Top Things to do in Acadia National Park
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The 8 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Acadia National Park, DownEast and Acadia Maine
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1. Cadillac Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,467 reviews
The East Coast's highest mountain at 1,530 feet and Acadia's best known sight.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Maine's Mount Desert Island is, at 1, 532 feet, the highest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard and the first place in the United States to be touched by the light of a rising sun from October 7 through March 6 of each year. How's that for a notable piece of trivia? It also is the only mountain on Mount Desert Island--there are more than 20 of them--that has a road that travels all the way to the summit. The 3.5-mile road to the top opened in 1931. Cadillac Mountain is composed largely of pink granite, giving it a strong reddish appearance at sunrise or sunset. Spruce and pitch pine are the dominant trees on the mountain combined with tiny subalpine plants and wild blueberries. Views? Look in every direction. To the East, there is the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland. There are several islands off the coast of Mount Desert Island, including Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine. To the Northeast is the business district of Bar Harbor. To the North is Trenton. To the South is Islesford. To the Southwest is Southwest Harbor. To the West is Eagle Lake and Blue Hill Mountain. Yes, it is more scenic than a trip to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado.
2. Carriage Roads
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By LPLoveToTravel - Ocala, United States
The carriage road system's intent was to provide access to the inner beauty of Mount Desert Island. Designed with the natural contours of the land to minimize impact and to maximize views it's the perfect place to hike or bike ride and really enjoy the solitude of nature.
3. Acadia National Park Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,201 reviews
Center offering visitors an audio-visual presentation, maps, special events and the opportunity to talk to rangers.
Reviewed By Travelinghengs - Springfield, United States
The rangers here are soo friendly and helpful. Our kids got the junior ranger badges here and it was a fun activity. The gift shop is perfect and the cashier was wonderful. We had several questions about collecting the stamps and junior ranger badges for national parks and the cashier took several minutes patiently answering all of our questions. Could not have had a better experience! We purchased several souvenirs would highly recommend a stop in before you start exploring the park.
4. Jordan Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,195 reviews
A pond in Acadia National Park with nature walks nearby.
Reviewed By HappyGJackson - Mount Laurel, United States
We went here to walk around the pond and find the bridges . Wonderful area the pond is so big and clean . I walked the carriage road near the pond lots of hills . Then we bought our bikes here to ride the carriage roads great exercise up and down the hills . We had to try the pop overs and they were so good I made them at home yum after a long walk have some pop overs
5. Park Loop Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,560 reviews
A major national park in Maine where the attractions and sights are well known along the 20-mile Park Loop Road.
Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
The shoreline section of the 27 mile long park loop between Bar Harbor and Jordan Pond is a one way road. Along this part of the route visitors can see views of offshore islands, distant forested mountain ranges, a bit of sand on the curved Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the rocky shoreline at Otter Cliffs. There is an opportunity to park the car at Thunder Hole in order to walk down to the massive bare rock forms where water has gouged a narrow opening between the granite rocks. There is a protected walkway on the edge of this opening for a closer look at the water rushing into this passageway. Best time to hear the roar and see the spray is 2 hours before high tide - the information board informs visitors. Parking is limited at this spot and will be barricaded when full. At Otter Cliffs, the road to Jordan Pond turns inland and travels through evergreen forests and a valley. The pond is more like a lake and flat as a mirror. It boasts such clear water that the restaurant and nearby communities use it for their water supply. Thus a sign reminds visitors about not swimming, wading, or boating in the water. There is a 3 mile path/trail around the lake with the forests coming right down to the lake. We preferred to walk just a short section of it around the Jordon Pond House Restaurant. There are many parking spaces at this stop and visitors don't have to be concerned about how long they park. Rockefellar built Jordan Pond House around 1913 so there is a wide area around the house that has been cleared and landscaped. Between Jordan Pond and Bar Harbor the road is open for 2 way traffic. This drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain was the longest with no stops until we reached its summit. Shortly after leaving Jordon Pond, our guide pointed to Bubble Rock precariously balanced on a mountain top, but it never rolls down the hill, even though people have tried to move it. It is a remainder of the glacier which once covered this area. After Bubble Rock came views of Eagle Lake which were similar to those of Jordan Pond - calm waters surrounded by forest. As we drove up Cadillac Mountain, the views changed. We could see Bar Harbor off in the distance, French Bay, and the many small treed islands that dot French Bay. The two white cruise ships anchored in the Bay were easy to spot. The summit has a sufficient parking to accommodate buses and cars without any trouble. Presently, there are no services at the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is a rocky outcrop so trees are not hindering the marvellous view of the offshore islands, the coastline, and the blue waters of the ocean. There was a narrow trail to walk to several viewing points. Visitors were scattered all over the rocky outcrop. The ride back into town was on a 2 way road - 1 lane each way. We were glad we weren't driving so we could take in these views and not have to watch the road. The road conditions on this 27 mile circular route were excellent - all paved - and kept in good repair. However, there were no protective fences along the edge of the road, only 1 layer high granite blocks. Buses, trollies, and cars didn't have any trouble with the varying grades, especially the road which led to the top of Cadillac Mountain. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to drive this circular route with short stops along the way. Although the route is well signed, visitors should stop in at the Visitor's Center to get a map of the island and its 27 mile driving loop. We couldn't see any evidence of the fire that had once destroyed many of the summer homes built by wealthy families. Bus passengers might want to sit on the left hand side of the bus when leaving Bar Harbor in order to get the best views from bus windows of the waterfront scenery between Bar Harbor and Otter Cliffs.
6. Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By My-Honest-0pinion - Indianapolis, United States
If you like to hike, or even if you don’t and love awesome views, hike the great head trail, the trail begins and end at the beach. My absolute favorite trail in the park. The smell of the ocean on one side and the smell of the evergreens on the other, the breeze and the rocky shore cliffs provides a many opportunities to sit, relax and have lunch over the water. The trail is moderate intensity....absolutely where I find my connection with nature, God’s beautiful creation.
7. Echo Lake Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Lynne003 - Boston, United States
OK and yes, we know. The water in Maine is FREEZING. If you are looking for a relaxing swim and one kids can enjoy (the ocean waves at Sand Beach can be dangerous) this is the place for you. Bring a frisbe and stand in the water to your hearts content. Lifeguards and long shallow shore make this tame and a great place for kids (or those visiting Maine waters for the first time).
8. Thunder Hole
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,034 reviews
Chasm surrounded by water and gardens.
Reviewed By JasontheGreat
On the park loop road, this stop was more than expected. First, exit the parking area in the middle of the parking area and there is a crosswalk that takes you across the street. Follow a few stairs down and out to a paved platform with rails overlooking the "slot" that the water rushes in and then booms against the rock echoing the sound of thunder. We happened by at just the right time and heard the boom many times. It is exciting to guess which wave will make a sound and which will just be a dud. You can follow the ocean trail from here or scramble over rocks to your heart's content enjoying crashing waves and incredible ocean views.
