Acadia National Park Reviews

Acadia is such a beautiful park. I was on a solo trip and made a last second decision to hike Beehive Trail. I arrived at 6:30am, so parking was easy to find. I also didn't have to wait in a line going up Beehive, as I got there before the crowds. There was plenty of time for photo stops (aka- catch my breath and convince myself I'm not going to fall) and take my time.
I highly recommend getting to the park early, especially in the summer.

We were able to spend about 3 days in this park and truly enjoyed it. Visiting this time of year with the leaves changing really made it even more magnificent, but it is an absolutely beautiful park with a wide variety of things to do. The cliffs were breathtaking, Jordan's pond was beautiful and getting a chance to walk and ride bikes there was this was so relaxing. So many scenic areas, it would be hard to choose a favorite. Definitely recommend spending several days if you can.

Magnificent and should be added to your bucket list. My husband and I recently retired and are finally taking those in country trips we have promised one another for years. This was the at the top of our list and should be on yours too.

We booked a bus tour excusrion through the ship and it was amazing adventure , the bus stopped at designated locations so we could do a little exploring , my recommendation is to off season as the park was very croded and had virtually no parking.

My husband and I spent one perfect day in Acadia recently. We were able to see all the beautiful spots which meant making the loop several times to avoid busy areas. It was truly magnificent!

Great drive!! Wonderful views and fantastic hikes!!! Acadia has a number of hidden gems. Of course Cadillac Mountain is wonderful, the drive was great but the hike was phenomenal. You have to see and spend time at Jordan Pond. Spend the extra time to explore Schoodic Peninsula it was a peaceful exploration!! Also was a fantastic opportunity to get to the beach at Sand Beach!! Also time it so you can experience Thunder Hole!! A great location in the north east!!

We drove the entire loop and saw gorgeous views at every turn. Cadillac Mtn was spectacular! The Sand Beach was our favorite and we spent the most of our visit just sitting and enjoying the historic view. Highly recommend!

Great park pretty much for all ages, great hikes with opportunity to drive around park loop.

Bar harbor water front is amazing.

Lot of great restaurant and quaint little town.

Our family rented a historic "rusticator" summer cottage on Mt. Desert Island (Acadia National Park) and spent a week in late September falling in love with Maine. We all agreed this was the most romantic and memorable family trip we've taken (including trips to Europe, the PNW, and Michigan's UP).

From the local farm stand offerings to the daily search for a hidden lobster shack, there are things to do on the island that aren't touristy. We also indulged in the traveler's world, enjoying a park ranger-led boat tour, sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, and a trip to Sherman's, the oldest most lovely book store in Bar Harbor.

We are looking forward to Maine 2.0 and perhaps doing a farm-to-table dinner journey across the magical state. Mt. Desert Island was a great 1st trip and really doable with a one year old who was still still napping; almost everything on the island was within a 30 minute drive.

We had planned 2 whole days for this national park.
We were lucky with the weather, it turned very cool but bright blue.
After visiting the Visitor Center we drove along the Park Loop and
have made various stops. Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff Were the Best
We also walked a distance along the cliff. The Sieur de Monts Spring Centre was unfortunately closed.
On Sand Beach it was not possible to park on the first day, too crowded. The next day we tried again and we were finally able to walk the Great Head Trail along the rocky coast. This offers exceptionally beautiful spots where you can enjoy the coast, sea and waves in a relaxed way.
At Jordan Pond we had lunch and walked half the flatter side along the Pond to the other side and back again. For the view from Cadillac Mountain we bought a ticket beforehand and drove up. Up there it was very windy, cold but just great were the views and the beautiful path over the large stone slabs. If it hadn't been so windy, I'm sure we would have stayed here longer.
Acadia Park is really a worthwhile park where you should spend more than 2 whole days.

Lots of great hiking, biking, climbing, etc here. The park is huge and there are many different points of interest. Plan to go at least a few times and see all that there is.

Park was amazing, though easy to get lost, even when driving it. "You are here" maps or displays would help visitors. Wish there were more signs to attractions/lookouts, as the park is so spread out. Was not sure what was open or not (Cadillac Mountain) due to the season. Just needed to maximize the attractions based on time and visitors hiking abilities.

The United States is blessed with some of the most amazing natural locations, and while many are in the West, we are fortunate that some wise and generous people thought to preserve some of those places in the East. Acadia is the oldest and one of the largest National Parks in the eastern US, one of the Big 4 with Everglades, Smokey Mountains and Shenandoah showing the East has great natural beauty as well.

It is hard to fully describe what Acadia is because it is not really like any other park. It is wilderness but also town, forest but also ocean, mountain but also sea level. The one thing, it totally is, is Maine. There is nothing like this rocky shoreline at the very northern edge of our country that has both historical and cultural significance to our founding.

We visited as a part of a weeklong tour through all 6 New England states and a visit number 42 for National Parks. We biked and hiked along incredible trails through forest, along lakes and one edge of the Atlantic shoreline. Everyone in our party of 6 loved this park and still has fond memories. For me the best part was hiking the rocky coastline in places like Great Head, Ocean Path and even Bass Head Light as I live on the Gulf Coast which is all sand. There are so many great experiences here that you are sure to enjoy something. It is a great park to visit.

Undoubtedly boundless park, full of charm, very interesting from every point of view, very tidy and very clean. Admission for the self-guided tour with stops in designated areas costs $35 per car. It's a shame that we stumbled upon a gloomy and drizzly day which didn't allow us to enjoy the explosive spectacle of nature

range of hiking trails- something for everyone. Come early in the day- it gets crowded! we really enjoyed the BeeHive trail !

It's not a very large park compared to others but plenty of hiking trails, stunning views, and relaxing views. Plan on spending the entire day.

Most spectacular visit to an amazing national park. We visited the regular tourist spots and it did not disappoint. Surprisingly not crowded. Jordan Pond was the highlight with Thunder Hole a close second. A must see!

Do see Otter Cliff and Thunder Hole (it will be crowded).
Do see Jordan Pond (get there early to find a parking space).
Do see Long Pond (which is technically not part of the National Park).

Skip the lighthouse and Hull Visitor Center.

We had a great experience.

This was a gorgeous park! There are so many different things to see, from beaches to mountains and squirrels to seals. All park rangers were extremely friendly. Trails are great for all types of people, adventurous trails for the risk takers and flat trails for all ages. Jordan pond is very pretty and I highly recommend walking the simple ocean path trail. I had a fantastic experience and this is nature at its finest!

We visited Acadia national park in mid August. The park has amazing views of the bay and mountains. We loved Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and Cadillac mountain. We enjoyed lunch at the Jordan Pond House restaurant. We also visited Sieur De Monts Springs but didn't see any birds. There were tons of tourists everywhere and parking was difficult. The Island Explorer Bus was great. We took the bus to the crowded areas like the Ocean path where it is difficult to park.

We also visited Schoodic peninsula. The views there are better than Acadia and much less crowded.

The weather was very cool and 69. This was a welcome respite from the Texas heat.

Highly recommend this beautiful park! The crowds are less on the weekdays than the weekends.

We love National Parks, and this was another must see on our list. It was not overly crowded on our three day visit. We live on the east coast so many of the trails reminded us of home. The ocean views are beautiful but as a whole we were a little underwhelmed. Yes it's pretty but it didn't leave us with a desire to go back. I know most feel differently but there are so many wonderful N.P.s to visit that top Acadia.

Except for being crazy busy, Acadia was perfect. We took an audio tour that we purchased on Trip Advisor and I'd highly recommend that. You learn a lot. My only complaint was that some things could be marked better.

We enjoyed the park. It was so relaxing and beautiful. I loved how we could walk and drive around the park. Great experience!

I only had a few hours to visit this National Park. I started by reserving a spot online to drive up to Cadillac Mountain. So glad I did because the views from the top were absolutely awesome. Then I went to the Visitor Center and they told me to take the scenic drive of the park. Glad I stopped to ask, or I would've gone the wrong way and had to back track instead of following the one-way route. I wasn't able to stop at any other spots on that drive due to my time limitations, but everything I saw along the way was just beautiful. This is one of the prettiest National Parks I've been to and I would definitely come back to this one to enjoy it for more than a couple hours.

Anywhere in this park is beautiful! We hiked the Precipice Trail which is considered the hardest trail. I definitely agree it is not for those afraid of heights or climbing up iron rungs and what not, but definitely worth the views!! Driving around the park was great too and see all the little scenic views.

Beautiful, but so overcrowded it was nearly impossible to enjoy. Traffic (expected, but so much worse than imagined!) greatly impeded ability to enjoy. Scenic pull off areas were blocked and closed at every turn. The information center and Jordan Pond parking areas were impossible. I dubbed the park - Acadia National Parking Lot. Cars lined many of the roads - the reservation system for Cadillac Mountain needs to be expanded. I'd rather go through that than encounter the traffic we did - and then there were those occasional drivers who decided the speed limits were mere "suggestions" and a few who even chose to ignore the one-way traffic signs. The glimpses of scenery we could see were spectacular. The Park is incredibly beautiful, but during the fall, it seems nearly impossible to really enjoy.

Make sure to get a special pass to get up to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. Only $6 but severely limited in number. Due to an injury at the beginning of the trip, we were only able to do a few hikes. The Otter Point and Thunder Hole were beautiful and very short trails. The Jordan Pond Path was listed as a 3.2 miles "easy" hike, taking about an hour. I was on a sprained ankle and it took us about 2 1/2 hours with a cane. About 1/2 mile of it was walking over huge boulders, but they were flat and stable. Gorgeous views and I'm thrilled we were able to do it.

The most amazing place. We did a 3 hour kayak excursion on the quiet west side of Mount Desert Island. Spent time at Sandy Beach and completed the Ocean Path trail to Seal Point. Then turned inward and completed Gorham Mt trail back to the beach parking lot. Rented ebikes and covered 30 miles in half a day. The Carriage roads are the best way to get inside the park and enjoy nature. Just Go!

We booked this tour while our cruise was visiting Bar Harbor. Great tour with plenty to see and learn. Our tour was limited to 90 minutes and that was not enough time. I highly recommend visting the park, especially Cadillac Mountain.

This park has fabulous scenery. Be aware that you may have trouble getting cell service in many spots, so download maps ahead of time or get a paper map at the visitor center. Note to those with limited mobility: this is one of the least handicapped accessible national parks we have been to. There are lots of places where stairs or clambering over rocks or tree roots is required. We had one friend with us who had to skip getting to the best views because of bad knees.

For the Park Loop Road, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. The west side and the Schoodic Peninsula are much less crowded and just as beautiful as the Park Loop Road. We stayed in Bar Harbor two nights so we could see all three sections of the park. After day 2 we continued on up the coast. But if you want to do a lot of hiking or linger over the views, it would be great to spend more days near the park.

Day 1 afternoon, we drove the Park Loop Road and the east side of Mt Desert Island. Along the way, we saw a doe and two new fawns crossing the road on their unsteady legs, and a porcupine feeding beside the road (both amazing sights). We made these stops: Hulls Cove Visitor Center (very nice); Schooner Head Overlook (can see Egg Rock Lighthouse in distance); Sand Beach (crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you want to swim); Thunder Hole (crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you arrive at the peak time for the waves); Otter Point (beautiful); Fabbri (pretty); Little Hunters Beach Overlook (pretty view from above, did not stop at the beach itself); Jordan Pond (walked a bit on the pond trail, closing time for restaurant); north end of Eagle Lake. Of these, Otter Point was the highlight. Eagle Lake and the beaver pond near it were very pretty in the late afternoon light.

Day 2 morning, we drove all around the west side (aka “quiet side”) of Mt Desert Island. We made these stops: Somesville Museum bridge (must-do photo op); Beech Cliff Loop Trail (great view at top); Seawall Picnic Area (beautiful); Ship Harbor Trail (loved it); Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (pretty but parking can be difficult); Pretty Marsh (very pretty). Highly recommend The Travelin Lobster for lunch, amazing hot buttered lobster rolls.

Day 2 afternoon, we drove all around the Schoodic Peninsula and made these stops: Frazer Point (very pretty, can see Winter Harbor Lighthouse in distance); Schoodic Point (saw waves crashing, and very few people compared to Thunder Hole); Blueberry Hill (nice). See separate reviews of these stops for more details on each one.

The park itself is stunning. But so is the overcrowding. If you want to spend half your vacation waiting in traffic jams for parking to open up at trail heads, then by all means go.

I went in late September and purposely avoided the weekend thinking that would help. Nope. Even on a Wednesday with the kids back in school, it’s massively overcrowded. In the park seems to have done nothing to accommodate the increase demand.

They have added things like ticketing a Cadillac Mountain. The problem is it’s almost impossible to get the tickets. They disappeared in two minutes after becoming available during our entire trip.

I’ve heard that you can hire private guides who will drop you off at places and that might help with the lack of parking. But you still need to be prepared for overwhelming crowds that make the woods feel like Time Square.

This is a beautiful park. Watch the earliest sunrise in the country or discover thunder hole. Take a leisurely stroll by the sea or climb to the top of the park. Just beautiful scenery. Truly an unforgettable place

Acadia National Park is full of history. My husband and I took a park tour earlier in the day and went back to explore on our own. I highly recommend going this time of year. I'm not sure if the foliage was as peak, but it was beautiful just the same. The view from Cadillac Mountain was gorgeous as well.

