This National Park is Among the First in the U.S. to Witness the Sunrise – Here’s How to Explore It

Acadia National Park spans nearly 50,000 acres along Maine's coastline. As one of the oldest and most frequented parks in the U.S., Acadia attracts over four million visitors annually. The park covers almost half of Mount Desert Island, the largest island off Maine's coast, along with several smaller islands and the Schoodic Peninsula. It features nearly 60 miles of coastline, 150 miles of hiking trails, and the historic 27-mile Park Loop Road.

Established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, this easternmost national park is among the first places in the nation to greet the sunrise, boasting breathtaking views from Cadillac Mountain. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and fishing. While summer is the peak season for visitors, winter sports enthusiasts can engage in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling throughout the park's areas during colder months.

Here’s everything you should know prior to your visit to Acadia National Park.

Essential Information Before Your Visit

Acadia National Park welcomes visitors year-round, though certain areas are seasonally accessible and may close during winter. Schoodic Loop, Point Road, Carriage Roads, and Sand Beach remain open throughout the year, while the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Park Loop Road, and campgrounds operate on a seasonal basis. 

To enter Acadia National Park, visitors must purchase a park entrance pass. An annual pass costs $70, while a private vehicle pass is priced at $35. Additionally, a reservation for Cadillac Summit Road is needed, costing $6 per vehicle, not per person. 

Optimal Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Acadia National Park is from late August to mid-October, thanks to pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and breathtaking fall colors. The park experiences its peak visitation from June to early fall, leading to large crowds and high occupancy at nearby campgrounds and hotels. According to Vanessa Santarelli, a travel planner who specializes in Maine itineraries and owns Your Maine Concierge, the 'sweet spot' for visiting is typically mid to late September through mid-October. 

“Although ‘peak season’ has recently extended into early fall, visitor numbers drop significantly after children return to school,” she explains. “During this period, days are warm and evenings cool, sunrises and sunsets are vibrant, and the fall foliage begins to paint the landscape.”

Directions to Acadia

Acadia is approximately 170 miles from Portland, Maine. While there are several smaller airports closer to the park, the nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport. Visitors can take the quickest route via 95 North or choose a more scenic journey through the picturesque coastal towns of Midcoast Maine, such as Rockland, Camden, and Belfast. These charming towns are attractions in their own right and make excellent stops for an overnight stay if you wish to break up the drive. 

Top Activities

Explore Park Loop Road.

Begin your adventure at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center before embarking on Park Loop Road, a scenic 27-mile one-way route that circles the eastern section of Acadia on Mount Desert Island. This drive meanders through lush forests, majestic mountains, and stunning shorelines. It takes about an hour and leads to must-see spots like Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. For a unique experience, consider taking a self-guided tour in an Acadia Gem electric vehicle. “I highly recommend booking one of these two, four, or six-passenger Acadia Gem electric vehicles for a richer experience,” says Santarelli. “The Gems are eco-friendly, provide excellent visibility with their glass rooftops and removable doors in pleasant weather, are smaller for easier parking, and are conveniently available for pick-ups in downtown Bar Harbor.” 

Explore Cadillac Mountain.

Visitors can make vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain to be among the first in the nation to witness the sunrise. Reservations are required from May 22 through October 27. It’s best to plan ahead, but don’t lose hope for last-minute opportunities: 30 percent of vehicle reservations can be purchased 90 days prior, while the remaining 70 percent become available at 10 a.m. two days before the reservation date. 

Visit Thunder Hole.

Thunder Hole is a captivating natural wonder formed by coastal rocks. When waves crash into a small cavern at the base of the inlet, air and water are forcefully expelled, creating a sound reminiscent of thunder. With waves reaching heights of up to 40 feet, it’s a must-see spot for anyone visiting Acadia for the first time.

Appreciate the flora at the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

The Wild Gardens of Acadia features over 400 native plant species, showcasing the diverse habitats of Mount Desert Island. Established in 1909, the gardens are open seasonally from morning until dusk, and there is no entry fee to visit.

Discover the carriage roads.

Acadia boasts more than 45 miles of charming carriage roads, a legacy from John D. Rockefeller Jr. These vehicle-free, crushed gravel paths offer a delightful way to explore on foot, by bicycle, or even in a horse-drawn carriage. Visitors can rent e-bikes from various local providers, including Island Time E-Bike Rentals, which delivers bikes to The Hulls Cove Visitor Center. 

Enjoy a swim.

Visitors seeking a swim can choose between saltwater beaches like Sand Beach or the freshwater Echo Lake. For those eager to explore the sea, the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. provides whale-watching tours, lighthouse and puffin excursions, and island tours. 

