangor International Airport (BGR) is located about an hour inland from Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. While the number of airlines servicing BGR is limited, you can currently find flights from American Airlines, United, Allegiant Air, Delta, and Breeze.

Portland International Jetport (PWM) is another option, particularly if you're interested in exploring Maine's largest city. This airport is roughly three hours by car south of Acadia National Park and is served by American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, Breeze, and United.

Car rentals near Acadia National Park

Regardless of whether you arrive at Boston, Bar Harbor, Bangor, or Portland, renting a car is essential for your visit to Acadia National Park.

When renting a car from any of these airports, expect to pay between $120 and $250 per day. The roads within Acadia are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with a total elevation gain of 1,530 feet. While Acadia is less strenuous on your vehicle compared to other national parks, opting for a 4-wheel drive can provide extra reassurance, especially in rainy or snowy conditions. A midsize SUV is a great choice.

Entrance fees for Acadia National Park

Currently, the standard entrance fee for Acadia National Park is $35 per private vehicle and $30 for motorcycles. For those without a vehicle, the entry fee is $20. These passes are valid for seven days from the date of purchase. There is also an annual Acadia National Park pass available for $70, valid for one year from the purchase date. If you plan to visit at least one other national park this year, consider the annual America the Beautiful pass, priced at $80, which allows you and everyone in your vehicle free entry to all national parks, as well as national wildlife refuges, national forests, grasslands, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The ideal time to visit Acadia National Park

My favorite season to explore Acadia is from late September to October: The influx of tourists has significantly decreased, the mosquitoes are gone, and the daytime temperatures are usually still mild enough for hiking and beachcombing.

I’ve experienced this area in every season, and each one has its unique charm. Winter presents stark, icy landscapes with a hauntingly quiet atmosphere. Spring brings a joyful resurgence, with budding trees and blooming wildflowers. Summer is filled with warmth, vacationing families, and beloved activities in Bar Harbor's historic downtown. Fall showcases a tapestry of vibrant foliage, sunny days, and pleasantly cooler evenings.

Accommodations

If you've noticed that Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, and Bar Harbor are often mentioned together, it's because Mount Desert Island houses both the national park and Bar Harbor. Visiting any of these locations means you'll likely explore all three. The island is just the right size to offer a small selection of hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, campgrounds, and other lodging options. It's compact enough that wherever you stay, you can easily explore the entire area.

Top hotels for points near Acadia National Park

If you're redeeming points for your hotel stay, your options may be limited, but the stunning surroundings make up for it no matter where you choose to stay. The Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is just a short walk from downtown Bar Harbor and only a three-minute drive to the national park entrance. It features both indoor and outdoor pools, a free hot breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rates begin at 67,000 Hilton Honors points.

Located about a mile from downtown Bar Harbor and a bit further from the entrance to Acadia, the Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor offers scenic views of Frenchman's Bay, along with a pool and 1,000 feet of oceanfront. Rates start at 23,000 IHG points per night.

Camping in Acadia National Park

For those looking to immerse themselves in nature, there are several camping options available within Acadia National Park. The popular Blackwoods Campground, located in the heart of Mount Desert Island, offers nearly all the essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience, including flush toilets, running water, and a dump station, along with picnic tables and fire rings. It's an ideal spot for hikers and climbers, providing easy access to the well-known South Ridge trail leading up Cadillac Mountain right from your tent.

The Seawall Campground also provides great facilities, but like Blackwoods, it tends to fill up quickly. Remember that this campground is a 45-minute drive into the park.

There are several independently owned campgrounds near Acadia, such as Mount Desert Campground. Another fantastic, lesser-known option is Bar Harbor Campground, especially suitable for last-minute getaways. Located just a 25-minute drive from the park, it offers convenience and accessibility, albeit with fewer bathroom facilities than some other sites.

For those who wish to connect with nature but prefer a more upscale experience, glamping options are available. The glamping brand Under Canvas recently partnered with World of Hyatt, following Hyatt's collaboration with Mr and Mrs Smith. They have a beautiful outpost near Acadia set on 100 acres of waterfront property. Accommodations feature spacious tents (accommodating up to seven guests) with elegant furnishings and organic toiletries, along with amenities like s'mores and fire pits, and complimentary activities such as live music and yoga classes. On-site experience coordinators are also available. Rates begin at 26,000 World of Hyatt points.

While black bears do inhabit the area, campers can feel secure as long as they keep their distance and adhere to proper food storage practices.

Activities to enjoy in Acadia National Park

In addition to exploring Bar Harbor and the rest of Mount Desert Island, Acadia offers a wealth of outdoor adventures.

Top hiking trails in Acadia National Park

For an unforgettable experience, make sure to book a reservation in advance to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain — the tallest point on the North Atlantic coast — and witness the first sunrise in the U.S. Enthusiastic hikers can choose to climb the mountain on foot, but be prepared for a 3 a.m. wake-up call. Another excellent spot for sunrise views is Otter Point, where you can walk along the shore and take in unobstructed ocean vistas.

The Beehive Loop Trail is one of Acadia's most sought-after climbs, featuring a thrilling rung-and-ladder ascent. Although it's not for the faint-hearted, the 1.9-mile trail rewards hikers with stunning views at the summit. Many choose to combine this trail with the Precipice Loop, as the only route on the Beehive Loop is upward. Convenient parking is available along the street near Sand Beach for easy access to both trails.

For a coastal experience, check out the Ocean Path Trail. With its breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, this trail showcases some of the best natural beauty the region has to offer.

Perfect for families, the Jordan Pond Path features a charming 3-mile loop that caters to all ages. Be sure to reserve a spot well in advance at the Jordan Pond House, a delightful place for brunch nestled in the wilderness. For those looking for more adventure, consider branching off to explore the North Bubble Loop, which offers an ascent into Acadia's famed mountain range.

Additional activities in Acadia National Park

Popular activities in Acadia include sea kayaking, rock climbing, exploring Sand Beach, and visiting the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

No trip to Bar Harbor is complete without experiencing the powerful crash of waves against the rocky inlet known as Thunder Hole. Be sure to pick up a fun souvenir magnet or a humorous postcard from the nearby gift shop.

And what’s a visit to a national park without spotting some wildlife? Keep an eye out for harbor seals, peregrine falcons, and other raptors, along with a variety of seabirds, herons, dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals. You might also encounter smaller, easily overlooked creatures like salamanders and other amphibians.

At low tide, you can even stroll across a sandbar from downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island. Look out for barnacles, lively hermit crabs, and starfish in the tide pools along the way.

During your visit to Acadia National Park, you'll have the opportunity to see otters, foxes, and, if you're fortunate, even a moose.

In summary

Exploring Acadia National Park provides an ideal combination of rugged outdoor adventure alongside the comforts and conveniences of a vibrant seaside town.

A visit to Acadia National Park is a fantastic opportunity to utilize those hard-earned points you've been saving for a getaway. This destination features breathtaking wilderness and is a remarkable stretch of the East Coast.

Here are some additional outdoor vacations you might enjoy:

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• A guide to visiting Redwood National and State Parks
• How to experience America's national parks without breaking the bank
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