Did half day rock climbing at Otter Cliffs at Acadia (4 young adults, 18-24). Highly recommend this location because it's gorgeous, cool (weather wise), and has different levels of climbing challenges.
10 things we loved about Mac (our guide). She was amazing and this is what should be expected. 1) Identified the skill of the group, 2) provided challenging climbs that were attainable with effort and strain which was exactly what the group wanted, 3) was friendly and talkative, 4) was supportive, 5) was knowledgeable and clearly experienced, 6) filled our time without wasting our time, 7) was patient and gave our group opportunity to challenge themselves, 8) was prompt and on time at the office, 9) accommodated a prior injury in the group and ensured all was good, and 10) practice safety measures.
Notes: Have to have a NP pass to climb at Otter Cliffs. I did a lot of searching and this was the best location for the best price!

People told us we had to go to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park- they were so right! It was such a special and beautiful place. If you go you should bike through the carriage rides which are only for hikers and bikers.

The title says it all. It is all downhill from the wonderful past of few people and no restrictions. You need reservations now for sections (Cadillac Mtn) and the roads and visitor center are jammed full. The park's loop road is not as much fun and all the wonderful views could not be enjoyed with so many people. People were parked everywhere. We wish we never returned to see it like this. Thank heavens we had our lifetime senior pass because this park is not now worth even $5. It is our least favorite national park in the US and we have been to most.

Our trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park was wonderful. Although a bit crowded, Bar Harbor afforded scenic views, plenty of places to eat, etc. We drove to Northeast Harbor and took a nature cruise. Acadia Park is absolutely beautiful. We drove up Cadillac Mountain where the views were second to none! My one downer is that prices in the souvenir shops are very expensive. But, all in all, we had a wonderful time. We decided to drive around Mt. Desert Island; hugging the coast. Spectacular!

Acadia National Park is an absolute gem and a must-visit destination! From the stunning views to the endless outdoor activities, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

I had an incredible time running on the park’s scenic trails—each path offering breathtaking views of the coastline, lush forests, and tranquil lakes. The trails are well-maintained and range from easy strolls to more challenging runs, so there’s something for every level.

Biking around the park was another highlight! The carriage roads were perfect for cycling, with smooth paths and gorgeous surroundings. It was the perfect way to explore more of the park at a leisurely pace, and I loved stopping to take in the views at various scenic overlooks.

One of the most memorable experiences was participating in the July 4th parade! The small-town charm of the event was so much fun, with a festive atmosphere, local floats, and a great sense of community. It was the perfect way to experience Acadia’s culture and connect with the locals.

Acadia National Park has it all—amazing trails, incredible views, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you’re running, biking, or just soaking in the beauty, it’s a place you’ll never forget. I can’t wait to come back and explore more!

GO EARLY! The park gets super busy and crowded around 9-10am and you'll have issues finding parking. I got there around 6:45am to hike Beehive. The sun rises really early in this part of the country, so it'll be daylight before 5am. I parked in the Sand Beach parking area, hiked Beehive and came back down and spent some time on Sand Beach. This is a beautiful park and please remember to treat the area with respect. There was graffiti in quite a few places. Completely unacceptable behavior...stop ruining stuff.
After my time on the beach, I drove Park Loop Rd and stopped at all the little overlooks and shopped in the gift shops.
Again, go early!

Beautiful. Great for outdoorsey couples who like an adventure. The views were amazing and I got great photos of the scenery. My boyfriend and I did the Beehive Trail in the rain, so it was quite the adventure. CORE MEMORY!

We went Acadia National Park first time and besides the beautiful hikes I have to mention the Island bus service bringing you to all the cool places to Hike !!!! It’s amazing not to worry about driving ir walking to get there!! Bus drivers are sooo very nice and friendly, giving you lots of good ideas

I really appreciate visiting Acadia National Park during august 2022. We went to visit the Park sleeping in Camden, about 1h 30 by car, but less expensive thank sleeping inside the Park itself. I like Cadillac Mountain despite the fact that there were a lot of fog at the pick and not very good visibility. We went also for a easy trip in Jordon Pond (a beautiful lake) in the South East of the park of about 3 miles/5 km, I suggest to do this tour also with children, it is really easy and safe. The park costs 30$ per day with private car and ti visit Cadillac I suggest to book online with anticipation, it is 6$ per day

Very disappointing we were there at the end of April and we didn't encounter any animals. It certainly cannot be defined as a natural park but only a panoramic road and nothing more

This was an amazing tour. The seascapes were really striking, and the tour was really good and worth the time. You can't take a bad picture here! The tour bus really knew how to weave through the long traffic lines to get us going instead of waiting in a traffic jam. Well done and really interesting.

My husband and I visited Acadia National Park on a rainy, foggy day in early May. We did the park loop, which takes you to various overlooks. Many spots on the road were under construction. We also stopped at the Jordan Pond giftshop for souvenirs. We were early in season for Acadia, so therefore, the visitor centers were closed. Jordan Pond was the only stop open for souvenirs along the park loop road, though if you go to Bar Harbor, there are multiple souvenir shops.

Accommodation for Acadia National Park. We had the most amazing stay at Taunton River B &B in Sullivan. A beautiful home with the most comfortable bed. The breakfasts were fabulous &we always had a muffin for our lunch.
This location is 40 minutes outside of Acadia National Park but only 20 minutes from Schoodic Point.
It is definitely worth it to drive a bit further each day & have high quality accommodation at a better price than you will get anywhere near Bar Harbour.

Great trails and views for all to see and do. We saw older out of shape people, and young gym people walking easy to semi hard trails. Dog friendly. We missed out on Cadillac mountain but we would love to go back for another experience

I absolutely LOVED the looped drive around the park. We drove around twice! Once in the afternoon/evening and once in the morning. There is so much variety. Roads were well-maintained with lots of safe places to pull off for views. There's even a really high peak that you can buy a special pass / reservation to go up to! It's really popular to watch the sunrise, but it's hard to get a spot for that.

Acadia National Park is the most north-eastern national park in the USA and can be visited for a daily fee of 35 USD - it offers a wide range of hiking, mountaineering & climbing or just chilling on individual beach sections or lakes... and is therefore an experience even without any special highlights.

STUNNING! Make sure you book a reservation online before trying to go, if you choose to drive up. Wonderful experience.

Beautiful, a wilderness but close to the world. Lovely spot, next time will make more time to visit more and properly

We were Bar Harbor before the season began so it was pretty quiet. Went to Acadia National Park several times. The best part was that you can go in after nightfall and drive a portion of the loop road. We went to Sandy Beach prepared to stargaze but took a drive instead. It is so dark and the stars are just amazing.

We were on a coach trip from a cruise ship, so we only had one 20 minute stop at the top of Cadillac Mountain, which was not sufficient time, especially if you wanted to visit the restroom and gift shop!!
We couldn't view the left side of the coach, and our photos are useless because they have the coach shadows on and other guests heads!
There is a trolley bus which looked like a better option with more stops.

We spent three full days in this National Park and we probably saw only 10% of the park. There are plenty of attractions from: Cadillac mt, Schoodic Point, Jordan Pond to many lighthouses and so much more.

Acadia National Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in New England to visit for fall with scenic drives, short but thrilling hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Acadia National Park is packed with scenic drives, short but thrilling hiking trails, and breathtaking views.

this national park protects the rocky coastline in Maine, the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast of the United States can be found here.

There are three main regions of Acadia National Park. Mount Desert Island (MDI), Schoodic Peninsula (north), and Isle au Haut(south). course MDI wheres all the actions are...

for people like me, there are many short, easy strolls, hike Ocean Path or the loop trail around Jordan Pond. The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is a short, easy hike on Cadillac Mountain that offers some of the best views in the park.

Of ofcourse The best time to visit Acadia National Park is fall.

Fact: it includes 158 miles of hiking trails. This tiny but mighty park gets 3.5 million visitors a year making it one of the top 10 most visited National Parks in the US.

Fee: A vehicle pass costs $30 and is valid for 7 days. If you plan to drive the Cadillac Summit Road (which most people do), you will also need to reserve a separate entrance ticket for this road which costs $6

I was able to spend a short weekend in Acadia National Park and it was just a gorgeous experience. The mixture of the sea and mountains were exactly what I had hoped it would be. There are plenty of hiking, biking and even horse trails that you can enjoy along with the loop road which is about a 25 mile road that will bring you by all of the main attractions. The one thing that I didn't expect was how packed it was. We ended up having to walk a half mile sometimes because we had to park so far away. I would recommend at least 3 days in Acadia to give you the time to complete a few hikes ad see the key elements without worrying about time.

How do you satisfactorily review Acadia National Park? You just have to go there. Whether you hike or just drive, there is not a place that isn't beautiful and refreshes a person. If never there before, drive the loop and take your time. Area's that peer out in the Gulf of Maine are incredible. Stop at sand beach and sit for a while. Go up Cadillac Mountain at the view is wonderful (can be chilly and windy). Take the time the learn how Acadia became a National Park which is interesting. Basically, it is everything and more the prior 2000+ reviews mentioned.

I doubt I can say anything new about this gorgeous park. There is a big parking area and it will fill up quickly. If you want to go to the Visitor Center, it is a climb up 52 steps. The best way to see the park is to ride the FREE hop on/hop off shuttle that stops at all of the points at the park. Parking at the various points can be difficult during tourist season. The buses come quite frequently. There is also a bus that goes into Bar Harbor, which is nice because parking spots are hard to find in the summer and they are metered at $2 to $4/an hour.

Acadia national park is beautiful and NPS have done a Great job by including boards indicating pets are not allowed in some of the trails and points as it is dangerous for people themselves. But people bring their pets without thinking of others. Because of that I slipped and fell down when going down the steps to see thunder bolt point. The dog owners didn't even ask me whether I am ok. The pets might not do anything for them. But how can they assume about other people. Park service should take stringent action against the pet owners

Not terribly impressed. The views of the ocean are lovely but there is very limited parking, tons of people and the worst part, it is devoid of wildlife. I wasn't expecting Yellowstone wildlife, but there was nothing. There were not even birds singing on some of the trails. If you live anywhere on the east coast, you could probably find similar hiking trails at your state or county parks.

We did Cadillac mountain, not a difficult drive at all. It is winding but not a steep grade. Nice path, nice view, but nothing 'wow-ing'.

We drove over to the Schoodic Peninsula, much less people but still no wildlife. I did enjoy the ocean views there more than the main part of Acadia, mainly due to the rocks being more 'flat-ledge' than 'cobble', just easier walking, able to get closer to the ocean.

I was glad I went once, but not a favorite.

I wish I could give Acadia National Park more than five stars. It has so much to offer including views, a beach and all types of hiking trails. We even saw deer both alone and in groups. It was worth the sore legs the day after. This was my first but not my last visit. I hope to make this a yearly trip and I hope I see a moose next visit. From a safe distance 🙂

Acadia is a national treasure. If you need easier hikes, don’t miss Ship Harbor Trail. For a moderate hike, we loved Gorham Mountain. Parking can be difficult in Acadia and we wished that shuttles were still running in mid-October.

If you go to Bar Harbor and not visit this park, you are missing out. The first National Park east of the Mississippi, there are so many places to visit from mountain top to the beach. Great views of the islands and Bar Harbor from above. Shame the observatory tower was closed for renovation. A hiker paradise, numerous trials, may easy hiking.

Wow! I am on a National Park quest, trying to continue on with my late husband's and my dream of visiting all the National Parks the great USA has to offer. This was #14 for me.
This park is utterly stunning. The loop drive in the park was nice and not very crowded. If you want to go up Cadillac Mountain you must make reservations. And do that as soon as you can. If you want to see the sunrise, then you must try and make them 90 days prior. If not, then you can try for other times of the day. Or if you are lucky, you can get through at 10:00 am two days before you visit and hope you can get one of the last 110 tickets. We couldn't and I was literally on the phone right at ten. But any time of the day is great.
I hope you include this park on your bucket list. There is something about a park that has mountains right on the coast line. It is now my favorite!

Hiking, biking, sightseeing in an excellent outdoor setting. The bus service is a nice feature to help with crowding

This park has it all: hiking, biking, water sports, scenery, tours, history, architecture, quality restaurants and shops nearby. We especially learned about native plants in our yard at the Wild Gardens. We climbed the South Bubble in about 3 hours. There is a flat trail around Jordan Pond, but then to climb the Bubble, you are picking your way through large rocks and boulders rather than hiking a gravel trail. It was popular, which was good because we helped each other decide where the trail was when it was not as clear. I suggest using AllTrails ap so you can see where you are on the trail. Check out the Carroll Homestead where you can learn how people made the best of their life circumstances more than 100 years ago.

Highly recommend visiting Acadia National Park! It has wonderful sites and views. There are many drive able options as well which help with kiddos. All the views were breathtaking. Everyone is friendly.

We enjoyed our drive around the park, stopping often to take photos of the beautiful colors. We got confused, though, trying to find the trail after Cadillac Mountain.

