Things to do in Acadia National Park
A rocky North Atlantic coast park of granite peaks, carriage roads, tide pools, lakes, spruce forest, and island villages.
Best months: June, July, September, October
What is worth your time in Acadia National Park
Park Loop RoadDo not miss
The classic loop links forests, lakes, cliffs, beaches, and many of Acadia’s easiest coastal viewpoints.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr4.9
Cadillac MountainDo not miss
The highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast is Acadia’s signature sunrise and panorama spot.
Viewpoint · 1.5 hr4.8
Jordan Pond PathDo not miss
The loop circles clear water below the Bubbles and pairs naturally with the park’s famous tea lawn.
Hike · 2 hr4.8
Ocean PathDo not miss
A mostly gentle coastal walk connects Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and Otter Cliff with constant surf views.
Hike · 2.3 hr4.8
Precipice Trail
The park’s most exposed ladder route climbs Champlain Mountain and is a serious adventure when open.
Climbing · 3.5 hr5
Carriage Roads
Historic broken-stone roads and stone bridges offer Acadia’s best low-traffic walking and biking network.
Hike · 2.8 hr4.9
Schoodic Loop Road
The less-crowded peninsula loop offers crashing surf, pink granite, island views, and a slower Acadia day.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr4.9
Schoodic Point
Open granite ledges meet heavy Atlantic surf with distant Mount Desert Island views.
Viewpoint · 53 min4.9
Great Head Trail
A compact loop climbs granite headlands above Sand Beach with strong coastline views.
Hike · 1.6 hr4.8
Sand Beach
The small cove beach sits between granite cliffs and makes a scenic family-friendly pause even when the water is cold.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr4.8
Beehive Trail
Iron rungs and exposed ledges create Acadia’s most thrilling short climb above Sand Beach.
Hike · 2 hr4.7
Thunder Hole
Incoming surf can boom through the rock slot, making this a dramatic roadside stop when seas and tide align.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.6
Wonderland Trail
An easy west-side path leads through forest to tide pools and quiet granite shoreline.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.6
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
The cliffside lighthouse is the west side’s classic sunset image and a quick coastal history stop.
Viewpoint · 53 min4.4
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Acadia is famous for Cadillac Mountain sunrise, Ocean Drive surf, historic carriage roads, pink granite hiking, and coastal views around Mount Desert Island.