Things to do at Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a natural wonder offering a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs. With its striking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a blend of forest, mountains, and shoreline, Acadia offers a diverse array of experiences. 

Whether someone visits for adventure, serenity, photography, or family exploration, Acadia provides endless ways to experience the natural wonder of the Maine coast. Spending time here means stepping into landscapes shaped by glaciers, shifting tides, and the timeless force of the Atlantic Ocean.

Quick Reference: Things to Do in Acadia National Park

Activity	What It Offers	Best Area / Location	Why It’s Popular
Hiking	Scenic trails ranging from easy coastal walks to strenuous summit climbs	Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Beehive Trail, Ocean Path	Offers sweeping ocean views, granite peaks, lakeside paths, and classic Acadia scenery
Biking	Miles of vehicle-free historic roads designed for cyclists	Carriage Roads around Mount Desert Island	Smooth crushed-stone paths, stone bridges, and forest views make it ideal for families and cyclists
Scenic Driving	Iconic 27-mile road loop with overlooks and major landmarks	Park Loop Road	Perfect for first-time visitors, photographers, and sunrise/sunset seekers
Wildlife Viewing	Opportunities to spot deer, foxes, seabirds, seals, and marine life	Schoodic Peninsula, Ship Harbor, Seawall, Jordan Pond	Acadia’s varied ecosystems create amazing wildlife viewing without long hikes
Tide Pool Exploration	Discover sea stars, crabs, mussels, snails, and anemones	Wonderland Trail, Ship Harbor, Bar Island	A family favorite; close-up look at marine life during low tide
Swimming	Ocean and freshwater swimming options	Sand Beach, Echo Lake	Sand Beach offers cold Atlantic waves; Echo Lake offers warmer, calm waters
Kayaking / Canoeing	Calm lakes and rugged coastline for paddling	Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, Bar Harbor coastline	Peaceful inland waters or dramatic ocean kayaking around cliffs
Sunrise/Sunset Viewing	One of the first places in the U.S. to see sunrise	Cadillac Mountain, Otter Cliff, Bass Harbor	Cadillac Mountain's sunrise is world-famous; sunsets at Bass Harbor are equally stunning
Camping	Wooded sites near coastline and mountains	Blackwoods Campground, Seawall, Schoodic Woods	Immersive nature experience with easy access to trails and coastline
Photography	Iconic landscapes, rocky shores, lighthouses, and wildlife	Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Jordan Pond, Otter Cliffs	Some of the most photographed scenery on the U.S. East Coast
Ranger Programs	Educational talks, walks, and night sky programs	Visitor centers, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach	Adds depth to the experience with natural and cultural insights
Boating & Ferry Trips	Scenic rides to islands, wildlife watching, and coastal views	Bar Harbor to Schoodic Ferry; Islesford; Frenchman Bay	Great for spotting seals, seabirds, and exploring Acadia’s island life
Winter Activities	Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking	Carriage Roads, Cadillac Mountain base trails	Quiet, peaceful, and perfect for winter adventure lovers

 

1. Watch the Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain

One of Acadia’s most iconic experiences is watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast. From early October to early March, it is the first place in the country to see the sunrise. Arrive early (well before dawn) and bring layers—it can get cold even in summer.

Pro Tip: Vehicle reservations are required during peak months. Book early!

2. Hiking the Scenic Trails

Acadia boasts over 150 miles of hiking trails that cater to every skill level, from easy strolls to challenging scrambles. The trails offer spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, forests, lakes, and granite peaks.

i. Cadillac Mountain: At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast and is a must-visit for sunrise watchers. From late fall to early spring, it’s the first place in the U.S. where you can see the sunrise. You can either drive to the summit or hike via the challenging Cadillac South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles round trip).

ii. The Precipice Trail: This trail is for the adventurous. It involves climbing iron rungs and ladders up the cliffs of Champlain Mountain, offering dramatic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. It’s not recommended for those afraid of heights or for children.

iii. Jordan Pond Path: For a more relaxed hike, the Jordan Pond Path is a 3.5-mile loop around the picturesque Jordan Pond. The path offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the twin granite domes known as "The Bubbles."

iv. Beehive Trail: Similar to the Precipice Trail but slightly less intense, the Beehive Trail offers iron rungs and ladders for an exciting scramble up a cliffside, ending with panoramic views over Sand Beach and the coastline.