Acadia NP ranks in the top 5, and rightly so. There are so many different views from the mountain tops, to the valleys, to the beach, free flowing streams and everything in-between. Highlights for us: Drive to the top of Cadillac Mtn. (get your timed pass in advance, or you don't go in), Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Driving the Park Loop Road (NP Pass required), Sieur de Monts Nature Center and Gardens, incredible bridges and a lot of scenic pull-offs for pictures. If you are a hiker...this will be a paradise for you.
Take a horse drawn carraidge ride on one of the tours (one hour or two hour) from the Wildwood Stables group. It was excellent! Jordan was a very good guide, for a first-timer. You will not do this in a day ... take a lot of days to thoroughly enjoy this park. Be aware that at certain times, things get very crowded, and downtown Bar Harbor is very crowded too, especially when a cruise ship or two is in port. The little villages nearby deserve a look too.
We really liked Northeast Harbor, just past seal cove SW of Acada NP.

An Amazing place to visit and Hike or Bike . In the Summer it is very busy but still a must visit when visiting Maine. We rented E-Bikes and rode the carriage trails and had a great day!

As you drive thru the Park the Scenery is just amazing ! Even tho there was damage in the Park from previous Storms from Last Winter the Park People have done a great job repairing everything ! Thunder Hole is quite a site to see. If you are lucky you might see a Moose or a Deer!!

We spent 1.5 days hiking Acadia NP in May 2024. We hiked around Jordan's Pond, drove up to Cadillac Mountain to enjoy the 360 degree view, and hiked the ocean path to Otter Point. The trails varied in terrain and views. All were fabulous and fun! We were there the Sunday/Monday before Memorial Day weekend. It was not crowded.

We really enjoyed the park even though it was cloudy and misty during our entire visit. It was easy to get around on the free Acadia buses. We just parked at the visitor center and hopped on wherever we wanted to go. The parking at the various stops is busy so the buses are your best bet. We can’t wait to come back again.

Beautiful scenery, great fall foliage. Just loved it. Did a tour on a cruise ship stop and I have to say it was my favourite port we saw!

Great views from top of Cadillac Mtn. But remember to get you special auto pass required to drive to summit . ( different than park pass) Well worthwhile . Several areas require a bit of hiking so wear comfortable shoes .

We did an audio driving tour of Acadia & audio walking tour of Bar Harbor which was a great way to see Acadia in a single day. Also went to recreation.gov to sign up for Cadillac mountain sunset; could also sign up for Carriage tours too.

This has to be one of the best places to visit in the United States. From Cadillac Mountain Sunset to Jordan Pond, hiking the Beehive Trail and the Ocean View Path it was perfect. Everything is so close to Bar Harbor as well. This is one place I will definitely be revisiting!

Loved the park, some crowds at the busier spots but there are plenty of other trails and sites to see. Late afternoon was the best time as the weather was a bit cooler and not so crowded. Our favorite trail was Great Head. Cadillac Mountain also awesome, but not as many trails unless you want to hike up or down it!

One of the best national parks in the United States! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the park is very accessible to people of all mobility levels. There are short paved trails as well as very challenging hikes up the mountains and into the valleys. The loop road drive itself is a great experience with plenty of places to stop along the way and take in the vistas.

You must have a park pass--which they do sell at the entrance(s) but most importantly, to access Cadillac Mountain you must have a timed reservation! These are only purchased online and sell out quickly--especially for sunrise--as they strictly control the access to maintain the integrity of the mountain. Definitely worth the visit. We spent 2 days exploring and hiking.

Acadia National Park was on my bucket list after reading about it and seeing so many photos. It did not disappoint! Absolutely breathtaking. We spent several hours in the main park one day and a few more hours on the Schoodic Peninsula the next day. Not enough time, but GORGEOUS!!!!! GO!

The park is stunning no matter the season you go. Very peaceful with gorgeous views.
many points perfect for beautiful pictures. We will be back for sure

We recently traveled Coastal Maine with Bar Harbor as our final destination. We enjoyed one full day in Acadia Park and enjoyed it as much as we always have! I did purchase my park pass and my Cadillac Mtn. pass online ahead of time and that made it very simple to just enjoy the park when we arrived. We enjoyed lunch at Jordan Pond before we traveled up Cadillac Mtn. and all of our lunches were very good with a nice waiter that extended good service even though he was very busy! A great day that everyone should enjoy while in Bar Harbor!!

Beautiful park right near the town of Bar Harbor. We drove b/c we had our car and we have a yearly national park pass, but there are shuttle buses available from the visitor's center. It was Labor Day weekend, so we did expect crowds. Traffic and parking was manageable, but not ideal. We did have to park and walk about a mile each way to get to the sandy beach. What I loved about this park is that you can drive the Loop Drive in a few hours. It's very doable for a day trip to the park.

Acadia is not a park to be missed. Highly recommend and encourage visits during sunny days and overcast. The lighting in the sky upon the landscape in both conditions creates 2 very different, equally memorable experiences. Don't skip reservations for a meal at Jordan's Pond House Restaurant or Cadillac Summit. Take lots of pictures, but remember to just stop and take it all in too. A guided tour day 1 and a self-guided app tour day 2 were the perfect combination for us. We'll be back!

Crowded with no parking available at most points of interest including Jordan Pond. Flew across country and rented a car. Unless you ride the park shuttle, get going at 8AM or take a tour there is very little access the park highlights by personal car. We thought in between summer and leaf peeping the crowds would be smaller but no such luck. Parking lots are way too small for the # of cars. Left after 3 days very frustrated and disappointed. Never been this bad at other national parks.

A very interesting place that combines the nature of the oceanfront national park with the picturesque and elegant town of Bar Harbor. A very different corner of the United States!

This 3.5 hour tour was great. We went through the park and up to Cadillac Mountain. The guide was very informative and engaging. I would definitely recommend this tour.

The park is beautiful. We did the 27 mile Park Loop drive with the audio tour. We paid $8 for the audio, it was worth it. You could spend days here. They have many hikes, some are challenging. The views from the top of these hikes are stunning. They have a free bus that goes all day and you can hop on and off. The traffic can be crazy and some spots you can’t get out, because there is no parking at that time. Do some research and plan this out. We were here end of July and it was busy! You need an entrance pass for your car, you can get that online before or at the park.

Very nice place ,it have everything from tracking, Beach,ponds , sunrise and sunset point. For sunrise and sunset point you need advance booking

Hiked around Jordan Pond, about four miles. Very popular spot for families. Really enjoyed it, as well as the other parts of the park.

Beautiful views. Really enjoyable drive, but you can also bicycle, rent e-bikes, go horseback riding or hike. Gift shops scattered around the park, and friendly staff

I don't know where to start. It's like Heaven on Earth!! the rocks and the water crashing onto them so relaxing and you cannot get this kind of experience anywhere else!! Just sit there look at the water and the scenery everywhere, take a deep breath and relax

This is a park that is like no other state park. Definitely a must see if visiting the Bar Harbor Island.

Wonderful trip! Best guide and driver!
He was very friendly, professional and knowledgeable about the park and vicinity.

It’s definitely not what I expected. Went to Cadillac mountain which was very cool. The rest is really driving unless you are a hiker. Lots of views if you can park. We chose a bad time of year since this is def high season. It is beautiful scenery.

Absolutely beautiful! We traveled from Texas, and although we brought the heat wave with us, we enjoyed visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The visitor's center is a long walk up multiple flights of stairs, and is a very tiny building. My only complaint is that you have to wait in hours long lines just to get a map. They did not have them available unless you waited in line to talk to a worker, even though they are free. We decided we did not want to wait hours and downloaded a narrated tour with a map, which turned out pretty nice. The park itself is beautiful and the one way loop is a great idea! If you have the time/ability to hike, you can have a much better experience. Make sure to get a reservation for Cadillac Mountain. We were caught by a storm half way up so we were unable to see anything from the summit, very disappointing. The weather can change quickly in the park so bring a rain jacket, just in case!

I should probably tell you how terrible rotten and disgusting Acadia is, but you would realize I was just trying to have it all to myself (and a few friends). I stayed for two weeks in Bar Harbor just off the main drag. It was so convenient to stores, groceries, retaurants and the Free bus, that takes you all around Mount Desert Island. The first few hikes were early in the morning and in the rain. I loved it. Easy parking at the trailheads and wildlife were not scared off. If you like cool fresh air in the summer, beautiful ocean/mountain view’s, many things to do( hiking, biking, whale watching, kayaking, paddle boarding, eating and people watching. It is a great place. It has become very very popular and a bit more expensive than pre-covid, but a good value if you appreciate the great outdoors.

Drove through the park. Unfortunately it was raining & foggy so didn’t get the greatest views. But I can imagine on a beautiful day they would be awesome. Getting into the park was a bit of a wait. Lots of cars. Had to really hurry through in order to get to my reservation for Cadillac mountain. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect it was still nice. Made it kind of spooky almost with the fog

The park is unique in that it has mountain views and beach views. It is small compared to the Smokies or Yellowstone. I loved the view from Cadillac Mountain, but we were rushed for time there. We did not get to stop at the beaches or at the dramatic beach cliffs. This shore excursion really had too much bus time and not enough chances to stop and get close to the best views. I think there are better ways to see the park.

One of the most beautiful parks and perfect place to see the fall colors. Bar Harbor is wonderful and charming, and the park is easy to get around and explore. Definitely recommend staying for more than a couple days so you can see everything, and travel around the island to the local towns for the best lobster at local lobster pounds! And DON'T skip out on the blueberry pie!

We visited the beautiful national park via a group tour excursion of the cruise vacation. We were amazed by how beautiful the park, the seaside views and the fall foliage were.
When I revisit Maine, I will definitely revisit Acadia National Park!!

Great, accessible, easy to walk park with a driving tour available as well. Allow at least 3 hours to walk the 3.5 mile path around Jordan's Pond to have ample time to stop and enjoy the scenery and navigate the rocky areas of the path. Be warned that the path gets very muddy and flooded with any rain. We happened to be there on a very rainy day and the rocks and path were quite slippery. There is a long boardwalk section that does rise above some of the more swampy areas of the path. Still the visit afforded breathtaking views and the path is clear and well-marked.

If planning a trip to Acadia, be sure to also book a reservation (separate online booking) for access to Cadillac summit. While it was surrounded by fog accompanied by 50 mph wind gusts thanks to Hurricane Fiona when we were there, it was still worth visiting. Lovely little gift shop and decent bathrooms available at the summit with a paved 1/2 mile walking trail and some more rustic paths too.

We did a 3 hour tour from Bar Harbor and it was not what I expected. We only drove the loop road and only stopped twice for about 1/2 total. First stop was at Thunder Hole for about 20 minutes, found out you need to be there at high tide with an angry sea. But it was cool to see the coast with the unbelievable granite rocks and cliffs. Our next stop was at some unnamed stop that was under construction where we had 10 minutes. It was picturesque, so we snapped a couple of photos and took off. We had some nice views from the road and it’s a beautiful area. It’s crowded, it’s small, it’s close to a large population, it’s made for hiking and it has very limited parking. Another surprising thing to me was the private homes that we passed. The park is chopped up and you can go in and out of it and private property easily. To be fair, we just visited Yellowstone National Park, which is 10 times larger, out in the wilderness and has amazing things to see around every corner.

It is so beautiful, but has been discovered, so there is a ton of traffic. Sad when you cannot find a parking spot to do a hike. Also when you are on vacation, you don’t always want to wake at the crack of dawn to get out there, but that does seem to be the best option.

We stayed at a B&B midway between the main Acadia park and the mainland Schoodic Peninsula, so we went into several times. One of the best experiences was entering the park around 5 p.m. There were far fewer cars and crowds, so it was a more enjoyable way to see the main highlights.

An amazing National Park if the weather cooperates--so plan accordingly. WE had planned a multiday visit to Maine. Had booked and bought the tickets for a drive up Cadillac Mountain to reach the summit--which is supposed to be the highest point in the Eastern Seaboard. A drive, while not easy for the elderly, also not too difficult. The drive is worth the amazing views on a mostly clear day. However, the first day when we went up, it was cloudy and we could hardly see anything through the fog. So, we decided to try again the next day--fortunately got the tickets, probably because it was early October--not a busy season. The return visit was certainly worth it and the extra fees after all support the National Park. Even that day, the fog started rolling in giving a special view of the sea and fall colors through the misty fog. Even in October, it was difficult to find parking near the Visitor's Center--so be prepared(especially the elderly) for that since the few Port-A-Pottys available at a few locations (including the summit) are not maintained. Also, we never found a formal entrance to the Park! While driving around "Desert Island"--you find yourself within the Park.

Allow several days to see the whole park, Hike and just sit and enjoy the area. The rock formations are fantastic.

Ratings for hikes are a bit misleading if you are used to paved "walking paths" found in many other National Parks. What is rated easy or level does not mean a simple walk in sandals. I loved the hike around Jordan Pond but I was glad I had my hiking boots on, and left our Golden behind. There is a half mile portion or more of raised boards about 24" wide and 18+ inches off the forest floor. There are no handrails. While there are wider platform areas to wait for people to pass by several times we had to ask for others to hold up so we could continue without having to squeeze by. And there are rocky portions you need to scramble over. Other parts are gravel and much easier to walk but not stroller friendly.

The Mount Desert Island of the park is not capable of handling the amount of visitors it gets. If you’re not in any of the main parking lots by 9 am, good luck getting a spot any part of the day, and that includes the Visitors Center. All the restroom facilities were barely a step up from pit toilets and campground community bathrooms. If you can get a parking spot and to any of the main points, the views are beautiful and there are many nice spots to sit for a few hours.
We were in the park two days and that was more than enough time. We’ve been to a few National Parks and as far as facilities, visitors center and staff, this was the worst.
If you don’t want to pay the $30 to enter, drive-in by the Hulls Cove visitor center as there is no attendant to check your pre-paid entrance fee or charge you for entering.

