Acadia National Park, Maine

Take an Acadia National Park Road Trip. Explore the rugged coastline and the alluring beauty of the rocky headlands on your road trip along the East Coast.

Acadia National Park, Maine, is amongst the top ten most visited National Parks in the U.S. With over 3.5 million visitors every year, it’s certainly clear to see why!

Where is Acadia National Park, Maine? 

You will find Acadia National Park in Maine, southwest of Bar Harbor, 3 hours drive from Portland. Set over 47,000 acres, this recreation area along the Atlantic coast is home to lush green forests and an abundance of wildlife. Loose yourself in the outdoors between high towering granite mountains, and most famously, its rocky beaches. 

How Much does it cost to enter Acadia National Park? 

There is a small fee of $25 per vehicle to enter the National Park, this will give you entry for 7 days. 

What to do on your road trip to Acadia National Park?

Along your Acadia National Park road trip you will find over 158 miles of hiking trails to keep you busy. There’s also 45 miles of car-free carriage roads within the National Park. Likewise, you can cycle along the carriage roads for a great adventure. 

The Park Loop Road enables you to witness some of the highlights throughout the park, taking you along 27 miles of superb scenery. As you drive along the Park Road you will hear the Ocean as the waves tumble beside you. At Thunder Hole there is a cave in which the water crashes and causes an impressive thunder-like ROAR!

 Is there Wildlife in Acadia National Park? 

Frogs and toads inhabit the park’s forests, along with raccoons, foxes, otters, and deer. If you’re lucky, you might spot the occasional moose or even a bear! Along the coast you may be able to spot whales or dolphins as they pass. 

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park? 

From September to October is a great time to visit as the peak of summer usually quietens down. The temperature stays warm often reaching up to 22 degrees. From October onwards the weather can drop to below freezing and fog and rain are to be expected. So, you’ll need to pack your raincoat!

Many of the roads throughout Arcadia closes for the season from December to mid-April/May, opening as the park warms up again. Standing at 1530 above the coastline, you certainly won’t be able to miss Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the East Coast towering over the park. The views are super impressive at all times of the year, but if you’re visiting between October and March you can view the earliest sunrise in the country.

Be sure to pack a picnic for sunset which also makes for impeccable views. 

Where to Eat in Acadia National Park, Maine? 

It is important to note that Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant within Arcadia National Park. Reservations are recommended for this popular location, known for its ‘popovers and tea’! 

Where to stay in Acadia National Park on a Road Trip? 

Whilst there are no lodges directly within the National Park, there are many small towns nearby. On an Acadia National Park Road Trip we like to stay just minutes away at beautiful Bar Harbor.