Best of all, the mosquitoes havent come out yet (although Maines notorious black flies can be a bother in June). Read More Guide to Visiting Big Bend National Park ParkContinue, Your email address will not be published. Located at the north end of the park, its staffed by park rangers, sells park passes, and has maps and interactive exhibits, as well as the Acadia National Park Store. My daughter and I flew from Atlanta to Boston and then road tripped north to spend two days in Acadia National Park. Isle au Haut: This isolated portion of Acadia is reachable only by ferry; 60 percent of the island is part of the park, and its threaded with peaceful hiking trails through woods and along the shoreline. Major airlines also serve Bangor International Airport, which is about an hour away from the park. From the Jordan Pond boardwalk, head to another of Acadias unique transport options: the 45 miles of carriage roads that were built in the early 1900s by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to serve as a car-free zone. So popular, in fact, that the summit road is sometimes closed due to overcrowdingwhich prompted the National Park Service in 2021 to implement a. for the Cadillac Mountain drive between May 26 and October 1. From weather to wildlife safety, these useful tips can help you make the most of your visit. But this is an activity that absolutely any visitor to Mount Desert Islandespecially those who love foodshould consider. January 7, 2023 The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options!) With a bit of planning, even a day or two at Acadia will give you a sense of what the park known as the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast is all about. Cadillac Mountainthe 1,529-foot peak that dominates Acadiais considered the best spot on the East Coast to greet the sunrise. As a whole, Acadia spans 49,052 acres, over half of which consists of Mount Desert Island. Pack layers, bring plenty of water, make a plan for where youre going, and youll be fine. They give a good taste of the coast of Maine, and some are located right on the water. This outdoor resort takes all the work out of camping, so you can focus on the fun stuff. But know that traffic and parking once youre inside the park may kill your vibe. Heres a few options. The Jesup Trail in the Sieur de Monts Spring Area passes through a forest of white birch on a boardwalk wide enough for wheelchairs (with shoulder and turnaround areas, too). We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. Portland Maine to Acadia National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. Acadia is among the most beautiful US national parks; it is a dreamy coastal national park boasting the very best of Maine's dramatic coastlines. Park Loop Road, the . Spring and fall temperatures fall somewhere in between. Thats who we turned to for help in creating this guide. The Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA isn't the only camping experience at Acadia: There's also the Bar Harbor / Woodlands KOA. When you exit the eastern half of Acadias Mount Desert Island unit, Route 3 can be used to visit the western half. Heres everything we did and some practical tips to help you plan your trip. Return back to Southwest Harbor for dinner at one of the marinas. Learn how your comment data is processed. Major airlines also serve Bangor International Airport, which is about an hour away from the park. During the fall and winter months (roughly October through March), the 1,530-foot-high mountain is said to be the first spot in the U.S. to experience the light of day. There arent any deserts to be found in New England, so the name of Maines Mount Desert Island comes as a bit of a shock to those unfamiliar with it. Summer: Summer, particularly late June to late August, is the busiest time of year at Acadia; if youre looking for beach weather, this is the season to visit (though many visitors might only dip a toe in the still-chilly Atlantic waters). are go-tos for Maines tastiest crustaceans, while Bar Harbor boasts two great places to sample the local suds: , which produces its own ales, porters, and IPAs, and. All out-of-state visitors are required to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result. Road tripping to Acadia National Park is one of the most scenic routes in the U.S. However, portions of the scenic one way loop road are open, as well as Jordan Pond Road weather permitting. For those willing to tackle the slippery rocks for that endless view of the water, this stop in Acadia adds something a little different to your average national park trip. Generally, the peak fall foliage is in mid October which means the busiest time is the first of October through the Columbus Day weekend. You also have only a fraction of the tourists. Sieur de Monts Nature Center: In addition to serving as a visitor center with maps and information, this nature center offers exhibits and programs highlighting Acadias biology, history, and preservation efforts. Regional carrier Cape Air offers regularly scheduled flights from Boston to Mount Desert Island. Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Acadia National Park, including itinerary suggestions, where to stay and eat, how to get around, and so much more! Today, about half of Mount Desert Island is preserved as Acadia National Park. So popular, in fact, that the summit road is sometimes closed due to overcrowdingwhich prompted the National Park Service in 2021 to implement a vehicle reservation program for the Cadillac Mountain drive between May 26 and October 1. There is even deck seating for some more of those striking Maine views you can't get enough of, while eating some of the best that Maine has to offer! A. also links Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula, and the Island Explorer stops at both ferry piers. Or can we get similar feel staying midcoast Maine (maybe around Bath) with visits to Popham beach state park and Boothbay harbor areas? Alternatively, leave the car behind and hike to the top. A 3.5-mile loop trail around the shoreline of Jordan Pond. Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, off the east coast of Maine in the northeastern United States. During construction of the roads, no trees or earth was removed. Tall tales, trip guides, and the weird and wonderful. They let me show them my . Travelers can also go tidepooling, kayaking, or fishing on the coast or at the inland lakes. Longer stays allow for more extensive exploration of Acadias network of hiking trails, guided kayaking tours of offshore waters and islands, and road trips to the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. 15 Best Things To Do (2023) Lubec is a small little fishing village in Maine that's so far northeast, it's almost to the Canadian border, and closer to Europe than any other town in the U.S. For that reason, you may be wondering, is Lubec, Maine worth visiting if the drive is so far? Here is a link for the Island Explorer shuttle system. Pay attention to the weather and check online for tide times to visit it at the ideal time. Drive to the summit by entering the park at the Cadillac Mountain entrance (the intersection of Eagle Lake Road/Route 223 and Park Loop Road), and head south of the Park Loop Road to the summit road. Late fall can be damp and chilly in Acadia, but you can also get some crisp, clear days in the park if you dont mind the chilly nights. Lori is the creator of Southerner Says. Morning: drive as much of the scenic loop road as you can. C-Ray Lobster, Rose Eden Lobster, and Stewmans Lobster Pound are go-tos for Maines tastiest crustaceans, while Bar Harbor boasts two great places to sample the local suds: Atlantic Brewing Company, which produces its own ales, porters, and IPAs, and Bar Harbor Beer Works, pouring a wide selection of Maine beers on draft. The Female tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the island and the park. Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over Ready for navigation and good times! Yes! 1. But thats not the point. Another great way to see the park is by renting bikes in Bar Harbor. Morning- Cadillac Mountain for sunrise if you are brave enough to get up at 4 am. Yep, the rangers who live and breathe its fresh, clean air every day. Its the highest peak in the park and on Mount Desert Island. For the latest information about guidelines at the park, check out our full list of national parks requiring changes for visitors. Open May through October. Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Its also closest to the town of Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park. I think it depends. Open May through October. The Island Explorers website also has a very handy Car-Free Travel Guide that lists out the various options for public transportation from nearby Bangor, Maine, as well as Boston. Learn more about the many experiences you can have in Acadia, including hiking, biking, water activities, and ranger programs. It was cloudy and foggy off and on so we didnt have a chance to see sunrise or sunset from Cadillac Mountain. Everyone loves a comeback story. For more fun out in Bar Harbor's sun, try spending a day on the water. This article contains affiliate links. Depending on your cycling skills and interests, you can choose a short spin on the gently sloping Eagle Lake or Jordan Pond trails, or a longer, more difficult ride on the rugged Around the Mountain loop. In terms of where to situate yourself, its worth noting there are several villages on the island of Mount Desert, the most notable including the charming town of Bar Harbor, and the sleepier Southwest Harbor. You may just be unable to go back to regular camping ever again. Visitors can easily spend 3 days exploring Acadia and Bar Harbor, but if you have only a single day, drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road and make some of the popular stops along the east side of Mount Desert Island. The local mainstay offers organic produce, fresh seafood, and seasonal ingredients. The inn is conveniently located within walking distance to all that Bar Harbor has to offer. Finish driving the park loop road if you didnt drive it all yesterday. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast, at 1,530 feet. Unfortunately, the weather wasnt in our favor when we were there. When we visited in July, the weather was unusually cool for our two days in Acadia. One of the first things youll notice are the fifty-two steps to reach the entrance. Jordan Pond House is the only restaurant located within the park. We gave it a couple of tries and were finally rewarded with a little blue sky on the second afternoon. My daughter and I flew from Atlanta to Boston and then road tripped north to spend two days in Acadia National Park. Today, the carriage roads provide cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders with a wealth of scenic routes that are separate from the parks busy roads. LEARN MORE OTHER SERVICES We offer private group tours of Acadia National Park! Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Cadillac Mountain 5 3,665 reviews #5 of 36 things to do in Acadia National Park Mountains Visit website Call Write a review About Cadillac Mountain is a must-see within Acadia National Park in Maine. Purchase one. Whether you plan to rough it or end your day of hiking or biking with some much-deserved pampering, youll find plenty of lodging options in and around Acadia National Park, from campgrounds and yurts to motels, rental properties, and luxury hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. That means I might earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book or buy something through a link I provide. Spring in Acadia National Park is a beautiful time of year to visit. Bubble Rock or the Beehive Trail are two of the most popular hikes in Acadia National Park. Preserved as Acadia National Park is a beautiful time of year to visit cadillac Mountain for sunrise if didnt... Portions of the scenic one way loop road as you can have in National. 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