Acadia National Park has been on my list of "must visit" parks for years. I've been talking to various friends about a trip there for a while. While searching for a last-minute 4-day weekend birthday trip - the timing seemed to work out to visit Bar Harbor and Acadia. I was here from 30 April - 03 May and loved it. Not everything was open, but enough was open that I was able to explore and see most of what I wanted in Acadia (Cadillac mountain opened ON 30 April so, we were able to drive to the top, park and walk around without a permit/pass before season starts in a few weeks. We hiked Beehive, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, Homan's Trail and a few other short park and walk items. By far, my favorite was Beehive as it's just scary/steep enough to give you a thrill, gorgeous views. I also loved Homan's trail - easy and short, but beautiful rock work. The ranger also told me that one of the women who originally donated a ton of the land for Acadia and wanted to do so anonymously was last name Homan, so this is honor of her. And what a beautiful trail it is! The visitor's center is small but as always, friendly and helpful rangers who helped me prioritize my must-sees and map out the best use of time/driving to get to everything I wanted to do in two short days. Schooner Point lookout is also an easy/quick stop off before entering one of the park entrances - and a beautiful view of the ocean. Bar Harbor is charming and fun and welcoming and at that time in late April/early May - no waits for anything as season is just beginning. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Visiting Acadia National Park was one of the highlights of my summer. The views were breathtaking! I kept telling myself to stop taking pictures yet two seconds later there wouldbe something else that I just had to get a shot of. In order to go to the summit during peak season, you have to make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance. I did not know this and once I tried, I was not able to get a reservation and thought there was no way that I was going to see the top of Cadillac Mountain. The evening before I left, I drove up to the gate for the summit and spoke with the Park Ranger, and he said that they had openings in the next hour and to go around the corner. Find some bars and register online.i was so excited when I got my confirmation code. Cadillac mountain is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Did I mention that I am afraid of heights? I drove the road, gripping the wheel trying not to look over the edge at each hairpin turn. From October through March, it's famously one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. While I was there, the sun was rising at 4 AM and for some reason I was wide awake with a piano panoramic view from hotel high up in Bar Harbor. It was well worth the price per pictures that will be frozen in my mind forever. read more

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Always always always a wonderful park to visit. My favorite hike is the Beehive Hike - be careful if you're afraid of heights. But if you're up for the challenge, it is an exhilarating feeling once you get to the top. And if you don't want to go down the way you came up, you can do what we did - which is hike the other side and it takes you to a beautiful lake! My second favorite hike is Beech Tree Trail. It also gets you high above Echo Lake. And it is gorgeous!! My third favorite hike is the hike to Bubble Rock from Jordan Pond. There are so many beautiful places to stop along the coast of Acadia Park. And you must visit all the lighthouses that you can! We always have a wonderful time! read more

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Must visit. Buy your pass at the visitor center. Can be crowded and traffic. Beautiful and serene . Great for camping and hiking and biking. read more

