The Ultimate List: Acadia National Park Things To Do!
If you’ve been following along in our traveling adventures over the years, then you know that we’ve thoroughly enjoyed Acadia National Park. There are miles and miles of forest and vegetation to explore at Acadia National Park. Check this list of Acadia National Park things to do.
The Ultimate List of Acadia National Park Things To Do!
Cadillac Mountain
Make sure you take a little time to visit Cadillac Mountain. You won’t believe how beautiful this mountain is and you will want to get a firsthand look.
This is the first place we visited in the park and being able to see the bay and the island from the top was amazing.
Related: 39 Must See Things to do in Maine
If you have the motivation to get up early the ranger lead a group to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise each morning.
Park Loop Road
The next thing we did is the Park Loop Drive. This is a 27 mile one-way loop road that has some of the most iconic spots on it. You get amazing views of the rocky coast and there are plenty of stopping points and picnic areas.
Another known place on the park loop road is Thunder Hole. Named because of the sounds the waves make during certain points of the day. We didn't make it during this time but it's still a sight to see.
You end the park loop drive by passing Jordan Pond. I highly recommend a stop! There are beautiful crystal clear waters. There are also trails that are easy and some trails are more difficult. There is even a nearby restaurant that serves delicious foods.
Bass Harbor Head Light House
Located on Mount Desert Island with the main part of the park, this lighthouse is one of the most iconic parts of the park and is currently maintained by the US Coast Gard.
Related: Fun Things to do on Vacation in Every State in America
Carriage Roads
Named because to this day cars aren't allowed on them. You can bike ride here or even just hike part of the carriage roads.
Schoodic Point
Located across the bay from the main park near Bar Harbor, Schoodic Point has a 6-mile one-way park loop drive as well. There are hiking and camping here. You also get some great views across the bay to Cadilac Mountain.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Hot Springs National Park Arkansas
At the start of this drive, there is a little inlet with a great view and picnic and fishing area.
This is also a part of the park where you tend to find wild blueberry bushes the easiest. And you are free to pick them! We made some blueberry muffins that night and oh my word they were the best I has ever had, the fresh wild blueberries make all the difference!
Related: The Ultimate Guide to The National Park Service Junior Ranger Program & Junior Ranger Badges
Junior Ranger Badge
Don't forget to stop at any visitor centers and get your Junior Ranger book to complete and earn your badge.
They also have several junior ranger stations (which you have to visit one to get your badge)
Trails at Acadia National Park
Coastal Trails: Flying Mountain Loop, Gorham Mountain Loop, Great Head Trail, Ocean Path, Ship Harbor Trail, Wonderland Trail.
Related: What Should be in Your Hiking Pack
Summit Trails: Beachcroft and Champlain South Ridge, Beehive Loop, Cadillac Mountain South Ridge, Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop, Giant Slide Loop, Penobscot and Sargent Mountain Loop, Pemetic Mountain Loop, and Precipice Loop. Don’t forget about Saint Sauveur and Acadia Mountain.
Make sure you also check out the Lake & Forest Trails!
Eating and Sleeping Options
Visiting Acadia National Park is nothing short of amazing, but you gotta eat and sleep while there. You better believe that there are accommodations to help you make the most of your trip!
Lodging
There are tons of options when it comes to camping at Acadia National Park.
- Blackwoods Campground
- Seawall Campground
- Schoodic Woods Campground
- Duck Harbor Campground (Isle au Haut)
- Wildwood Stables Campground
We stayed at Mountain View Campground. This is not a National Park campground it is privately owned and across the bay for the main part of the park. The campground is right on the water and has amazing views of Cadilac Mountain along with water breezes! In the heat of July, it was only 76 degree at the campground!
Related: How We are Cutting our Campground Fees by 70% or more!
Eating
- Jordan Pond House Restaurant
- Chambers of Commerce has a nice long list of places you can eat and enjoy the food.
Every September 1st through Saturday, October 13, you can get a firsthand look at all of the Ranger Programs happening at Acadia National Park.
- Acadia’s Birds: Sundays and Wednesdays, 2:30 pm, 1.hours, 1 mile (1.6 km), Sieur de Monts Springs
- Blackwoods Campground: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 1 hour
- Botany Walk: Mondays, Fridays, 3 pm, 1.5 hours, 1 mile (1.6 km), Sieur de Monts Springs
- Carroll Homestead Open House & Junior Ranger Station: Saturdays 11 am – 2 pm
- Criterion Theater Ranger Program: Plan Your Acadia Adventure
- Fire Tower Open House
- Geology Walk
- Hawk Watch
- Knowing the Night
- Missing Mansion
- Nature Walk
- Ocean Path Walk
- Photo Walk
- Seawall Campground
- Stars Over Sand Beach
Related: 31 Free Things to do in Portland Maine
Ranger Guided Bicycle Tours
Have you always wanted to go on a tour? Now you can go on a guided tour with a ranger at Acadia National Park. It can be tough to know where to go when you’re in a new park, but having a ranger take you is awesome. Ranger Guided Bicycle Tours can take place two ways. You can take the Baker Island Cruise or the Carriage Road Bike Tour. There’s a Frenchman Bay Cruise and the Islesford Historic and Scenic Cruise. Make sure you’re bringing the proper cruise essentials! Some of these bike cruises are super long!
- Warm layered clothing
- Windproof and waterproof clothing
- Water
- Snacks
- Walking shoes that you can stand to wear for a long time period.
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do while in Acadia National Park. We spent a lot of time exploring nature, but there are restaurants and other things to see and do. Make sure you do a little research as there an overwhelming amount of stuff to do.
It’s easier to map out what you’ll be doing and then getting it done. What are your favorite Acadia National Park Things To Do?
