Are you planning to look for an Acadia National Park itinerary? Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering a unique blend of oceanic and mountainous landscapes. It’s one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. because of its stunning coastal views, diverse ecosystems, and rich history.
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Acadia National Park Itinerary – Plan a Trip to Acadia National Park
Visitors love Acadia for its granite peaks, dense woodlands, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged coastline. The park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing make it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
How to Reach Acadia National Park
Nearest Big City: Portland, Maine
- Distance: Approximately 160 miles
- Driving Time: About 3 hours
Driving Directions from Portland:
- Take I-295 N from Portland.
- Continue on I-95 N to ME-3 E in Augusta.
- Follow ME-3 E to Mount Desert Island, where Acadia National Park is located.
Public Transport Option – Bus: Concord Coach Lines offers bus services from Portland to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. The journey takes 4-5 hours.
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Best Entrances to Take – 2 days in Acadia National Park
Hulls Cove Visitor Center – This is the main entrance and an excellent starting point for exploring the park. It provides maps, park information, and restrooms. The Hulls Cove entrance gives you access to the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile scenic drive that offers stunning views of the park’s highlights.
Cadillac Mountain Entrance – This entrance is ideal if your primary goal is to reach Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast, famous for its sunrise views.
Schoodic Peninsula Entrance – For a quieter experience, the Schoodic Peninsula entrance offers access to the less-crowded parts of the park, which have rugged coastlines and scenic beauty.
Overnight Hotel – Acadia Itinerary
Bar Harbor Inn & Spa – This hotel is located in Bar Harbor and offers comfortable rooms with ocean views, an on-site spa, and dining options. It’s a short drive from the park’s Hulls Cove entrance and offers easy access to local shops and restaurants.
Things to Do – Itinerary for Acadia National Park
Drive the Park Loop Road: This 27-mile scenic drive takes you through the heart of Acadia, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and forests. Key stops include Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.
Hike Cadillac Mountain – At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard. Hiking to the summit is rewarding, especially at sunrise when you’re among the first in the U.S. to see the sunrise.
Explore Jordan Pond and the Jordan Pond Path – Jordan Pond is famous for its clear waters and the picturesque Bubbles mountains that frame it. The 3.5-mile Jordan Pond Path offers an easy, scenic walk with stunning views.
Visit Thunder Hole – This natural rock inlet creates thunderous sounds when waves crash into it. It’s a thrilling sight and sound, particularly during high tide or stormy weather.
Walk the Ocean Path – This 4-mile round-trip trail follows the coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Cliff, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs.
Bike the Carriage Roads – Acadia’s 45 miles of historic carriage roads are perfect for biking. Free of motor vehicles, these paths meander through forests, around lakes, and over stone bridges, offering peaceful and scenic routes.
Visit the Schoodic Peninsula – This less-visited part of Acadia provides a more tranquil experience, with rugged coastal scenery, fewer crowds, and opportunities for bird-watching and picnicking.
Tours & Activities to Book
Acadia National Park Tour with Oli’s Trolley—This guided tour offers an informative and scenic overview of the park’s highlights, including Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. It is perfect for those wanting to see the park’s top sights without the stress of navigating.
Kayaking Tours with Acadia Outfitters – Explore Acadia’s coastline from the water on a guided sea kayaking tour. These tours often provide close encounters with marine life, like seals and porpoises.
Schoodic Peninsula Bike Tours – Guided bike tours on the Schoodic Peninsula offer a quieter, more intimate exploration of the park’s rugged coastline.
Acadia Itinerary – One day or Two days
You can design this Acadia National Park itinerary for either a 1-day or a 2-day visit to Acadia National Park, depending on how much you want to explore and the pace at which you prefer to travel. Below, I’ll give you two Acadia itinerary options with one and two days.
1-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center – This is a great starting point for your day.
Drive the Park Loop Road and take stopovers at
- Sand Beach: Enjoy the view or take a quick walk.
- Thunder Hole: Experience the powerful sound of the waves.
- Jordan Pond: Take a short walk around the pond and enjoy the views of The Bubbles.
Then, proceed to Cadillac Mountain Summit: This is a must-see, especially for panoramic park views.
Ocean Path Walk: This easy walk offers incredible coastal views and is perfect for stretching your legs.
Have Lunch at Jordan Pond House. It is famous for its popovers and tea and has stunning pond views.
Explore the Schoodic Peninsula – This less-visited area provides a quieter experience with rugged coastlines if time permits.
Sunset at Cadillac Mountain or Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – Both spots offer stunning sunset views, making for a perfect end to your day.
1-Day Itinerary: This itinerary focuses on the must-see highlights, such as Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain, and key scenic spots. It’s a packed day, ideal for those who are short on time. You can follow the one-day Acadia National Park itinerary with key highlights of Acadia.
2-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
Day 1 of Acadia Itinerary
Start from Hulls Cove Visitor Center & Park Loop Road
Take scenic stops at
- Sand Beach
- Thunder Hole
- Otter Cliff
Cadillac Mountain Summit: Drive to the summit and take in the views.
Lunch at Jordan Pond House: A great midday stop with beautiful surroundings.
Hike Jordan Pond Path: A scenic and relatively easy hike around the pond.
Sunset at Cadillac Mountain or Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Enjoy stunning sunset views.
Day 2 of Acadia Itinerary:
Bike the Carriage Roads: Explore the serene, motor-free paths through the park.
Take the Kayaking Tour with Acadia Outfitters: Get a different perspective of Acadia from the water.
Lunch in Bar Harbor: Enjoy local cuisine and take a break.
Evening: Visit the Schoodic Peninsula:
End your trip with a peaceful exploration of the less crowded part of the park.
Total Time of Acadia 2 days Itinerary: Over two days, each day filled with 8-10 hours of activities.
2-Day Itinerary: This itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace and includes activities like biking, hiking, and exploring quieter areas like the Schoodic Peninsula. It provides a more in-depth experience of Acadia.
Choose the itinerary that best fits your schedule and interests!
Useful Tips – Itinerary for Acadia National Park
Best Time to Visit – Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal, offering cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage.
Entrance Fee: Acadia requires a seven-day entrance pass, which can be purchased online or at the park entrances.
Pack Layers – The weather can change quickly in Acadia—pack layers to stay comfortable during cool mornings and evenings.
Parking: Parking can be limited, especially in popular spots like Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond. Arrive early or use the Island Explorer shuttle bus to avoid parking hassles.
FAQs – Acadia Itinerary
Let’s check frequently asked questions about the planning itinerary for Acadia National Park.
- Is Acadia National Park Pet-Friendly?
Yes, Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly national parks. Pets are allowed on most trails, carriage roads, and public areas but must be leashed.
- Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Cadillac Mountain?
Yes, during the peak season (May-October), you need a timed entry reservation to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise.
- How Long Should I Spend in Acadia?
If you want to explore this park and its attractions, it is recommended that you spend a minimum of 2-3 days. However, you could easily spend a week exploring all the park offers.
- Are There Restaurants Inside the Park?
The park itself has limited dining options. Jordan Pond House is the most famous for its popovers and tea. Most dining options are near Bar Harbor.
- What is the Weather Like?
Summers are warm, with temperatures ranging from 50-80°F, while fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Winters are cold, with snow often covering the park.
Following this Acadia National Park itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Acadia National Park, from its stunning landscapes to its exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to relax and enjoy nature, Acadia has something for everyone.
So, plan a trip to Acadia National Park after reading this Acadia itinerary.
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