Natures beauty is on full display here! The loop is a great way to see the highlights of this National Park. Roads are easy to travel. The few places to stop for a bathroom break are not too clean, especially at the Jordan Pond gift shop. Tons of tourists in October made it difficult to fully relax and enjoy. Take your time, take your own food, and go at less traveled times and you’ll enjoy to the max!

Beautiful, it gets busy, wake up early to beat the crowds. The views from atop Mt Cadillac are stunning, but the costal views as you travel around the park road easily rival them. Get out of your car, jump from rock to rock to find the best views, smell the salty, pine scented air…. Magical.

This park is so beautiful. I was impressed by the diversity of environments given that this is one of the smallest national parks. There's a sandy beach, rugged and rocky coastlines, cliffs, mountains, forests, marshes, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. There is so much to see. There are hikes for every level, from beginner to experienced.

This is a good park for a solo traveler. Because of its small size and popularity, you'll be in good company on most of the trails. You'll pass someone at least every few minutes, unless you choose one of the more obscure trails or visit in the pouring rain. If you stick to the more iconic trails, you'll never be isolated. The risk of a bear encounter is also incredibly low, they're uncommon here. Just take some precautions - research the trails before you start, tell someone at home which trails you're doing and when you estimate you'll be done, and bring more water and food/snacks than you think you'll need in case a hike takes longer than expected. It's a good idea to have an emergency whistle. Also have a topographic map, and a compass just in case (and know how to use it). I did not see a ranger once on any of the trails during the week I was there, and I only had phone reception on the mountains. But I saw many fellow hikers, and everyone was friendly and looking out for each other.

The Island Explorer bus system is wonderful. I don't drive, and it gave me the opportunity to visit the park, when otherwise it wouldn't have been possible. There are numerous routes throughout the park, and it's really easy to get around. They're also reliable.

There are bathrooms throughout the park. Some are modern with flush toilets, and others are more like outhouses. There is usually a water fountain near the modern style bathrooms. There are a few visitors centers as well. These sell souvenirs, have rangers on hand to answer questions, and sell snacks. Jordan Pond has a full restaurant that requires reservations.

Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is a special experience. Jordan Pond is iconic and beautiful. I also saw some lovely things in unexpected places. You won't regret visiting Acadia.

Was a beautiful park with plenty to do! Great visitor centers, gift shops, and rangers helping guide and teach. Like many popular national parks this is extremely busy and I wasn’t able to access everything due to no parking and high crowds! Great day trip is to drive the loop drive and then stop off at some of the non busy spots. All parts of the park are beautiful so you can’t go wrong!

Mom and adult daughter visited in June. Beautiful park, good weather, not crowded. Lots of walks, a challenging hike, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mtn, Little Long Pond, carriage road e-biking, and so many scenic views. Nice restaurants and accommodations in Bar Harbor. Don’t miss the path that appears at low tide to walk across to Bar Island - like magic! Visit the New Mexican restaurant Salsa Verde - very authentic!

What can be said about Acadia National Park that hasn't been said before? The Park is stunning! No matter what time of year you go. Just gorgeous!

We were traveling with our pup and excited that we could stop at Acadia National Park as many national parks are not dog friendly. The carriage road was a good hiking path that was easy for dogs and people alike. There was even a section of it where dogs were allowed to hike off leash. We stopped along our hike at the Jordan Pond House for a snack since it had started to rain. We expected to be sitting outside in the rain and were incredibly surprised when we learned they even had an indoor pet friendly section! However, the highlight of our trip to Acadia was definitely the Cadillac Mountain Summit. We purchased a $6 timed entry pass and got the latest one available. We spent a couple hours doing a number of short scenic hikes and then settled at the West Lot where we were able to watch the sunset, which was stunning.

Exceptional natural landscapes, especially along the coast. A place and national park not to be missed

As per the title. My opinion is based on various visits to the many parks in the West...
I don't care about the Eastern States but in terms of size and views there are no comparisons.
However, this park is worth a visit but I wouldn't invest more than 2 days unless you want to travel all the trails and also see some so-called attractions which perhaps aren't really all the way there.
Nice Bar Harbor but here too nothing sensational.

Parking is criminally inadequate. Small lots fill by 10am on weekdays. You have to wait 40 minutes to get a spot.
Restroom facilities are grossly inadequate. 1 outhouse for a lot of 100 vehicles.
The scenery is not that great. Most trails are through the woods to a spot on shore.

Acadia National Park is an area that one must explore when in the northeast. The views are spectacular from throughout the park from Loop Road. There are many areas to park and a variety of trails to hike for hikers of all levels. Sand Beach is lovely, and Jordan Pond and Bubbles area is so serene. One may take a carriage ride, bike, or walk along many of the carriage trails as well. It does get quite crowded in the summer months. Were we there in mid-June. The weather was perfect, and we had no problems driving around and parking.

Just a great place! Rode around and took beautiful pictures. If you plan to go to Cadillac Mt, you need a reservation

I was here back in 1984, things were far different then. Now this is a boon for local towns and businesses, but not the peaceful wilderness it used to be. We were here this time on June 6, 2024. Went to the visitor center and not very helpful. The road maps are confusing and while driving through the park made wrong turns for not being able to read the map correctly. One loop road was closed with no warning before driving 8 miles and then having to backtrack. Cadillac Mountain road was closed. Every single trail we came upon was overrun with people and parking lots full. Otherwise, hardly anyone driving on the roads. It seems the park is broken up with parts of the roads going through small towns, and private property. About 5 hours of this and we had enough and left. There are many far better national parks in the US than this.

Went the 3rd week of October. While some of the trees at higher elevations had already turned color and dropped to the ground, the valleys and lower spots were filled with red and gold splashed trees. Was more crowded than I expected given that "the season" ended the week before. The visitors center is not easy to reach as it requires a hike and several sets of stairs to navigate. The park is huge,and has seemingly hundreds of hiking options from easy to uber-challenging, Not to be missed is the top of Cadillac Mountain for incredible views. There is not a lot of parking up there, and in season, requires a separate permit. very popular to watch the sunrise and/or sunset. Also, do not miss Thunder Hole, a rocky outcrop on the shore that features ocean waves moving up a narrow water-cut inlet to splash against a sub-surface cave and the sound booms like thunder. Also Jordan Pond is worth a visit, with an easy hike around. Be aware that what New Englanders call a "pond" would be called a good sized lake almost anywhere else.

Acadia National Park is a nice park to visit. We had reservation at the Jordan Lake Restaurant. It is one of the prettiest areas of the park. We hiked around the lake and went on the Park Loop Drive. The problem was the enormous amount of traffic and people. We were not able to secure a reservation for the sunrise on Cadillac Mt. so, we went later in the day. If want to visit this park, you must plan ahead.

Even in the rain we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Acadia. We used a GPS-enabled tour and took our time, stopping at overlooks and other points of interest along the Park Loop Road. We'll definitely be back when the forecast calls for sunnier weather! We loved stopping at Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond House, and next time we'll see the other places we couldn't or didn't have time for. Recommended.

Thoroughly enjoyed driving through and stopping regularly through the park. Lots of beautiful coastline and ocean views.

Staying in Southwest Harbor for a week, we spent several days exploring Acadia.
Being early May, reservations were not needed to travel the Park. We did luck out in that we arrived the day before the road up Cadillac Mt was being closed for paving; allowing us to drive to the summit and enjoy the magnificent views.
Having mobility issues, we did more driving, sitting and standing than hiking; but there still was much to see and do.
The Visitor's Center provided a great starting point and orientation.
We traveled the loop road several times, stopping at numerous overlooks and enjoying Thunder Hole, Sandy Beach, Echo Beach, etc., etc....
This is an amazing Park, with a wealth of natural beauty and splendor.
Even if one cannot walk/hike long distances: this is a wonderous place to experience.

Cannot begin to say how this park blew our minds. Just fabulous. Some spots were so totally crowded that the parking needs to make modifications BUT other spots were were the only people around. Great family trip. One for the ages!!!

We loved this park with the trails and carriage roads but make sure you time it right. Its gets real crowded really quick because of the location close to Bar Harbor and the cruise ships. There was literally at least one cruise ship sometimes three every day on top of tour buses and folks driving there. Definitely worth going too just time it more towards the deep off season to really enjoy it.

We were here with small children And friends from Schooll So we love nature And this was a very good

We spent three days visiting the park. All the days were different, but enjoyable. The temps were in the 50s and 60s. We had a great experience here.

Acadia, like many national parks, is experiencing growing pains. Popularity is its enemy. During peak season, there are many people who want to visit the park and the infrastructure is just not up to it. I would think at least the park loop road should be serviced by shuttles only - at least during peak seasons. There are two things about Acadia: 1. It is beautiful - but not more beautiful than many other shoreline experiences up and down the coast. Find a place you like that is not as busy. 2. Acadia is large and spread out. Venture off the tourist route and find the less visited parts of the park. Or stay a couple of days and visit during off-peak hours. They are just as beautiful and less hectic. I probably will have just as happy a life if I never return.

Acadia National Park is not to be missed if you’re visiting Maine. There are a number of trails for hiking- easy flat terrain and more difficult ones for the avid hiker. We are 60+ years old, active and fit but not expert hikers. We found that the Cadillac North Trail was challenging enough to get a great workout. It’s so much nicer to hike all the way up if you can rather than drive up to the summit. Amazing views along the way. Also did North and South Bubble, Bubble rock, Jordan Pond & Ocean Trail , all in two days. There is so much to see and each trail has different vegetation and terrain. Gorgeous foliage. Wished we had more time to go biking through the carriage roads and hike other parts of the park. We will definitely come back!

One of America's Crown Jewels. Third visit to one of the eastern Nat'l Parks. Great hiking at the doorsteps of Bar Harbor. Hikes are great just pick your level of difficulty from easy Carriage Roads to more difficult ones. The Ocean Trail is my favorite for it's views of the Atlantic Ocean.

We spent two wonderful days here. The view from Mount Cadillac is incredibly beautiful. On the loop road you always have beautiful views, there are small and large hikes and if you are lucky you will experience a sunny and a gloomy day like us and get to know all facets of the park.
A highlight was visiting the lighthouse in Bass Harbor. Also the hike around Jordan Pond is highly recommended and a hike on Sandy Beach.
Now in August was busy, but you will always find a parking space and also a place where you can enjoy everything in peace!

Acadia National Park is beautiful and offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, boat tours and more. We stayed in nearby Somerville and spent a week exploring Acadia. Our week included driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain (advance date/time reservation required), hiking the Beehive Trail & Great Head Trail, biking the carriage trails, and taking sea kayaking tour and a whale watch. There are also many lobster pounds "very casual restaurants) in the area.

This park is stunning and well organized, but also very popular. So come early and be sure to get entrance tickets in advance.

You can't go wrong traveling to Acadia for a week or a month. There is so much to see and do from bike riding to camping to hiking, etc. The park rangers are very helpful and can get you going no matter the situation. The weather is always iffy given its topography and location. My recent week was cloudy, cool for 4 of the 5 days. The one day when we had full sun was exceptional. You get to see everything as it was meant to be seen.

We came here for the Fall foliage and Cadillac Mountain. Both did not disappoint. Due to the government shutdown, the visitor's center was closed, but we had already had a Parks Pass and made our reservations for Cadillac Mountain the day before. So we just headed up the mountain for great views of the ocean and islands. There was a nice surprise at the top, a porcupine was scrounging around and I was able to get some good photos of him. Also, since we had extra adults in the vehicle, my husband and I chose to hike down the mountain. It was a great hike with views towards Bar Harbor and the granite wasn't slippery at all. I would highly recommend the hike!

Went in fall and the only crazy driving area was around Sand Beach/Thunder Hole. Still was able to get parking. Jordan Pond popovers are a MUST. We hiked Jordan Pond and Bubbles, enjoyed the popovers and drove Park Loop Road day #1. Day #2 was Cadillac sunrise, then hiked Beehive>Bowl>Gorham>Ocean Path and spent more time on Sand Beach (weather was a bonus, 70s and sunny!) and driving to the Northeast Harbor. Could have used a day 3 to go to Schoodic or the Southwest Harbor side for a little peace and quiet.

Our visit to the park this morning was a horrible experience. At every turn there were huge numbers of people and cars. Parking lots were being closed (full) and lines for everything. More than an hour wait for an appointment to drive up Cadillac mountain and six dollar charge (no cash). It is past time to limit attendance and number of vehicles in the park at any given time!

Acadia National Park is unlike any park we have visited. It is spread out over the island. There is only one entrance and the day we arrived, there were millions of people. It was a bumper to bumper drive through the park. We didn't see any wildlife but deer and a squirrel. It is not a wildlife park, mainly trees and hiking. Very rude people and the parking is unreal, they park anywhere. Bar Harbor is unreal, can't even drive through the massive crowds of people. Not my favorite destination.

At Your Service Tours at Acadia National Park with Perer as our guide was AWESOME! We have done many tours around the world so we can def say this was an A+ experience.

There were not enough areas where trees weren’t overgrown so you could see the surround views. Also not near enough turn offs to stop and see the sites. It’s a great park for hiking but if you aren’t a hiker it’s just ok. Now Cadillac Mountain is another story and worth the extra 6 bucks but you have to make a reservation ahead of time. I’d recommend doing that for sure.

