The only National Park in the northeast, Acadia National Park is a coastal wonderland. The park occupies Mount Desert Island and a few smaller islands off the coast of Maine, and a visit here can include exploration of forest, lake, mountain and ocean.
Must see and do at Acadia National Park
Although you should definitely plan to get out of the car and explore the park on foot, a drive around 27-mile Park Loop Road presents a scenic introduction to many of the park's attractions, including Jordan Pond and Thunder Hole. Drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain in the early morning to see one of the first sunrises in the country.
Best and worst times to go to Acadia National Park
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to experience Acadia, as many of the roads are closed and harsh conditions prevail during the winter. To avoid high-volume crowds, try visiting in May or September–October. The autumn months also offer the added incentive of witnessing some glorious foliage.
Admission to Acadia National Park
All entrance fees provide access to the park for a 7-day period. A carload will cost $20–30, while per-person fees (by foot or by bike) will cost $10-20.
Wildlife at Acadia National Park
Although you may have to get off the main roadways to see much of it, wildlife abounds at Acadia. Birds are particularly abundant in the area, and if you look to the skies you have a good chance of seeing the fast-flying peregrine falcon. Deer are common, even in high-traffic areas, and moose and black bear are indeed present in the woods, though they are a rarer sight. As Acadia is home to both fresh- and saltwater habitats, there is also significant opportunity for fishing.
Insider tip for visitors to Acadia National Park
Drive out west to the middle of Mount Desert Island and hike Acadia Mountain. The climb is strenuous yet rewarding, as at the top you will be greeted by a vista of fjord-like Somes Sound, the only body of water of its kind in the country.
Julia O'Connor is a full-time editor and part-time freelance writer transplanted from Boston to Denver. She is thriving on the transition and has enjoyed the exploration of both cities and everything in between.