Acadia National Park falls in the top ten list of most visited parks in the United States, welcoming more than three million travelers every year.

Enjoy dinner or stop in for popovers and strawberry jam at the famous Jordan Pond House, a delightful restaurant founded in the early 1870s.

Established by Woodrow Wilson in 1916 with 6,000 acres, Acadia now covers more than 49,000 acres. The park encompasses nearly half of Mount Desert Island, a scattering of smaller islands, and the Schoodic Peninsula.

Take the fare-free* Island Explorer bus instead of driving.

Motorists who drive the Park Loop Road enjoy a 27-mile ride along oceanside cli?s and through mountain forests, stopping at scenic turnouts and notable attractions along the way, such as the mighty Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.

One of the most amazing features of Acadia National Park is the interlaced system of hiking trails and carriage roads.

Witch HoleTake a step back in time when you walk, hike, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski the carriage roads of Mount Desert Island. You can choose to go by horse and carriage, the way John D. Rockefeller, Jr. intended when he built the 45 miles of crushed stone roads between 1913 and 1940. No matter how you experience the carriage roads, you’ll enjoy the magni?cent beauty that surrounds them.

Though sometimes called carriage trails, the word trail is truly a misnomer. The historic carriage roads are 16 feet wide with generous crowns that keep them well drained. Considered the best example of broken stone roads in the United States, they are, indeed, an engineering wonder. Local workers quarried granite right here on the island to build the intricate network of roads and 17 spectacular stone bridges. In fact, the stone cutters developed such skill that Rockefeller asked them to create a more rustic look. He also took care to preserve trees and to landscape with native plants— ferns, sheep laurel, and blueberry bushes—so the roads blend naturally with their surroundings.

The well-marked roads wander through Acadia National Park, covering long, shady stretches of woodland, skirting peaceful lakes and ponds, circling mountain elevations, and showcasing breathtaking views of the Atlantic and nearby islands.

More than 60 years ago Rockefeller donated 11,000 acres to Acadia National Park, complete with the road system he planned, funded, and constructed. Today both Mainers and visitors enjoy the quiet beauty of Acadia’s beautiful carriage roads.

Insider Tips for a Quality Visit

On Land
Always visit Acadia with a backup plan. If a parking lot or area is full when you arrive, pick a new destination and protect the park by not adding to the congestion.

Acadia offers more than 125 miles of interconnected and looping hiking trails that appeal to explorers of all skill levels. To simply relax and enjoy your vacation on a scenic yet casual walk, try some local favorites which can all be reached from the Island Explorer Bus Service …

Ocean Path

From the upper parking lot at Sand Beach, this easy walk takes you to Otter Point and back. The entire trail skirts the Atlantic, so you have breathtaking views at every step. Stop at Thunder Hole for photos (Easy, 4 mile round trip).

Jesup Path

Start in town at the Village Green and connect to the Jesup Path, which meanders through the woods near Kebo Valley Golf Club and across a bog to Great Meadow, a freshwater marsh (2.5 miles, easy). Visit with park rangers at Acadia’s Nature Center, take a walk through the Wild Gardens of Acadia, and visit the historic Abbe Museum before returning to Bar Harbor. For a one-way walk, take the Island Explorer bus to Sieur de Monts then take a leisurely stroll back to Bar Harbor after visiting these park highlights.

Cadillac Mountain

Hike on the North or South Ridge Trails to the Cadillac summit at 1,530 feet to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Cranberry Isles. If driving is your only option, remember that the road to Cadillac often closes when parking is full so visit by tour bus for sunrise or sunset, or enjoy the moon rise or beauty of the starry night skies from this mountain instead.

The Precipice

On the eastern face of Champlain Mountain, you’ll discover the most challenging of the park’s hiking trails. With an exposed 1000-foot vertical surface ascended on rung ladders, the climb is strenuous and recommended for experienced, ?t, and fearless adventurers. This hike is not recommended for young children or hikers with a fear of heights. Dogs are prohibited for their safety. The Precipice is also home to a family of endangered peregrine falcons and is always closed between late spring and early summer while these territorial birds are nesting.

By Sea
The best place to get expansive scenic views of Acadia National Park is from offshore in Frenchman’s Bay. Avoid the bustle of mid-day crowds and join a Ranger-led boat tour around Mount Desert Island or visit an offshore island…

FRENCHMAN BAY CRUISE

Join a park ranger for a 1.5 hour sail on the 151-foot long windjammer, the Margaret Todd. Sail amongst the porcupine islands and enjoy shoreline views of Acadia National Park. Watch for marine mammals and seabirds in Frenchman Bay. Tour departs from the Bar Harbor Inn dock in Bar Harbor. For reservations, call (207)288-4585 or visit www.downeastwindjammer.com.

BAKER ISLAND CRUISE

Join a park ranger on a five-hour ocean and island tour to Baker Island to visit a historic cemetery and homestead, the Baker Island Lighthouse, and a rugged, rocky shoreline. Enjoy fantastic views of Mount Desert Island and watch for seabirds, seals, porpoise, and other marine life while traveling to this offshore gem. Not recommended for small children or visitors with mobility issues as this tour walks for several miles on non-level surfaces. Departs from Bar Harbor. For reservations, call (207) 288-2386 or visit www.barharborwhales.com to buy tickets.

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COMPASS HARBOR

Visit the remains of the cottage home of the father of Acadia, George B. Dorr. Enjoy an old growth forest and scenic views of the Bar Harbor shoreline. This path is a short walk from the ball fields located on the south-side of Bar Harbor. It is the easiest trail to access on foot from Bar Harbor so it is perfect if you want to leave your car at your downtown hotel or if you want to take a short ride on the Island Explorer bus from another Bar Harbor location.

ISLESFORD SCENIC & HISTORIC CRUISE

Join a park ranger for a 3-hour cruise to explore the connections between people and the sea with a visit to the Islesford Historical Museum and Little Cranberry Island. Enjoy sweeping views of Somes Sound, watch for marine mammals and seabirds, and view multiple lighthouses while traveling to the lobstering community of Islesford. Tour departs from Northeast Harbor. For reservations, call (207)276-5352 or visit www.cruiseacadia.com.

These are the boat tours with park rangers on-board but many other boat tour options exist for sea kayaking, lobstering, nature viewing, whale watching, underwater diving, and sunset sailing. Sunset is an amazing time to take a boat trip because you will get 360 degree views of the setting sun as the colors reflect on the offshore waters.

For more trip planning ideas and information on ranger-led programs, special use permits, fees, and management efforts in Acadia National Park, please visit the Acadia National Park website at www.nps.gov/acad or join them on their official social media pages at AcadiaNPS.

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