We're not hikes so pretty much stuck to the loop road with the easier hikes. Scenery was nice (colors were nice) though this is more for the experience hikes to get those great views.

There’s no one favorite part in this park. It’s all stunning. Thunder cove was really cool. The hike around Jordan Pond was beautiful and just enough although pretty easy. We took a private tour and our guide Abby Jo was fabulous. She was very informative and seemed to really know the history of the park. We had a great time with her, she was just really a wonderful guide.

We drove up 2 hours and then back, so we did not have a lot of time to see much of the park. It was beautiful in October, but the sun sets very early, so the 2 hour drive was not ideal. Stay closer.

We did Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Cadillac Mountain, and several stops around the park. We ended up spending 3 hours in Bar Harbor, so we did not get to do the ring road and all of the places there.

Even with only seeing a sliver of the park, it was beautiful. Cadillac Mountain is not to be missed. We did not do the sunrise, but the view at mid-day with the fall colors was amazing.

My wife and college-age son spent little over 4 days, staying at Anchorage Motel in Bar Harbor. Even with a few days rain, that amount of time enabled us to e-bike carriage roads, hike BeeHive, hike Cadillac mountain (sunrise), hike Ocean Path twice, sea kayak, tour Southwest Harbor, enjoy many short walks from hotel to Bar Harbor shops, restaurants. Would do this trip again. Might replace sea kayak with whale watching or lobster boat/fishing if that is available.

Beautiful beyond words.

We love coming to Acadia each year for vacation. We like to come after the fall foliage to let the tourist peak die down. In November, the park is all to yourself! Empty trails. Easy parking access.

Acadia is beautiful any time of the year! It does get very cold in November but so much beauty awaits. We have seen Acadia in the fall too with all the beautiful foliage - but prefer the empty park during the off season months. The green moss and pine trees are beautiful even after the fall foliage drops.

Love all the trails. The hikes. The cliffs. The ocean views. The mountains. The lakes. It seriously is endless. We have been here multiple years and still have not even seen half of the park in the amount of how MASSIVE it is.

We used a guided app that took us around the route and gave us great info along the way but this park was beautiful and we enjoyed our visit. Cadillac Mountain was fogged over but just below it was not and we got some amazing views and photos. Jordan Pond was too busy and not enough parking so we skipped it but hit most everything else while driving.

Acadia National Park is one the most picturesque parks I have ever visited.

It is easy to drive the loop but be aware that many of the more popular spots will be crowded and finding parking may be difficult.

Be patient. Spots open up, and the scenery is incredible!

Also, know that access to Cadillac Mountain is an extra fee and requires a timed reservation. Book a time ahead of time. It's worth the extra fee!

Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, is a nature lover's paradise that'll steal your heart. With its rugged coastline, serene lakes, and picturesque hiking trails, it's a breathtaking slice of the great outdoors. Cadillac Mountain offers sunrise views that are truly unforgettable, and the coastal drives are like something out of a dream. However, one thing to keep in mind is that it's a popular destination, and during peak summer months, the park can get quite crowded. Finding parking at trailheads or viewpoints can be a bit of a challenge, and some of the popular trails can feel a bit congested. Nevertheless, the stunning beauty of Acadia is worth sharing with fellow adventurers.

Some of the most beautiful, serene scenery in the US. We last came here for our honeymoon 38 years ago, and it has been more crowded like nearly everywhere else, but it's still gorgeous.

Had a great time at Acadia. Was lucky enough to visit before the crowds appeared. You can get your park pass online before you visit or stop at the visitor center at the entrance to the park. The visitor center is a nice place. If you need info about the park or the trails, this is a good place to stop. You will need reservations to visit cadillac mountain after a certain date in May so check the website and get that before you visit. Driving on the park loop road is very relaxing. The views are amazing. Of course Cadillac mountain is the highlight and does not disappoint. Bring along extra clothing as it is windy up there and can get chilly. Many visitors came to Maine in May without jackets and they were all complaining about the weather. People, this is not Florida! You have to be prepared for all 4 seasons in one day in Maine. Sand Beach is gorgeous but I can't even imagine how packed the parking lot gets for this place in the summer. We had a nice lunch at Jordan Pond Restaurant and I would recommend it if you can get a reservation. The park is pristine and the bathrooms are clean.

Acadia National Park left me breathless in more ways than one. From the stunning coastal views along Park Loop Road to the challenging yet rewarding hike up Cadillac Mountain, every moment felt like a postcard-worthy adventure. The variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky shores, kept the scenery constantly changing. Jordan Pond's serene beauty and the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse were personal highlights. The park isn't just a feast for the eyes; the crisp mountain air and the scent of pine trees made it a sensory delight. It's not just a national park; it's a haven for anyone seeking a perfect blend of outdoor exploration and soul-soothing tranquility. If you're in Maine and have an ounce of love for the great outdoors, Acadia is an absolute must-explore.

What a beautiful National Park. We were there in October so a very busy time with the beautiful fall Foliage but well worth the trip. It was hard to park since there were so many people and cars. Worth going!

It was during the National Shut down so it was free. It was a Sunday so VERY crowded. There was somone in the Information office that gave us great tips on where to park
The shuttles were running so that was nice. The reason for only 4 vs 5 stars is the information we "could not find" about hiking. We picked a couple, and discovered the first one was much more difficult that the information led us to believe. It was very beautiful from the top however. The second one we thought was one that had a the water spouts...it was not.

Beautiful national park!! The only down side was that we was unable to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, since we did not have a reservation. Due to the pandemic, they started doing reservations, and we was driving all day that day, so I had no idea what time we was going to make it there. We did get to enjoy the rest of the park though.

This National Park is a must see. Invest in hiking shoes and enjoy the views. Take advantage of the Explorer Buses to get the the park.

Take your time to enjoy the scenery, be sure to get a map. you will need a couple of days to enjoy the park. There is free bus to take to different spots of the park. Parking is tough during prime time. Be sure to wear your hiking shoe! a walking stick and a light shirt or jacket will help if you are hiking the costal trails. You can drive the Park Loop road to stop at various vista point also.

Leaves were just starting to turn, such breathtaking, picturesque views 360, few other hikers on trail but was very quiet and private for our hike. The trail is marked in blue paint (it was a beginner trail), relatively flat walk for most part with a few mild rock stepping up/down spots. There are a number of wonderful scenic selfie spots along the trail facing the ocean. It was a bit slippery after rain and in early morning, so I recommend good hiking shoes (few puddles also). A full view of “Beehive” with rock climbers sighted in distance - was a bonus. Highly recommended.

Online advertising said there was no cost to enter the park, but that is very untrue. They do offer discounts for Veterans. The views of both forest and ocean are beautiful, and easy to access by car or on foot.
It will be more crowded during the summer months so bring your patience and check the weather before hiking.

Beautiful fall colors with red, green, yellow, and orange leaves. We purchased a week long pass, for $35 I believe. This gets you into the park. The park has some really nice trails, we went under a bridge and walked over a creek that had large stones. Cadillac mountain has a two lane road up to the top with a few areas for 1-3 cars to pull to the side for photos. The view from the top of Cadillac Mountain is impressive. Cadillac mountain requires a separate driving pass that you can purchase I believe 3 months in advance. Jordan Pond is another beautiful attraction! There is an 3.2 mile walk/hike around it with many beautiful views. At one point there is a mile of wooden planks that is well crafted. There is an area of large stones to hike along in another area. Overall just a very pretty area. There are very limited bathrooms and they are not very clean. The parking is extremely limited. Those are the only downsides. Most places in town shut down in late October, so maybe in early November it would be much less busy. I can see why Acadia is a National Park, it is certainly beautiful. The iconic Lighthouse is away from the areas mentions above. It is about 30 min. away from the areas above. There is a short path to see the top of the lighthouse. There is a longer path down the stairs to see the iconic view of the lighthouse from the rocky cliff from below. Excellent view from down below! There is also an island accessible via low tide in downtown Bar Harbor, low tide lasts I believe 4 hours. The walk to the island is not far, and there is a trail around the island. It’s fun watching the birds eat crab and check out the bottom of the sea bed when low tide commence. Truly an incredible park that is spread out over different areas of Bar Harbor! Worth at least 3-4 days of exploring for sure. There are gift shops here in there that provide keepsakes for your memories.

Recommend 2-3 days. We went end of May-Early June and weather was delightful- quite cool but not cold some days and warmer on others. Bring layers of clothing. Highly recommend E-Bike rental, drive up to Cadillac Mountain ( requires reservation) and driving the Loop Road (takes about 3 hour). Stunning Views!!!

Great park! Not super big so you can easily hit all the highlights.

Do the Beehive trail if you can! It’s very unique and exciting, overall not too hard. Bubble trails were also good.

There is a one way bus system because the parking lots for hikes are very small.

Wooooow! This park is crazy beautiful! I did the Beehive Trail and it was intense, crazy, extreme but so beautiful at the same time. An experience of a lifetime! Go at this park now!

We took a tour of Acadia today. It was a guided bus tour. We've done so much on our Boston to Bar Harbor vacation. We just wanted to relax and learn about this beautiful park. Our guide, Rick, was knowledgeable and entertaining. We had stops at Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and the Gardens. It was a beautiful day for this tour. Clear as a bell, sunny but very windy. I'm always looking for places, brands and excursions for my clients at travelhoundstraveladvisors.com
This will be at the top of my list.

Poorly organised park, overcrowded even in the off-season, unexceptional for New England.

Digital “self-service” ticketing was an absolute misery, taking almost 2 hours. Why can’t the Park sell physical entry tickets through local shops if they don’t want to provide a physical ticketing and information office in downtown Bar Harbor!

Once registered for Acadia Park access, the hotel reception had to print out a physical copy for our vehicle, even through I had downloaded a copy to my Apple Wallet.

After 60 minutes of frozen screens, we failed to be able to register via the Park Service website for the Mt Cadillac access ticket. Instead, we joined the crowd of people the next morning obtaining assistance at the Park Information office. Why do you have to register with Recreation.gov, including a password, in order to buy a $4 access ticket? Lunacy and poor digital design.

Once into the park, infrastructure is nice but overloaded, and views are unexceptional for New England. Drive the Kancamagus Highway in NH for free, for example. Or view Camden, Maine from Mt Batty. We failed to see the Jordan Pond house due to lack of parking availability, and this is not yet peak season.

In all, an unexceptional though pleasant experience tarnished by an over-reliance on poor digital “solutions” for ticket access.

We did the loop trail. We couldn’t find parking to stop at the beach so we continued on. We stopped at Thunder Hole and Otter Point. Both areas had beautiful views. Cadillac mountain is on a timed entry so we didn’t go. This park is not that exciting. It can be done in a couple of days.

We expected the crowds, but we went in June, so it was still doable then. We took several lovely hikes. The Jordan Pond hike was terribly crowded, but the harder hikes were not. Cadillac Mountain is a must, just reserve ahead.

Beautiful and breath taking! Be sure to take a picnic because there are beautiful places to stop and enjoy the scenery. We really enjoyed the Mt Desert side.

Never could find a parking spot for Jordan Pond😌. We tried two days in a row!

The lighthouse was not impressive!

Our park ranger Brandon conducting the junior ranger session was so attentive and engaging. What a wonderful experience for our grandkids!

Park is certainly beautiful, except for the 9 million people they let in each day. Would be great to go to main office and get ticket, but sorry, lot is 100% full, just drive on. Jordan pond would maybe nice, parking 100% full, just drive by. And so on, and so on,and so on. Should do something to limit massive overcrowding. Waste of a day, but not really, as when you cannot stop anywhere, it is only a waste of an hour or so. go elsewhere.

This is an absolute jewel of a park. i went in high tourist season, and it was very crowded. You must go very early to get parking anywhere if you want to hike. I go to nature for solace and peace; after 9:30 am you will not find it at this time of year. So go early! In my view, this park needs the reservation system. The reservation system has made a huge difference in my closest park-Rocky Mountain National Park. It would really help Acadia make the park experience better, in my view. Having said that, it is gorgeous! i would love to come at a time of the year when it was less crowded.

What a great place! We were a bit confused initially about where to buy our pass, as there were machines, but also a visitors' center which you can't see from the parking lot.
But going to the visitors' center is important if you want some advice for which hikes to do. We asked for an easy to medium hike and the ranger mapped out a nice choice for us. There was one beautiful vista after another. We didn't have reservations at the Jordan Pond café, so we resorted to the grab and go sandwiches which were a bit overpriced and not very tasty; I'd recommend bringing your own food. My only complaint is that the park is HUGE! If you're into hiking, plan for multiple days.

Saw lots of trees. Some of the views were very pretty. Did not see any wildlife. Was not what we expected. Had a good peaceful drive through the park.

It was the best decision to come and spend a birthday getaway. We had so much fun exploring Maine particularly the Acadia National Park. This is the only place where you have it all, from ocean, mountains, lakes ,and the beach. You can hike, walk, drive around and have a picnic. Best to see its beauty during the start of fall season to witness the ever changing colors of the leaves. You can find reasonable lobster menu and blueberry pie away from the bar harbor Main Street. *** Please note the Acadia National Park is a tourist destination and expect big crowds during peak season walking, hiking and driving around. The routes were carefully designed and planned from way back the time when this was still privately owned until the owners donated for public use to just be one way in and out. It is nice to see people enjoying the same activities at the same time regardless if you know each other or not. Music and hobbies made people as one.

