Top Things to do in Acadia National Park
10 Things to do for Honeymoon in Acadia National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
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1. Cadillac Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,467 reviews
The East Coast's highest mountain at 1,530 feet and Acadia's best known sight.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Maine's Mount Desert Island is, at 1, 532 feet, the highest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard and the first place in the United States to be touched by the light of a rising sun from October 7 through March 6 of each year. How's that for a notable piece of trivia? It also is the only mountain on Mount Desert Island--there are more than 20 of them--that has a road that travels all the way to the summit. The 3.5-mile road to the top opened in 1931. Cadillac Mountain is composed largely of pink granite, giving it a strong reddish appearance at sunrise or sunset. Spruce and pitch pine are the dominant trees on the mountain combined with tiny subalpine plants and wild blueberries. Views? Look in every direction. To the East, there is the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland. There are several islands off the coast of Mount Desert Island, including Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine. To the Northeast is the business district of Bar Harbor. To the North is Trenton. To the South is Islesford. To the Southwest is Southwest Harbor. To the West is Eagle Lake and Blue Hill Mountain. Yes, it is more scenic than a trip to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado.
2. Great Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By JC-Meg - Baltimore, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed this hike! Fantastic views. Well maintained portion until you reach the section which brings you onto the beach. At this point, our our local friend returned to the parking lot and drove to the beach area lot to pick us up. We managed the decent to the beach without too much difficulty but would warn less steady hikers to consider if this portion is necessary. As mentioned, you can easily drive to the other side. Beach area has parking and restrooms.
3. Carriage Roads
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By LPLoveToTravel - Ocala, United States
The carriage road system's intent was to provide access to the inner beauty of Mount Desert Island. Designed with the natural contours of the land to minimize impact and to maximize views it's the perfect place to hike or bike ride and really enjoy the solitude of nature.
4. Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By 130ashleyb - Yountville, United States
Fun hike! After reading many reviews, my husband and I took this hike on our recent trip to Acadia. We knew that we needed to get there early, and so glad we did! If you get there any later than 10am you'll be less likely to find parking and the trail starts filling up- which means you'll be hanging on the side of a mountain waiting for 200 other people to scramble up the ladders. Quick warning for the fair skinned - this trail is 75% exposed to the sun, so make sure to apply sunscreen before you go.
5. Jordan Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,195 reviews
A pond in Acadia National Park with nature walks nearby.
Reviewed By HappyGJackson - Mount Laurel, United States
We went here to walk around the pond and find the bridges . Wonderful area the pond is so big and clean . I walked the carriage road near the pond lots of hills . Then we bought our bikes here to ride the carriage roads great exercise up and down the hills . We had to try the pop overs and they were so good I made them at home yum after a long walk have some pop overs
6. Park Loop Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,560 reviews
A major national park in Maine where the attractions and sights are well known along the 20-mile Park Loop Road.
Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
The shoreline section of the 27 mile long park loop between Bar Harbor and Jordan Pond is a one way road. Along this part of the route visitors can see views of offshore islands, distant forested mountain ranges, a bit of sand on the curved Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the rocky shoreline at Otter Cliffs. There is an opportunity to park the car at Thunder Hole in order to walk down to the massive bare rock forms where water has gouged a narrow opening between the granite rocks. There is a protected walkway on the edge of this opening for a closer look at the water rushing into this passageway. Best time to hear the roar and see the spray is 2 hours before high tide - the information board informs visitors. Parking is limited at this spot and will be barricaded when full. At Otter Cliffs, the road to Jordan Pond turns inland and travels through evergreen forests and a valley. The pond is more like a lake and flat as a mirror. It boasts such clear water that the restaurant and nearby communities use it for their water supply. Thus a sign reminds visitors about not swimming, wading, or boating in the water. There is a 3 mile path/trail around the lake with the forests coming right down to the lake. We preferred to walk just a short section of it around the Jordon Pond House Restaurant. There are many parking spaces at this stop and visitors don't have to be concerned about how long they park. Rockefellar built Jordan Pond House around 1913 so there is a wide area