Acadia National Park is a beautiful and diverse park that offers something for everyone. With its stunning coastline, towering mountains, and lush forests, there are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, you’re sure to find something to love in Acadia.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the top 9 things to do in Acadia National Park in 2024. From iconic hikes to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Acadia adventure today!
Acadia National Park is a popular destination, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
If you’re flying into Acadia, the closest airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR). From there, you can rent a car and drive to the park, which is about an hour away. You can also take a bus from Boston or Portland to Bar Harbor, the gateway town to Acadia National Park.
Once you’re in the park, there are a variety of ways to get around. The Island Explorer bus system provides free transportation to popular destinations within the park. You can also rent a car, bike, or kayak to explore at your own pace.
No matter how you choose to get around, be sure to take some time to explore the park’s many cultural attractions. Bar Harbor is home to a number of museums, galleries, and shops. You can also learn about the park’s history at the Abbe Museum.
Acadia National Park is also a great place to try some of Maine’s local cuisine. The park is home to a number of restaurants that serve fresh seafood, lobster, and other local favorites. You can also find a variety of local food trucks and stands throughout the park.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Acadia National Park, there are a variety of options to choose from. There are several campgrounds within the park, as well as a number of hotels and motels in Bar Harbor. You can also find a variety of vacation rentals in the area.
Hike Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and coastline. The summit can be reached via a variety of trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, which is a 4.4-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet. The views from the summit are well worth the effort, and it’s a great way to get a taste of Acadia’s diverse landscapes.
Drive the Park Loop Road
The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile scenic drive that winds its way through the heart of Acadia National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Thunder Hole. The drive is a great way to get an overview of the park, and it’s a great way to spot wildlife. Be sure to stop at the many overlooks along the way to enjoy the views.
Visit Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is a beautiful glacial tarn located in the heart of Acadia National Park. The pond is surrounded by granite cliffs and mountains, and it’s a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. You can also hike around the pond on the Jordan Pond Path, which is a 3.5-mile loop trail. Be sure to stop at the Jordan Pond House for some popovers, a Maine delicacy. The house also has room and board for those that want to stay longer.
Explore Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a natural rock formation that creates a thunderous sound when waves crash into it. The phenomenon is best experienced during high tide, when the waves are at their strongest. You can watch Thunder Hole from the shore, or you can take a boat tour to get a closer look. Either way, be sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible spectacle.
Go kayaking
Acadia National Park is a paddler’s paradise, with miles of coastline to explore. You can kayak in the calm waters of Jordan Pond, or you can venture out into the open ocean. There are a number of kayak rental companies in the area, and they can provide you with the equipment and instruction you need.
Bike the Carriage Roads
The Carriage Roads are a network of gravel roads that were built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 1900s. The roads are closed to cars, so they’re a great way to explore the park on two wheels. There are over 45 miles of Carriage Roads to explore, and they range in difficulty from easy to challenging. You can rent bikes at a number of locations in the park.
Go stargazing
Acadia National Park is one of the best places in the United States to go stargazing. The park is far from any major light pollution, so the night sky is incredibly dark. You can see thousands of stars, and on clear nights you can even see the Milky Way. Be sure to bring a blanket and some binoculars to enhance your experience.
Explore the tide pools
Acadia National Park is home to a variety of tide pools, which are small pools of water that are left behind when the tide goes out. Tide pools are a great place to find marine life, such as crabs, mussels, and sea urchins. You can explore the tide pools at a number of locations in the park, including Sand Beach and Otter Cliff. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and watch out for slippery rocks.
Attend a ranger program
The park rangers at Acadia National Park offer a variety of programs throughout the year, including guided hikes, talks, and workshops. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park’s history, ecology, and wildlife. You can find a schedule of ranger programs on the park’s website.
Conclusion
Acadia National Park is a truly special place, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular national parks in the United States. With its stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and endless opportunities for adventure, Acadia has something to offer everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Acadia adventure today!