We used the app GuideAlong as we traveled through the part. Excellent commentary. We would have missed the carriage ride opportunity if we didn’t hear about it on the app. So much to see and do. While we did not hike this time we made many stops including the Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, the Jordan Pond and Cadillac mountain. You do need to make reservations to drive up to Cadillac mountain. Such a learning trip. Very rocky and very green. We saw a lot of greenery and enjoyed our carriage ride. Lots of people and finding parking could be challenging. I read where 4 million people visit each year. There was a lot of storm damage and some trails were closed.

The park is beautiful but crowded during this time of year. Treat it like Disney World. Go early, rest in the afternoon and return after 3:00 for less crowds and available parking!! Using their bus service is a great idea but you still have to find a place to park.

Gorgeous vistas and beautiful beaches await at every turn. Be sure to secure passes to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. It is sooooo worth getting up early to be one of the first people in the US to see the sunrise. Then spend a day exploring Schoodic Point for a walk on the wilder side.

We took the shuttle from our camp ground to the visitors center in Arcadia National Park and changed to the Loop Shuttle which lets you get on and off as it travels around the perimeter of the park. We got off at Sand Beach and hiked the ocean walk. It traveled through the forest along the ocean. The views were spectacular. The hike is about 2 miles one way. Climbing the rocks to overlook the ocean was outstanding. The trail has a few steps, some climbing and is rocky at several points. If you take your time and enjoy the scenery it’s quite doable for all ages and abilities. We are in our mid 60’s and in good shape.

Went here for first time, so beautiful with much to do. Stayed in Southwet Harbor, but explored it all including Schoodic peninsula. No negatives except crowded because it's so popular. Enjoyed sunrise on Cadillac Mountain

What a beautiful National Park. The views are stunning. The whole area is very scenic. Good for both easy and advance hikes. Parking can be a challenge.

We decided to take a drive around the park and were glad that we left early. By the time we left the area at 11:30 it was crazy. This is a hiker and biker enthusiast place for sure. It is beautiful. We didn’t know that you need reservations to see Cadillac Mountain. Go online and get a reservation before heading out. It’s a beautiful drive with lots to see.

There is so much to do. Hiking, kayaking, trying out different restaurants. Many of the hikes are near the ocean. Bar Harbor is a great place to shop. Go and have fun!

Very HOT but beautiful day in Acadia.

Do to the crowds we decided to use the island shuttle which worked out well for us. We picked up the Island Explorer Shuttle at Hulls Visitor this morning at 9am. We took the #4 bus to Sand Beach (parking lot full as well as all the side of road spots) arriving at 9:30. From there we walked across sand beach (surprised at so many people on the beach with chairs or sunbathing for the day….looked like a true beach vacation for many!) to the Great Head Trail. Great Head verges left and right. We went right through many rock rock scambles and hike around the coast line (1.7 mile loop). This hike was pretty hot hike with little shade.

From there we crossed back over Sand Beach took a right out of the parking lot to head over to the entrance of Beehive trail. We traversed our way through more rock scrambles up to where the trail divides to the Beehive, the Bowl, or to the Gorham Mtn Trail.

Took Gorham Mtn Trail most of the way in and then ventured off to the the left down Cadillac Cliffs. This was a lot of downhill rocks with rock wall formations on one side of you. From there we ended up at the Gorham Mtn parking lot where you could pick up the Otter Cove Trail or walk across the street to Ocean Path and follow to Otter Cliff and Otter point or a left on Ocean path will take you to Thunder Hole and back to Sand Beach.

After 5 miles of hiking we picked up the Island Express at Thunder Hole and called it a day! Headed back to the visitor center where the lot was FULL at 2:30 pm.

I would say if I had it to do over again, I would have skipped the Great Head Trail because we got all of the same coastal views from Gorham Mtn Trail.

I would also recommend wool hiking socks and good hiking boots or shoes. With all the rocks, dirt, and run off of water there were some slippery spots. I saw a lot of slipping with tennis shoes.

FYI: today there was a 45 min wait to come down from the Beehive trail. So keep that in mind as your planning your hike!

Happy Hiking!

where else can you find a national park with such accessibility with so many lovely accommodations. You can stay at a nice BNB and yet get away from the "City" life during the day on the many trails. You can enjoy and evening out a a large variety of shops, restaurants, hotels, resorts and BNBs. All within walking distance!

Take the tour bus. Get to see everything and get a LOT of inside information about the park and its history. Beautiful time of year to visit as the trees were turning colors. Bus was much more convenient than the rental car.

Th sign posting is not easy to navigate. We were looking for the Bobble pond, no sign anywhere about it. We found it after driving 2 rounds and asking one ranger who did not know the park very well.

Also, tried to drive up to Caliact mountain, no information when we paid for the park parking about this one which need separate booking. No signal when we tried to book in the park, so had to leave with disappointment. It would be helpful to mention to visitors about this which needs to be pre-booked.

We had picnic in family looking at the most breathtaking view ever. Definitely unforgettable. I would recommend sunblock, belatedly with poison ivy, appropriate tracking shoes, and oitavos pics.

Leaves were turning and it wasn't too crowded. Great places for some perfect pictures. Do book in advance your ticket for Cadillac mountain it's worth the small fee. Beautiful views from the top.

The park has many highlights and trails to hike. Unfortunately finding the loop road and the visitor center was difficult. We lost a lot of time trying to understand the layout of the park.
The hiking trails need upgraded signage. If you found a trail, you could barely read its’ name and distance. Need large boards showing the trail in and out like you see on Blue Ridge Parkway, Yellowstone, Tetons, etc.

Acadia National Park is a must see. Day one was foggy so we couldn’t see Cadillac Mountain. We went back the next day and it was worth the wait!

In years past, we have visited Acadia in the fall. This was our first visit in the summer. Although the park was busier than what we experienced in the past, you can still find quiet places to sit and enjoy the coastline. In addition, Acadia is wonderfully pet friendly and “our girls” enjoyed scrambling over the rocks and boulders along the coast. A beautiful park!

To make your life easier, stop at Hull Visitor Center to pick up your entrance pass. The line to enter the park can get very long since people are also buying entrance passes at the entrance which backs up the line. Parking is minimal in the park and if you don’t get there early (before 9 am) you might be out of luck with finding parking! In some areas parking is allowed off the right lane. Most of the driving in the park is 2-one way lanes. If you drive past your destination you’ll have to drive all of the Park Road Loop again. It is very scenic drive and we had a great time.

We had heard so many good things about this park before we came here, but the words didn't do this park justice. To say that this park is gorgeous and serene is to give it a compliment, but you need to actually come here and experience the park for yourself. We came here to celebrate my husband's birthday, and it was the perfect time of year with the leaves changing. I think we could've spent a whole day here and not be bored by the hushed scenery. Entrance to the park was $30, which granted us all-day access. In addition to driving, you can also hike, fish, and go on a carriage ride. Even though the park was very busy when we came, we were still able to enjoy the scenery without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

I do wish that they'd have more parking; people had to park on the side of the road, which turned the streets from two lanes to one. Even though the streets went one way for much of the drive, there weren't a lot of signs in places, so we sometimes didn't know how far we were from the next stop. Also, since the cellphone reception was very spotty in places, it might've been helpful to have park employees at frequent stopping stations throughout the park in case of emergencies.

This park is kept in such perfect condition! The history that is geologic and archaeologic is rich in this area. The financial ties and political ties to help this park succeed over the years very interesting as well. This park is great if you want to hike or take a carriage ride or have lunch or have a beautiful drive or just go down to the beach or climb some rocks.

Drove coastal 1/2 of the ring road for nostalgia-sake, enjoying the vistas and ability, on a Tuesday morning, to pull off the road and meander down on the rocks. Sad Cadillac Mountain so severely impacted ; glad we saw it 7 years ago

This place has been quite disappointing. Aside from a 10-minute cruise along an admittedly scenic coastline and the decent view from Cadillac Mountain, the highlight was the small playground for our toddler behind our hotel. Otherwise, you'll have to contend with large crowds everywhere you go, from lookouts to restaurants. We attempted to rent bikes to explore the carriage roads, but it's a challenge if you haven't made reservations in advance, especially with a toddler in tow. Even once you have a bike, you're faced with the choice of taking overcrowded bike shuttles into the park or pedaling uphill for several miles just to reach the park entrance, with no good views in sight for miles. There are better bike paths on my local Greenway. If you're hoping to spot any wildlife, good luck. You might be better off in Baxter State Park, where you're likely to see some moose, or perhaps save your money and visit Yellowstone instead!

What a beautiful place. Were were only there for 3 days but we were able to see some incredible views. We did make reservations to go to Cadillac mountain for sunrise. Rain was predicted but we were fortunate that it held off. Because of the clouds the colors were amazing. Even though you have to get a ticket and they only allow a limited number, therefore a lot of people there. Be prepared and bring something to sit on. It was cold when we went so we took blankets. If you are prepared I would go from there to Jordan Pond and take that walk around the lake. It gets crazy busy later. in the day.

This was my second time to Acadia. Stop and get a map of the park. You must have a pass to enter the park. We purchased ours online in advance. If you go up Cadilac Mountain you will also need a pass and time and day you will be entering. We purchased this online and in advance as well. We traveled by car. In the summer and fall I believe they have a bus that you can ride to various locations. If traveling to Maine, this is a must see! Views are amazing.

Beautiful park, many hikes with various degrees of difficulty. Expected it to be crowded but can work around this by planning ahead with reservations and getting up early.

Absolutely stunning. So many different things to see-- but my favorite was sitting out on the rock croppings with the waves crashing in. It's not just the views there, it's the sounds too. The only heads up I have is go early-- parking can be a challenge.

Winter is a very special time there. Few people, more wildness. Much of the road system closes for the winter on Dec. 1st. make sure you get a map from either the Bar Harbor Visitors Center or the Ranger at the station near Sand Beach. It's so worth the experience. Didn't do any hiking, but you can get near to places where trails are available.

We came to drive through the park - stopping at nice scenery (we were not there to hike or camp, etc). We did the whole park before lunch and that was with backtracking some of the way and covering roads we'd already been on due to traffic patterns. Oddly, our park pass was never checked no matter which way we entered. I will say getting around is confusing - the park loop road doesn't seem to be a full loop. At some point, we thought we were out of the park and in a residential neighborhood and then we saw a sign for scenery we knew was in the park, so we were confused. I think signage could be improved. We did like what we saw, some beautiful cliffs and lakes. It is worth it for a stop, but if you're not a hiker, it won't take up much of your time.

What can you say about one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.?
The hiking was incredible. Cadillac Mountain is a must see and worth the small fee. Our favorite hike was The Great Head Trail off of Sandy Beach. The view was absolutely stunning. Jordan Pond was gorgeous too. The more challenging Bubble Rock was fun but remember to wear appropriate footwear and you have to enjoy elevation.

I recommend arriving before 8AM to get good parking.

After stopping at the Visitor Center we turned on our travel app and drove around the entire park from sea level beaches to the highest peak. You will see many hikers and bikers plus marvel at the scenery along the way. Do plan on 3-4 hours if just driving and visiting a few stops along the way.

Wow, what can one say to near outdoor perfection. Acadia is such an incredible experience. The hiking and carriage trails are well maintained and offer the most spectacular views of Maine's natural world. The free shuttles are super convenient to get visitors from point A to point B and the cost for all this amazing-ness is $35 per vehicle! This National Park is a must see and should be on every American's bucket list. The only downside is the limited dining options offered within the park. There is only one cafe and one take out place in the entire park and the wait times to access the restaurant were 60-75 minutes. My party opted for the Grab-n-Go and still waited 25 minutes to order lunch and drinks.

My children and I enjoyed driving the Park Loop Road and listen to the audio tour on the National Parks App.

Beautiful park, especially in full fall foliage! The National Park covers everything from mountain tops to sea shores so there’s an outdoor spot for everyone taste. We only spent a day there as we were on a cruise, but I’d definitely like to return

This park has a nice combination of ocean views, cliffs, forests, mountains and lobster! The park can get crowded so it's good to start early. The cliffs and water make for some nice photography.

Acadia National Park is THE REASON for driving to far north Maine. Our hotel was 2 hours south of the park. We watched the weather report and went the first non rainy day. Fortunately we ate an early lunch on the way there as the only food is outside the park in Bar Harbor or at the end of the loop road. Due to paving, this year you need to down load the National Park app and make a reservation to drive to Cadillac Mountain. Reservations open at 10 am two days ahead. We had no problem getting a time one day ahead. The main entrance is at Hulls Cove. The visitor center is up 52 stairs. There is a machine in the parking lot where you can purchase the park pass if you can't do stairs. I assume it works for the senior pass. We used the park for 4th grader pass. We arrive early at Cadillac Mountain - did not have to wait for assigned time. Lovely views at top. Afterwards we did the loop road. As it was the Sunday and 80 degrees, the only place where we could not park was at the beach. Loop road had a detour due to paving.

We totally enjoyed our time in Acadia National Park. There is such a variety of lengths and difficulty of trails that it can be enjoyed by anyone.

A beautiful piece of property. It has unspoiled natural beauty, elevated and ocean views, lakes, and beaches. Much colder and windy at Cadillac Summit.

We went at the end of Sept to see the leaves changing and just to see nature in its own beauty and the park did not disappoint. Lots of hiking trails and sights to see. Worth the trip and could spend days there..