around the house that has been cleared and landscaped. Between Jordan Pond and Bar Harbor the road is open for 2 way traffic. This drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain was the longest with no stops until we reached its summit. Shortly after leaving Jordon Pond, our guide pointed to Bubble Rock precariously balanced on a mountain top, but it never rolls down the hill, even though people have tried to move it. It is a remainder of the glacier which once covered this area. After Bubble Rock came views of Eagle Lake which were similar to those of Jordan Pond - calm waters surrounded by forest. As we drove up Cadillac Mountain, the views changed. We could see Bar Harbor off in the distance, French Bay, and the many small treed islands that dot French Bay. The two white cruise ships anchored in the Bay were easy to spot. The summit has a sufficient parking to accommodate buses and cars without any trouble. Presently, there are no services at the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is a rocky outcrop so trees are not hindering the marvellous view of the offshore islands, the coastline, and the blue waters of the ocean. There was a narrow trail to walk to several viewing points. Visitors were scattered all over the rocky outcrop. The ride back into town was on a 2 way road - 1 lane each way. We were glad we weren't driving so we could take in these views and not have to watch the road. The road conditions on this 27 mile circular route were excellent - all paved - and kept in good repair. However, there were no protective fences along the edge of the road, only 1 layer high granite blocks. Buses, trollies, and cars didn't have any trouble with the varying grades, especially the road which led to the top of Cadillac Mountain. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to drive this circular route with short stops along the way. Although the route is well signed, visitors should stop in at the Visitor's Center to get a map of the island and its 27 mile driving loop. We couldn't see any evidence of the fire that had once destroyed many of the summer homes built by wealthy families. Bus passengers might want to sit on the left hand side of the bus when leaving Bar Harbor in order to get the best views from bus windows of the waterfront scenery between Bar Harbor and Otter Cliffs.
7. Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By My-Honest-0pinion - Indianapolis, United States
If you like to hike, or even if you don’t and love awesome views, hike the great head trail, the trail begins and end at the beach. My absolute favorite trail in the park. The smell of the ocean on one side and the smell of the evergreens on the other, the breeze and the rocky shore cliffs provides a many opportunities to sit, relax and have lunch over the water. The trail is moderate intensity....absolutely where I find my connection with nature, God’s beautiful creation.
8. Otter Cliff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By theoljohnnyboy - New Florence, United States
A pull off along the park loop drive, this offers one of the best vistas in the park. Make sure to pull off to enjoy it at the parking area across the road, and take some time to hike back to the left of the steps leading to the cliff, the view of sand beach and rock climbers is quiet and relaxing.
9. Bubble Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By danihawk - New York City, United States
We combined the nature trail around Jordan Pond with the Bubbles Trail up to the South Bubble (and Bubble Rock) and the Bubbles Divide Trail on the way down. We arrived around 11am, waited half an hour for parking and made it to Jordan Pond House for Popovers around 3pm, with lots of stopping to take pictures. We're in decent shape but pretty inexperienced hikers and this route gave us a good mix of adventure and leisurely hiking through the woods, but it's not for everyone. You definitely need hiking boots. The hike from Jordan Pond up to the South Bubble is steep and involves puling yourself up large boulders up near the summit. My husband had to give me a boost up one of them, and we saw a family with two girls around 8 and 10 who turned around because there was a point they couldn't get past. I do not recommend going down this trail, although we saw a few people doing it. The views of Jordan Pond are absolutely stunning-definitely stop to take them in and get some photos! Bubble Rock is also pretty cool and makes for some fun photo opps. Taking the Bubbles Divide trail down is much more gentle and we saw people of all ages (and pups!) taking that trail up and down. Bubble Rock + Jordan Pond are on my "must-see" list for your first visit to Acadia, along with Ocean Trail.
10. Thunder Hole
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,034 reviews
Chasm surrounded by water and gardens.
Reviewed By JasontheGreat
On the park loop road, this stop was more than expected. First, exit the parking area in the middle of the parking area and there is a crosswalk that takes you across the street. Follow a few stairs down and out to a paved platform with rails overlooking the "slot" that the water rushes in and then booms against the rock echoing the sound of thunder. We happened by at just the right time and heard the boom many times. It is exciting to guess which wave will make a sound and which will just be a dud. You can follow the ocean trail from here or scramble over rocks to your heart's content enjoying crashing waves and incredible ocean views.
