Sheet 04 of 09
Acadia National Park
The only national park in New England, where granite mountains meet the Atlantic.
- Where
- Mount Desert Island, plus Schoodic and Isle au Haut
- Status
- National park since 1929 (under its first name from 1919)
- Cadillac Mountain
- About 1,530 ft (466 m)
- Road
- Park Loop Road, around 27 miles
Why is Acadia National Park so famous?
Acadia is the only national park in New England, and it is rare to find a mountain range meeting the sea as directly as here. Its pink granite shoreline, forested peaks, ponds and quiet carriage roads sit within a few miles of each other, which makes it easy to enjoy even on a short visit.
Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island. Two other parts, the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut, are quieter and take more effort to reach.
Top things to do in Acadia National Park
Good first picks are the Park Loop Road with its pullouts, a walk on the shore path, an easy lap around a pond, a ride or walk on the carriage roads, and a hike up a small summit. The carriage roads are a network of broken-stone roads, around 45 miles, closed to motor vehicles and open to walkers, cyclists and, in places, horses.
Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the island and is known for its views at sunrise. In season, vehicles driving the summit road need a timed reservation, while walkers and cyclists do not. Check the National Park Service site for current dates and rules.
How much time do you need at Acadia?
One full day gives you the Loop Road highlights and a short hike. Two to three days let you add a bigger hike, a paddle and some quiet corners. If you want to explore the less crowded parts, add time for Schoodic or the offshore islands.
A free seasonal shuttle runs on parts of the island, which helps reduce parking stress in busy months.
Acadia National Park best time to visit
Summer is the busiest and warmest period. September and early October bring clear air and autumn colour with fewer crowds, but services begin to wind down as the season ends. Spring is quiet and muddy, and some roads and trails open later. Winter is for snowshoes and skis, with many roads closed.
Some trails, such as those with iron rungs and ladders, require a head for heights, and parts of one famous cliff trail close in spring for nesting birds. For planning across the state, see the best time to visit Maine.