National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS / Kristi Rugg
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
3.2 mi · 1,000 ft gain · loop
Iron rungs, ladders, and sheer cliff faces up Champlain Mountain with ocean views. Seasonally closed for peregrine falcon nesting.
Starts at: Precipice Trailhead
1.4 mi · 450 ft gain · loop
Steep granite staircases, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces with dramatic views of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Gulf of Maine.
Starts at: Beehive Trailhead
4.4 mi · 1,100 ft gain · out & back
Exposed granite ridge hike to the highest point on the eastern seaboard with sweeping views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula.
Starts at: Cadillac North Ridge Trailhead
7.1 mi · 1,350 ft gain · out & back
The longest single-summit trail in the park, ascending through forest to an exposed granite ridgeline with panoramic Atlantic Ocean views.
Starts at: Cadillac South Ridge Trailhead
Upcoming Events
As a Friends of Acadia drop-in volunteer, you’ll see a new side of Acadia, feel a deeper connection to the park, and leave this national treasure a little better than you found it. Our Drop-in Stewardship Volunteer Program occurs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from June through the end of October. While being led by our amazing Volunteer Crew Leaders, you’ll help with important work like cutting back vegetation, clearing drainage features, building bogwalk, tread work, weeding carriage roads, and other tasks. Projects run from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., weather permitting, and no experience or reservation is required!
Carroll Homestead Open House
Explore the grounds of an 1800s homestead and farm, play games, and hear family stories. Living history for children, adults, and families. At Carroll Homestead in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Carroll Homestead is wheelchair accessible with an accessible portable toilet on site. You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
A Quiet Dream: A Walk on Mr. Rockefeller's Roads
Enjoy a 2-mile walk on the carriage roads with a ranger and visit the oldest stone bridge in the carriage road system. Along the way visitors will learn about the man who built the carriage roads and how his lasting gifts to Acadia are still appreciated by people today. Meet outside the restrooms at the Jordan Pond House Accessibility: You may request sign language, live audio description, assistive listening devices, or other accommodation for any scheduled park event or program at Acadia by contacting us at least 10 days in advance at 207-288-3338, option 0, or [email protected]. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/AcadiaAccessibility
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: April
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 45-90F (7-30C). Fall temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C). Typically the first frost is in mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 73 inches (185 cm). Winter temperatures range from 14-35F (-10 - 2C). Spring temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C).