I have multiple favorite national parks; Acadia is definitely one. Beautiful for couples or solo or for the entire family. Wonderful for driving and for hiking, for relaxing, and for photo taking. It's a gem.

Make sure to make the reservation for Cadillac Mountain....it is worth the drive for the view. There are numerous trailheads for hikes through the park and Loop Road is worth the drive as you can stop along the way. It was super foggy but we waited and when there was clearing it was lovely.

Easy park to hike, beautiful views. I love the sea views next to the cliffs. Cadillac mountain sunrise is a must do while visiting here.

We enjoyed a splended time at Acadia National Park. We went early and during the week to avoid the crowds during busier times. The Visitor Center was busy but was able to get the information we needed after not too long a wait. We enjoyed the ride up Cadillac Mountain but unfortunately was socked in with foggy conditions. We were able to get to a pull off as we came off the mountain to get some pictures in an area that wasn't foggy. Loved Thunder Hole but was too early/late for high tide. Jordan Pond was really nice and enjoyed seeing all the scenic trails. Could have stayed an entire week and still not seen everything here.

Amazing views-- even from the road. The hike up to Bubble Rock and back took less than 1 hour, including all the stops to take photos. The trail was just challenging enough for our 5-year-old who thoroughly enjoyed it. We were a bit rushed (it was Thanksgiving). We will return in a warmer month for a full day.

There's something for everyone. Hiking, breathtaking views, the ocean... birds, seals, and nature as far as the eye can see.
We were there in October with trees with amazing colors. You must definitely get away from the crowd and go to the east (Schoodic Peninsula) and especially west the island at the top

We especially loved exploring the carriage roads and trying to find all the stone bridges. Schoodic Peninsula was one of our favorite parts too. Our favorite areas were away from the crowds and a little more remote. Be sure and check out Ravens crest point on Schoodic Peninsula. So beautiful!

Too. Many. People. It was bumper to bumper cars making the 15 mile drive JUST to get to the park. Then
there isn’t enough parking at the major attractions. People are walking and crawling over rocks everywhere like ants - ruining the landscape and the peace you should feel when viewing nature. Both of the rangers I interacted with were curt and humorless. The town of Ellsworth is cute, however, with only 2 lane roads in and out, the back ups were horrendous. Enjoyed the scenery in rural Maine more WITHOUT all the traffic and crowds! And did I mention you can’t find a parking place in Bar Harbor either, so unless you book an expensive room in downtown and walk everywhere, it’s impossible too. Never coming back.

I never get tired of Acadia National Park. I'm not a hiker or outdoorsy person, but the view from Cadillac Mountain is spectacular. I also love Jordan Pond and Thunder Hole.

Beautiful National Park! Loved the trails, all the deer, carriage roads, sunset over Acadia was amazing! Loved the tide pools, taking a horse carriage in the park.

So much to see and experience. Lots of beautiful trails, some easy, some more difficult. Be sure to see Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, and enjoy popovers at Jordan Pond. Also sunrise or sunset on Cadillac Mtn is a must, just be sure to make a reservation.

Lots to see and enjoy. Take the Park Loop and stop at sights. There’s lots of trails if you want to hike. We also went to Southwest Harbor and other parts of the park there. We had very cloudy weather so view from Cadillac was not possible. Nothing but mist, clouds and lots of wind. Still a great area to visit.

This park had a wonderful natural beauty characteristic of the maritime coast. It was very crowded with such perfect weather. There were many hiking trails, a carriage house, and the many lakes and inlets. This is a very unique park with a mix of pine and deciduous trees. Just a perfect way to spend a day.

Take time to see this National Park! Stunning views, great hiking trails for all level of hikers. Parking can be an issue at popular sites, so plan your day for early times to get a spot.

There are very few places to park for the number of people who visit this place. The trail itself is plastic everywhere from candy and bottle thrown by hikers.

Well worth a visit. Lives up to its reputation. Good access from Bangor or Portland, which can be used to avoid the costly airfare to Bar Harbor Airport. Need advance reservation for the summit drive, which is a major attraction of visiting the park. Stunning views from the peak. Could be crowded during the peak seasons but they try to limit the access to the peak with timed entry tickets. The view points on the drive to the summit are worth stopping to get different views. Parking at the visitor center at the base is rather limited. Good signage throughout the park. A must visit site on a trip to the New England area.

A real culture shock not being from New England but apparently a must see in northern New England. Great hiking.

Loved the Ship Harbor trail - best hike by the ocean. Sand Beach hike to Thunder Hole was crowded and unpleasant, right next to cars prowling for parking. Enjoyed Jordan’s Pond for lunch but long wait times and parking was a blood sport. Note there are mysterious rules about the afternoon tea service so I can only say it remains a mystery to me who can get it where and when. Jordan’s Lond did have the best gift shop. Cadillac Mtn a total bust bc of fog. Don’t bother with that Bass Harbor Lighthouse if there’s a line to park. Dumpy and nothing of note. There are dozens of better ones in Maine, I am sure. Try and see Schoodic Point - very much enjoyed and no crowds. The entrance info center to the park overall is not worth the 52 stairs to get there. The NPS should handle this park like Muir Woods. Online reservations for everything and parking. Or ban cars entirely.

Amazingly beautiful place. So many places to explore. Clean and historical. There are a lot of cute towns close by. There are multiple beaches. Longer hikes. Short walking loops. Lots if historical places to check out. Parking can be difficult during peak season so they offer a shuttle service that brings you into and around the park

We spent almost 3 days in the park and absolutely enjoyed every moment. We were there in June, so weather was relatively mild. Acadia is a beautiful park with a wide variety of things to do. We spent one day riding bikes on the Carriage Roads and another day and a half hiking the Jordan pond and other areas. There are so many beautiful views. I would definitely recommend spending several days there. I will be back for sure.

We visited in Fall. The trees changing colors were awesome. The smell of pines in the air, a hint of salt air off the ocean. The sound of surf. It filled all the senses. And it was not crowded! Wonderful!!!!

This is a beautiful place let down by the arrogant and rude staff at the gates. Having driven to the gate, stopped at the appropriate place and started to move forward in the belief that my pass had been checked, I was rudely confronted by the gate attendant who claimed I had not stopped simply because she was daydreaming and looking away. A colleague then intervened, was not interested in what had happened but falsely claimed I had been rude to the attendant even though he had not seen what happened. I was eventually allowed through but disgusted by the complete and utter arrogance of the staff against an older visitor who was doing everything he could to conform to their rules.

Me and my two kids (ages 9 and 11) we have never been before and didn't know what to expect. I intended to spend 3 or 4 hours there and then head to bar harbor. This place is big, and 4 hours was cutting it tight. We didn't do any biking or hiking but did drive the car to our desired destinations. We pulled over to the allotted spots got out and took pictures of the sights and then when to a beach and planned to go in, but there were jellyfish floating around in the shallow waters and my kids were afraid of getting stung so we didn't stay as long as I'd hoped. * There are changing stalls and bathrooms at the beach.
We picked wild blueberries and munched on those as we took in the sights, they were growing all over the ground area.
We also stopped and got pop overs, there's a place on the map in the park where they are popular. We bought them and brought them back to the parking lot to eat in the car.. the bee's were overwhelming and swarming us for the strawberry jam provided with the popover.
The scenery was beautiful, I wish we were there in the autumn when leaves were changing

We did a guided tour of Acadia and although we likely seen just a fraction of the park, it was stunning. The views from Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Jordan’s Pond, and everything in between were extraordinary. It’s easy to see why Acadia is a top attraction.

As with any National Park, your best bet is to get to the gates early. We only had one day to spend here before flying home and unfortunately the weather was terrible but we couldn’t control that. The town of Bar Harbor is very cute and fun for shopping and if you are there at low tide then take the time to walk the sand bar to the island. We did have reservations to drive up Cadillac but arrived an hour before our timed entry and they wouldn’t let us in (despite there being very few people in the park.) When we did return, we were the only ones at the lookout since the fog covered the entire area and you could only see about 20 feet out. We planned on riding e bikes, but they were cancelled because of the rain. Walk the trail from sand beach to thunder cove. It’s short and along the cliffs with great scenery. Overall, we managed to stay dry with our ponchos, but this park is best experienced in dry weather.

My husband and I rented e-bikes our first day and rode around the carriage roads. Really nice and enjoyable since there are no cars allowed. The second day we drove the scenic loop and stopped at some hikes along the way. Signage could be better, but overall nice visit!

So much to say, everything was absolutely beautiful, you have to take a bike rise on the Carriage Rides, you have to drive up Cadillac Mountain, have to take a sunrise hike, you have to eat a lobster roll, you have to shop on Main Street in Bar Harbor, you have to visit all of the Light Houses, if you do not do all of these things and more, you will be missing great opportunities!!!!! GREAT MEMORIES

We took the bus from village green to get to the Wild Gardens, turned out to be a very nicely curated series of native plants grouped by habitat - marsh, roadside, meadow, etc. Walked on the boardwalk for awhile, but too much like trails in Florida so we didn't complete it. Woman at th front desk was very nice.

Natural beauty abounds! This national park is so accessible. Anyone of any fitness level can enjoy the park. Drive the loop and stop at all the sites. Bring a little easy picnic and find a quiet spot with an amazing view - it isn't hard to do! We followed the trail/boardwalk to the nature center, going past it we found a lovely pond and we were the only folks around. We saw deer. It was so peaceful.

We had ourselves a beautiful visit to Arcadia. Thunder hole was not thundering as the seas were very calm the day we went. To catch thunder hole at its best, typically 2 hours before or after high tide.

As someone who is a fan of national parks it hurts not to be able to rate 5-5, but it is hard to separate the Acadia experience from the city of Bar Harbor (and others). Both are interesting, both are crowded. Signed up for the drive up Cadillac Mountain and that would be recommended, especially is you take at least one of the hikes up there to see over the surrounding area. Much was made of going up the mountain at night to see the sky but it was blocked off each of the nights we tried. If that is a wish be sure to check with the rangers to see what the deal is. The loop drive is interesting but crowded so plan your stops for off peak times (not 10-3). Some interesting walks along the shore, including on the rocks (mind children). Possibly we missed what we were looking for in the more distant, scattered parts of the park that are harder to reach and require more time, and definitely more planning, than we allocated. Mea culpa.

The park has some beautiful features, but you must drive great distances between them and there is very little parking. The loop road is long and while you think it is nice the first time, when you need to get back to something, pack a lunch!
The Jordan Pond is pretty, but again parking makes it a headache to visit. We saw people have to give up their restaurant reservations when they couldn't find a spot to park.

The park was gorgeous & Lori G., our bus driver, saved us on the way back from getting lost in and around Precipice trail (amazing hike - would recommend). She brought us back to our car & was an absolute gem.

10/10 recommend hopping on the free buses around the park and exploring on your hikes.

Beautiful part of Maine but very busy. Mid coast of Maine offers lots with less crowds.
Can stay in northeast harbor or southwest harbor with less crowds
Canoeing at Acadia par was great

Excellent experience you cannot miss to do . The hiking was wonderful and the view was breathtaking . I will come here again with friends next time for them to experience this place .

It’s a spread out park made of donated areas to the park.. overtime. So its spread out & can be a confusing at 1st. Go to 1 of 2 visitor centers get info from them for what your needs are.
We have a large truck, we took advantage of the free bus system. 1st did a free trip around the whole park, ⚠️ gotta plan it out, hopping busses can be required & watch out for last trip times. they end round 4-5pm. After, we went to favorite spots & trails for the rest of our time there. We were lucky and scored a camp site nearby. Gotta plan that a head too! It’ll be worth all the planning… you’ll benefit best by having a few days to a week if possible. ❤️

Although Acadia is pretty, I would never go back it was a 5 hour dive, I found the people in the area were unfriendly almost rude. This was my first vacation in long time ,I was disappointed.
The restaurants were ok and we did a lot of driving to get to them, too many tourists, food was nothing special and expensive a lobster roll was $42-$50.
The hiking was great but, I live where there are great hiking trails, beautiful mountains, great restaurants and plenty of beaches. so for a family of 5 for 3 days cost us about 5K. Good thing we packed coolers with food.

We have been to Glacier and Yellowstone National Park and Acadia ranks right up there with them! Acadia brings such a unique landscape that is beautiful in its own right. We only had one day to see the park but were able to see a lot of it. It was raining so we had less crowds than normal for this time of year. We were disappointed to not get an opportunity to see Cadillac Mountain at sunrise, however, we were grateful to be able to go the top anyway. Acadia is definitely a must see if you are planning a trip to a national park!

This national park is beautiful!! Highly recommend for any ages!! During fall the trees were changing. Views were lovely

There's a fee for the Park and a fee for Cadillac Mt. Always take an extra jacket/coat up the Mt. It can be very cold & windier up there. So be prepared. Take snacks, lunch, water, chairs with you. Fyi, the bathrooms were not open when we were there. The view, beautiful. If you can, travel to Acadia Park two days. Pull over on side of road and climb on the red rocks. Sit, take in the view.