Top Hiking Trails

With over 150 miles of trails, Acadia caters to hikers of all skill levels. “There are numerous trails throughout Acadia National Park and the surrounding area, and if you time your hike right (typically early in the morning, especially during peak season), you’ll enjoy a quieter and more serene experience,” says Santarelli. The park's diverse terrain leads hikers through a variety of environments. For an easy trek, consider the Wonderland Trail, a 1.4-mile round-trip coastal path that runs alongside the park's rugged shoreline. “The Wonderland is a wonderful trail with minimal elevation gain, featuring paths that lead to dramatic rocky outcrops. This area is ideal for oceanfront picnics, artists, yoga, and more,” adds Santarelli. Another family-friendly choice is Ocean Path, a 4.4-mile round-trip trail showcasing views of pink granite, seaside cliffs, and the ocean. 

“Most of my clients prefer scenic hikes that aren’t too technically challenging and don’t take up the whole day, allowing them to avoid the crowds,” says Santarelli. “Two of my favorite trails that offer stunning views and elevation, taking just a few hours, are the Acadia Mountain Trail on the 'quiet side' of Mount Desert Island with vistas of Echo Lake, and the Jesup Path that begins at The Wild Gardens of Acadia, leading to Kurt Diedrich’s Climb and up to the summit of Dorr Mountain. This route provides lake, mountain, ocean, and island views, featuring dramatic cliffs and a well-constructed stone stairway for much of the path.” 

Fauna

Acadia hosts a rich variety of wildlife both on land and in the sky, along with its coastal ecosystems. Renowned as one of the top bird-watching destinations in the U.S., Acadia is home to a remarkable 338 bird species. The park’s diverse habitats provide opportunities to spot owls, falcons, eagles, and more. During summer, visitors can stop at the Precipice Trail parking lot to participate in the Peregrine Watch, using scopes to view peregrine falcons and their nests on the cliffs. On the trails, keep an eye out for deer, moose, and black bears. For those hiking the Wonderland Trail early in the morning, Santarelli notes, “As you approach the ‘Seawall’ causeway, keep your eyes peeled, and you’re likely to see whitetail deer.” From May to October, look to the coast for a chance to spot humpback or North Atlantic right whales. The coastline is also home to seals, dolphins, puffins, and a variety of marine life, including crabs, mussels, and urchins. 

Accommodations

Camping Options

Campers can choose from two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, one campground on the Schoodic Peninsula, and five lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut. Reservations are required and can be made through the National Park Service up to two months in advance. Besides these public campgrounds, there are several nearby options for tents and RVs, such as Mount Desert Campground. 

Terramor Outdoor Resort 

For those wanting to experience the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, Terramor Outdoor Resort is an excellent option. The resort features various canvas tents that can accommodate between two to five guests, each equipped with premium amenities like in-room diffusers, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, perfect for fueling up before a day of park exploration.

Salt Cottages

The Salt Cottages feature a collection of 30 standalone cottages and 10 bungalow-style oceanfront accommodations, located just a few minutes from the Hull’s Cove entrance to Acadia. The property includes an onsite pool, a clubhouse filled with vintage games, and a snack bar offering summer delights.

The Claremont

As one of Maine’s oldest historic properties, The Claremont was fully renovated in 2021. Situated in Southwest Harbor, it offers a variety of accommodations including single guest rooms, cottages, cabins, and two spacious homes. The Claremont features a stunning waterfront pool, complimentary beach cruisers for exploring the area, and multiple onsite dining and drinking venues. New this summer is The Lady Claire, the Claremont’s own boat available for sailing along the sound.

Dining Options

Jordan Pond House

The Jordan Pond House is the only full-service restaurant within Acadia National Park, renowned for serving its famous popovers for over a century. Lunch reservations can be made up to a month in advance and are highly recommended, as it’s a very popular spot for visitors.

Peter Trout’s Tavern & Inn

Peter Trout’s is a relaxed tavern offering Southern-inspired dishes crafted from high-quality ingredients. This waterfront venue serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. They are known for some of the best fish sandwiches in Maine, featuring a large Gulf of Maine fish filet fried to perfection.

Abel’s Lobster

A trip to Maine isn’t complete without indulging in lobster, and at Abel’s Lobster, you can witness them being steamed right before your eyes. This laid-back waterfront eatery also offers Maine oysters, fried clams, and crab rolls. Beyond the classics, “They serve some of the most exquisite elevated seafood dishes — such as their Maine lobster and sweet corn chowder topped with crispy pork belly, courtesy of Chef Matt Leddy,” says Santarelli. 

Blue Hill Co-Op

A great stop for snacks or for those camping, Blue Hill Co-Op features a selection of the finest small-batch and locally sourced products from Maine. Visitors can discover items from beloved local brands like Morse’s Sauerkraut, Atlantic Seafarms, Bixby Chocolate, and a variety of craft beers from Maine Beer Company.