3. Explore the Carriage Roads

The 45 miles carriage roads of Acadia provide a completely different kind of adventure. These historic stone-dust paths were a gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., who wanted a place where horses and carriages could travel without the noise of automobiles. These roads, free from motor vehicles, offer a peaceful way to explore the park’s forests, lakes, and mountains. You’ll also encounter 17 unique stone bridges along the way.

Today, they offer pristine routes for walking, biking, and horseback riding. The stone bridges along these roads are works of art, each one blending into the natural landscape like it has always been there. Riding a bike through these quiet, wooded roads is one of the most peaceful and refreshing ways to explore Acadia, especially around Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and Witch Hole Pond.

4. Drive the Park Loop Road

The 27-mile Park Loop Road offers an excellent overview of Acadia’s diverse landscapes. This scenic drive takes you along the rugged coastline, through dense forests, and up mountains, offering numerous pull-offs for photos and short walks. 

Highlights along the Park Loop Road include:

i. Sand Beach: A stunning, crescent-shaped beach nestled between rocky headlands. This is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming (if you can brave the cold Atlantic water), or just relaxing by the shore.

ii. Thunder Hole: A natural rock formation where incoming waves create a thunderous roar and dramatic splash. The best time to visit is around high tide when the waves are most powerful.

iii. Otter Cliff: One of the highest coastal headlands in North America, Otter Cliff provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for rock climbing.

iv. Sieur de Monts Spring: This area is home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia, showcasing native plant species, as well as the Abbe Museum, which highlights the culture and history of the Native American Wabanaki people.

5. Wildlife Watching

Acadia is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, foxes, beavers, and more elusive animals like black bears and bobcats. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting species such as peregrine falcons, bald eagles, ospreys, and various seabirds.

i. Seawall Picnic Area: This area, located on the quieter side of the park, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially for bird species along the rocky shoreline.

ii. Schoodic Peninsula: A lesser-known part of the park, the Schoodic Peninsula offers solitude, scenic views, and wildlife watching opportunities away from the crowds.

6. Kayaking and Canoeing

Acadia’s lakes and coastline provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle through the calm, crystal-clear waters of Jordan Pond or Echo Lake, or explore the dramatic coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Sea kayaking tours are available for those interested in guided trips along the rugged shores, offering a unique perspective of the park’s cliffs and islands.

Frenchman Bay: Paddle through the waters of Frenchman Bay, where you might encounter seals, porpoises, and seabirds. The view of Mount Desert Island from the water is breathtaking.

7. Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of fishing opportunities in Acadia. Jordan Pond, Echo Lake, and several other bodies of water are open to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Make sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

Bass Harbor Head Light: After a day of fishing, head to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse on the southwestern tip of the island for one of the most iconic sunset views in the park.

8. Tide Pooling at Wonderland and Ship Harbor

Acadia’s tide pools are teeming with marine life. At low tide, explore the rocky shores at Wonderland and Ship Harbor for a chance to see crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and other intertidal creatures up close. These areas are especially enjoyable for families with children.

9. Stargazing

With minimal light pollution, Acadia National Park is one of the best places on the East Coast for stargazing. The park hosts an annual Acadia Night Sky Festival each September, celebrating the park’s exceptional night skies with ranger-led programs and astronomy presentations.

Cadillac Mountain Summit: The summit of Cadillac Mountain offers a spectacular vantage point for watching the stars and planets in the night sky. On clear nights, the Milky Way is often visible.

10. Winter Activities

While Acadia is most popular in the warmer months, winter brings its own set of activities. The park’s carriage roads are groomed for cross-country skiing, and there are plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing. The quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience.

11. Visit Bar Harbor

Just outside the park lies the charming town of Bar Harbor, a great base for exploring Acadia. Bar Harbor offers a range of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as boat tours for whale watching or visiting nearby islands like the Cranberry Isles. You can also rent bikes or kayaks here for your adventures in the park.

12. Take a Boat Tour or Whale Watching Cruise

Bar Harbor offers a variety of boat tours, including:

• Nature and history cruises
• Lighthouse tours
• Puffin-watching expeditions
• Whale watching (May–October)

These provide incredible views of Acadia’s coastline and chances to see marine life.