You should spend at least 3-4 days in Acadia National park. This will be the perfect amount of time to see some of the most famous sights and hike several trails without feeling rushed.
Nestled quietly on the eastern shores of Maine you will find one of the most stunning national parks in the country. The colours that erupt from Acadia National Park are like nothing you could ever imagine. Vibrant reds and jaw-dropping hues of orange and yellow dance delicately in the beaming sun.
There is nothing quite like Acadia National park and many guests returning many, many times to drink in its beauty and reconnect with nature.
You could spend weeks here and still never get tired of the views and atmosphere that envelope the area. The nearby Bar Harbour is the gateway to Acadia National Park and offers endless opportunities for relaxation and some of the most delicious food you will experience.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park?
In general, the best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the fall months. This is when the famous fall colours are the most vibrant and breathtaking.
The fall months are also the most popular months to visit Acadia National park and for good reason. The weather is mild and the colours are stunning.
If you are hoping to at least try and beat the crowds a little, try and visit earlier in the fall. Early September tends to be a good time to visit. Many families have completed their summer vacations and are back into regular routines and there seems to be a bit of a lull in visitors before the very peak of the season hits.
If you visit in early fall you may not be able to capture Acadia in its full fall beauty but you will avoid the large crowds.
Weekdays are usually a lot quieter than weekends. If you truly do want to see the mesmerising fall colours in Acadia then a visit during the peak fall season is a must but try to time your visit during the week to avoid the biggest crowds.
Places You Can’t-Miss In Acadia National Park
There are so many incredible spots in Acadia that you will want to see them all. We want to make sure that you don’t miss out on seeing the most memorable parts of the park during your visit.
If you only have a few days makes sure you hit these places first.
Bar Harbour
Bar Habour is the gateway to Acadia National Park. It is a bustling little seaside town that you could easily get lost in for an afternoon or even a day or two. It will be your first stop as you head across to Acadia National Park from the mainland via Trenton Bridge.
Bar Harbour is full of quaint little stores and restaurants serving some of Maines finest cuisine. Many of the tours and activities that occur in Acadia National Park originate in Bar Harbour. You will be able to find numerous excursions and tours to suit any type of visitor.
Park Loop Road
The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile road that winds its way around Acadia National Park. You will be inspired by the mesmerising landscapes and jaw-dropping colours at every turn.
It is along this road that you will find some of Acadia’s hiking trails. The Park Loop Road is serviced by a shuttle bus with runs regularly. This is ideal if you want to just sit back and take in the beauty that surrounds you.
You could easily spend a half or even a full day on the Park Loop Road if you make stops at points of interest along the way.
Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach is stunning at any time of the day but it is particularly majestic at sunrise. If you can manage to get there early enough to watch the sun come up you won’t be disappointed.
Boulder beach is unlike most beaches which are covered with sand. It is landscaped with perfectly round boulders that have been shaped over many years to make it what it is today.
Otter Ciff
It is at Otter Cliff that you will be met with one of the most unmatchable vistas you will ever see on the east coast. Otter Cliff is a 110 ft impressive granite cliff that looks out over the stunning North Atlantic Ocean.
Each season brings various bird and sea life to the outlook. Whether it be majestic whales frolicking in the water beneath or incredible flocks of birds that seem to fly from every direction there is always something inspiring to behold at Otter Cliff.
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the country to be greeted by the sun during the winter months. You can either hike or drive to the peak and look out over yet another jaw-dropping landscape.
The drive is very steep and can draw significant crowds so it is important to drive slow and be cautious.
If you can make it the best time to visit Cadillac Mountain is to watch that first sunrise and be one of the first in the country to greet the new day.
Abbe Museum
The Abbe Museum is a great way to connect with history and learn about those who first inhabited the area.
The museum was first opened to the public in 1928 and has come an extraordinarily long way to where it stands today in educating visitors on the Wabanaki People who were the first inhabitants of Acadia National Park.
It is a truly fascinating exhibition and one not to be missed.
Carriage Road
Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads are something rather unique. JD Rockefeller, in 1915 set about having an elaborate network of roads established in the park that we to be only used by carriages, bikes and pedestrians.
No motor vehicles are permitted on the Carriage Roads and they are simply idyllic. The old rustic charm prevails and it is the perfect way to pass an afternoon in Acadia National Park.
There are 57 miles of these beautifully preserved carriage roads the wind through the vibrant colours and flow through perfect stone tunnels.
Jordan Pond
Jordan’s Pond is where you want to be if you want to capture the true beauty of the fall colours. The calm waters offer a beautiful compliment to radiant reds, oranges and yellows as they reflect off the water’s surface.
You can find Jordan Pond just off the Carriage Roads and it is the perfect place to stop and reflect upon the true beauty of the place.
Jesup Path
Jesup Path is one of the most perfect places to truly immerse yourself in the colours and sounds of Acadia National Park.
The sights, sounds and colours will be a sensory smorgasbord. From the radiant colours that pop at you from every corner of the eye to the sound of the sweetest birds chirping high amongst the branches, you will feel like you are in a wooded wonderland.