Acadia National Park - Parks Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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East Coast God-Tier National Park 5 Hours Drive from Boston for the FIRST Sunrise in the US! As the only truly impressive national park on the East Coast, Acadia is breathtaking - it literally left me speechless . The heavenly composition of mountains, lakes, and the ocean all in one frame means every shot looks like a National Geographic masterpiece. This guide is perfect for busy bees and those traveling with seniors, no "special forces" (extreme hikers) needed! Skip the long lines, avoid detours, and make the most of your trip! Here is my 3-Day, 2-Night itinerary. Day 1: Beehive + Sand Beach + Ocean Path Climbing to the top for a panoramic view of Sand Beach, with green mountains embracing the blue sea in the distance, won't disappoint. It's not that Beehive Trail is too scary to climb, but rather that Bowl Trail offers better "value for money." The cliffs, iron rungs, and chains are too dangerous; if you're not into rock climbing , the views from Bowl Trail are just as good. If you have good stamina, you can combine Gorham Mountain Trail and Ocean Path for a total of 5 miles. If you don't want to walk too far, skip Gorham and just do Ocean Path, which offers endless Atlantic ocean views and no uphill climbs. Don't miss Thunder Hole to hear the ocean's symphony! Sand Beach gets super crowded on holidays, so consider parking at the Great Head Trail parking lot. Day 2: Bubble Rock + Jordan Pond The 100+ ton Bubble Rock, precariously perched on the cliff, is a must-see. Snap your iconic shot at South Bubble, then head to North Bubble for views of Jordan Pond nestled against the distant mountains. Afterwards, descend to Jordan Pond for afternoon tea paired with their famous popovers! Day 3: Cadillac Mountain + Bar Harbor Head straight to Cadillac Mountain to catch the earliest sunrise in the entire US! Remember to reserve a parking spot on the official website in advance. In the afternoon, head to Bar Harbor for an epic lobster roll feast. Try the wood-fired lobster at Blaze. Taking your parents on a whale watching tour is also a great option! Pro-Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Fourth of July holiday is super crowded. Autumn is highly recommended - the fall foliage combined with the coastline is absolutely breathtaking. For sunrise viewing, bring a jacket - it gets freezing cold at the summit. For stargazing and hiking at night, wear hiking boots (rocks are rough on the feet!) and bring mosquito repellent (mosquitoes are fierce!). With this itinerary, you can sleep in until 8 AM daily and be back in Bar Harbor by 6 PM for dinner, drinks, and sunset views. That's the Maine motto: "The way life should be!" read more

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This trip was our second to Acadia National Park and it did not disappoint. There is nothing like the rocky coast of northern Maine and Acadia does its very best to highlight it! My suggestion is to get to park VERY early because as the morning progresses into the early afternoon, the park becomes increasingly more crowded. Parking can be difficult if you do not arrive early in the morning. We love that it is dog friendly. read more

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My son and I came to the park in the off-season this past April and the park was a beautiful slice of nature, even though the leaves were not fully out. I can only imagine how packed this place can get during the summer time! Most of the trails were not quite open, but those that were made for a fun afternoon. I'll need to come back during the regular season when I can stand the tourist traffic. read more

Highly recommend purchasing the $12 Audio Guide and driving through the different parts and noting your favorite spots and then going back and actually stopping. We loved stopping at Sand Beach and getting out and exploring. We climbed the rocks along the side near sand beach and it was perfect. The National Park pass is required (either day or yearly) and it was $30 for the day. Highly recommended. So beautiful. You can also purchase a ticket to go up the mountain (we did not). But overall go! read more

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I don't have a good handle on the play out of the Park, but we are managing our way around. Parking has been difficult for hiking spots which is why they have the bus system. Views from everywhere are beautiful but we haven't seen any wildlife yet. read more

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When in Acadia NP, be sure to visit the gift shop at this visitor center. I found a nice array of t-shirts, stickers -- even a souvenir blanket. There's items for kids and pets too. read more

Acadia National Park - Information kiosk at the stairway up to the Visitor Center. - Parks Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

This is a busy park! We did go on a Saturday. Most of the parking lots were full when we tried to park, later in the day. We were able to stop at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center when we first go into the park. It is a very beautiful park with lovely view of the rocks and the ocean. The hiking was beyond me. We did watch some you tube videos before we went and I am glad because I wouldn't be able to do most of the trails. There is only one place in the park that sells food and is very busy. Bar Harbor is close and has lots of places to eat and shop if you are interested in that. I did enjoy the drive thru the park. We also had a pass for Caddilac Mountain, you need to get a timed pass online before you go. I think it would have been very beautiful up there but it was rainy and the clouds were lower than the mountain. This is the place people go to see the first sunrise in the US. Those spots sell fast. Best of luck on your trip. I would advice watching you tube videos before you go so you are prepared! read more

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