We enjoy hiking and scenic areas and have spent the last few years hiking in the western national parks, such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Moab. We decided to visit Acadia as well as White mountain in New Hampshire, and the Berkshire’s in Massachusetts.
We found the Acadia trails to be both beautiful and challenging, we are well into our 70s. The trail around Lake Jordan was beautiful and relatively straightforward and well worth the effort. Having lunch at the restaurant at the lake was also fun. We tackled Beehive which proved to be rather strenuous, but beautiful. Hiking poles are not necessary, and they can even get in the way because of all the scrambling across rocks and boulders. Kneepads would actually have been useful for that climb. Certainly an exciting trail to transverse. We then tackled the Precipice which is not a trail for the faint of heart. In our mind, the hike was more of a rock, climbing adventure, then a hiking adventure. This hike requires quite a bit of upper body strength, but we were able to pull it off by taking our time. This is a trail that one should give some thought to before attempting it. We decided to take the more gradual hike down the trail. Absolutely gorgeous views, but quite strenuous.

Acadia National Park is full of Rivers, lakes, and streams, with luscious trees of all kinds of vegetation. Cadillac Mountain is also a fan favorite. Jordan house is a must see and do as well.

Based purely on topography. Acadia is a jewel to be mentioned alongside the country's most beautiful national parks. But like so many such treasures, it is horribly overrun. Traffic, parking challenges, and thundering hordes of souls often destroy the otherwise natural experience.

It is definitely worth seeking out the lesser traveled parts of the park for the best experience, and fortunately they still exist.

Adventuresome. Do yourself a favor and hike the Jordon Creek Trail to the Cobblestone Bridge built in 1917. It’s splendid. Also, scramble over the boulders at Monument Cove. Invigorating!

Amazing views! We went to our favorite places in the park to enjoy the rocky coastline - Otter Point, Otter Cliffs, and Schoodic Point. On Schoodic Peninsula, we took the Sundew Trail, which was rated easy. We're actve seniors and felt it wasn't real easy, more easy/moderate. There were muddy areas and lots of tree roots on the trail. The views at the three spurs were beautiful. On the Quiet Side we did the Valley Trail / Canadian Cliff Loop (Beech Mountain Parking, Valley Trail (5) to Canadian Cliffs Trail (9) to Beech Cliff Loop Trail (12) back to parking area). Each of the trails, individually are rated moderate, though this combination of the trails making a 1.3 mile loop was rated easy. The first section on Valley Trail was easy enough. The rocks, tree roots and change in elevation on the Canadian Cliffs Trail portion was in no way easy. We never made it to the Beech Cliff section. We retraced our way back to the parking area. We also did the Jessup Path which was easy, through hemlock and birch trees - pretty with fall colors. All in all, enjoyed our time in Acadia.

bill was incredible. helps touring with someone who grew up here!! and still has roots here!! all good stuff

thank you,
bill and karen obrien

Our 1st day we drove part of the Park Loop then drove to Cadillac mountain summit. It was a clear day & the views from the top were amazing. We stopped at Jordan Pond House afterward & got food at the grab & go. I tried the blueberry lemonade - very good. Drove to Northeast Harbor area & stopped at Asticou Azalea Garden. Lovely, peaceful garden with meandering paths & beautiful, mature plants, water features, sand garden, etc. Next day we did the 2 hr. Rockefeller Bridges carriage ride with Acadia by Carriage. Very pretty & interesting. We were able to stop & get out at the Cobblestone bridge but all others were seen from the moving carriage. Had lunch at Jordan Pond House with a popover for dessert. Took the trip on Margaret Todd Schooner with Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines. A good trip but we had light rain & some fog so we didn’t have great views. Next day drove to Southeast Harbor area for sightseeing but it was low tide & foggy so water views were not good. Stopped by Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Saw a pretty little museum & bridge in the area. Back to Bar Harbor & had lunch on the terrace at Bar Harbor Inn & Spa. Last day the weather cleared so we took a scenic nature boat tour with Acadian Boat Tours. Very good tour - went out to Egg Rock Island, saw lots of seals there & a bald eagle.

One of my favorite national parks. Great hiking trails with clean facilities at each trail head. The shuttle system is excellent - there are so many trails and the shuttles allow you to start at one end and end somewhere else and easily make it back to your car. Bar Harbor is a lovely, welcoming seaside town.

We enjoyed hiking the Ocean path, Jordan Pond and the North trail up and back Cadillac Mountain. It was beautiful! Het your weekly pass online and print it, park your car at the visitor center and take the shuttle to and from as some hikes have little parking. Be prepared for cooler air up higher and bring sunscreen, snacks, water and enjoy wearing your hiking shoes!

First time to Bar Harbor for a 3 day visit to Acadia. It is a beautiful park. Easily drivable, multiple hikes (and climbs) of all levels. We obtained passes inside the visitor center and the rangers were helpful in routing our paths through the most visited areas of the Park Loop Road, the scenic carriage roads (great for bikes) and their bridges, a waterfall and then lakes that were more secluded. We were fortunate in that mid-September and arriving early, we did not experience parking issues as most people make brief stops and move on. We did not use the park shuttle but it was clearly marked with frequent stops. In 3 days we had ample time to visit and hike in all three sections of the park including the Southwest Harbor.

Acadia has an amazing coastal landscape, mix of forests, cliffs, beaches, and very suggestive rock formations. It is worth it in summer or early autumn.
The Ocean Path Trail is easy and very scenic.

This was our second visit to Acadia and it’s simply amazing. The rugged coastline is so beautiful. The weather was ideal. We were unaware we needed a timed reservation to access Cadillac Mountain but luckily we were able to get reservations rather quickly. Check the tide schedule to see Thunder Hole in full effect. Go early in day to avoid crowds. It’s a must see national park.

My first visit to Acadia was a great success! Unfortunately July is the busiest time, so I tried to hit trails early to beat the major crowds. I had a car, which I was grateful for, but there are buses and shuttles for those who did not come with one. I did Cadillac Mountain several times, drove Loop Road, Ocean Path, and the Beehive Trail. Trails are well marked and well-maintained. I enjoyed driving around and exploring different areas of the park. I will definitely be back!

The Acadia National Park is stunningly beautiful, with great hiking trails. Dont forget to visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. I know there are more lighthouses to visit, but we ran out of time. We left Maine just as the trees were starting to turn into their fall colors. Next time, we'll plan for more time and go a month later. Don't forget to take plenty of water for yourself.

This is the 3rd time i have been there the first time in the summer vacations time .the Park was pack full thank you for the bus service to get around .

A beautiful park with plenty of hiking options if you are into that! We were just interested in doing the loop to see the highlights. We were able to do that but the huge crowds added an extra stressor that was disappointing, with people parked everywhere and it sometimes being hard to figure out where you need to get out of your car to walk to what you wanted to see. Definitely get your timed ticket for Cadillac mountain. That system works great and spreads the people out so you have plenty of room to take in the tremendous view! If you have kids (or maybe just for you!), I recommend getting the national park passport in a gift shop. Finding the places to stamp the book added extra excitement for our 22 year old and I think enhanced his experience.

The park is beautiful. July is not a good month to go, as the crowds well exceed the parking areas along the loop around the park. But very scenic if you can find a place to park.

We visited while in Bar Harbor. We went to the Cadillac Mountain Summit and hiked some trails. Cadillac Summit was a highlight. What a view. Clouds were not cooperating but cleared enough for some great pictures of the area including Bar Harbor. Very nice park and we recommend.

This beautiful national park is worth the drive from Boston. We went in early May when there is little traffic and few tourists. We took the loop drive and stopped at some sites along the way. At a time when the trees are just budding out, you can see through the trees and get even more views of the water. The Ranger at the station was friendly and helpful. Cadillac Mountain did not require a permit at this time of year and the drive was breathtaking. It was chilly but worth it at this time of year to avoid the crowds.

Acadia national park is a small park along the coast of Maine, but it has a lot of interesting features. You can drive to the top of a small mountain with your car. You can ride a bike through forests and lakes, you can visit small historic villages and you can go out to visit the islands in a mail boat

I mean, it's not like God needs my approval, but I'll write the review anyway. Acadia is a fabulous and beautiful gem of a national park. You can hike through the woods, walk along the beach, climb some mountains - all within a few feet of each other. Cadillac mountain is a must- spectacular views from the top. There is way more to do than we had time for, but whether you are coming for a day or for a week, you will find plenty to explore.

Beautiful! The fall colors were brilliant. Crowds were not bad at most places but we missed seeing Bubble Rock because of no parking available - Went back 4 times and still no parking. But didn't have that problem anywhere else - even on Cadillace Mountain. We had a pass up the mountain for 2:00 but they let us go up at 1:15 already which we appreciated. We did not do hardly any hiking due to health issues, but heard from friends that the hikes were beautiful. We did the Loop road one day and then did the other side of the park another afternoon. Most things we wanted to see were on the Loop Road.

I know it's late in the season but temps are in the 50s and leaf turning is at its optimum. Lots of guests are in the area. Despite this Campgrounds were closed today for the season. Recreation.gov gives no warning or explanation. Called the campground ph# and told "Matt" that the website says nothing about seasonsl closure and he said "Your the second person who's told me that." Duh. Thanks NPS.

We drove to Cadillac Mountain (make sure to reserve your spot online), rode the Carriage Trails on our ebikes, played on Sandy Beach, and drove the Loop while we were at Acadia National Park. It was just so beautiful an so serene! Make sure to take the time to do it ALL, while you are there.

long trip for a nothing park This is a park but not a National Park Not much to see here. Spend your time and money at Yellowstone Yosemite or Zion

We did the Park loop and was amazed by the stunning beauty of various points in between. Luckly, we did hit much traffic and was able to wrap up in couple of hours. The cadillac point, which requires separate parking reservation was another beautiful site.

Hard to sum up this fabulous National Park in a few sentences. Stunning views, wonderful hikes, beautiful vistas, and fantastic camping.

Make no mistake, it's busy...but don't let that fact prevent you from visiting

there are different parts of the park, besides the most popular scenic drive, the park loop road, the scenic drive in the Schoodic peninsula is also worth to drive through, we also did camping there, attend ranger-program at night to see stars, we also went to the summit of Cadilac mountain to see the sunset.

Highly recommend purchasing the $12 Audio Guide and driving through the different parts and noting your favorite spots and then going back and actually stopping. We loved stopping at Sand Beach and getting out and exploring. We climbed the rocks along the side near sand beach and it was perfect. The National Park pass is required (either day or yearly) and it was $30 for the day. Highly recommended. So beautiful. You can also purchase a ticket to go up the mountain (we did not). But overall go!

The ocean views were beautiful on sand beach park loop road. The rest of the park was extremely RV unfriendly. We were traveling in a 30 ft class C RV and I took pictures out my window as my husband drove enjoying none of it. Small turn off areas, crazy crowds, absolutely nowhere for us to pull off and enjoy. We traveled a long way with two large dogs along on our trip so the shuttle was out of the question. I was so looking forward to this part of our trip and left very disappointed. Go to the Adirondack’s NY instead . Don’t bother not worth the headaches.

This park is a beautiful gem. Beautiful setting with a nice variety of trails for hiking. There is even a long carriage trail that is great for bikes. The park rangers were very helpful. The only 'bad' item is parking. Good news/bad news is that this Park, like other more popular National Parks, is happy to collect the fees, but has done nothing to alleviate the very limited parking. Every lot was completely full before 10 AM and did not let up until almost sunset. We spend a lot of time circling (and praying) to get a spot. We have been to 3 other 'popular' National Parks this year and this is a consistent problem that needs to be addressed. Dear US Government, National Parks Service...PLEASE do something about adding adequate vehicle parking at the parks.

If this place is a highlight of things to see in Maine then it just goes to show what little there is to see in Maine in general.

Absolutely beautiful. Scenic 27 miles drive on one side of the overall park, multiple trails and beautiful vistas. Make sure to make a reservation to drive up Cadillac mountain during the summertime. Simply beautiful site with multiple options. Shuttle buses can drop you off places, if you don't want to fight parking slots. Bar Harbour closeby for multiple shops and boutiques.

Lots to see and do here especially if you are not afraid of heights. You need reservations to go to Cadillac Mountain. Parking limited in lots of places.

Free bus takes you on various tours around the park (1hr to 1.5 hr rides), with hop on/hop off if you wish to hike. Large free parking lot at visitor center. Beautiful scenery and views of the ocean from sea level as well cliff high.

We anchored in Bar Harbor and spent a full day in the park. We started with a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain. We then did the loop road with multiple stops. The weather was beautiful with daytime 50-70. We did one hike of 3+ miles around Jordan pond. This is level, but lots of roots, rocks, and boulders in a couple places. Long stretch on two 2X12 planks. Go early to avoid crowds. Not bad yet in June, but predicted to get busy. The park staff and rangers were amazing. Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Stop for an outdoor lunch in a beautiful outdoor spot on Jordan Pond. The popovers were good, but the menu was delicious with fresh salads, burgers, etc.

Visited the National Park a few months ago. Went up the Mountain as well which we just loved the views. Cannot wait to go back!

I've dreamt about going to Acadia for many, many years and it was everything I was dreaming about and more. So beautiful. We did the Beehive Trail, Jordan Pond Trail, Ocean Path, the scenic drive, Cadillac Mountain, and so much more. Get there early, be patient, and just know there's not a lot of parking as the day goes on. Have a plan mapped out for where you are going. The one issue I ran into were gift shops, I found a really good one over at by Jordan Pond.

You really don’t need to buy any tours. Just get a car pass, make sure you have good hiking boots (this is SERIOUS hiking), and a map … you are good to go. I’d recommend driving the park loop at least once if not twice to get your bearings before deciding on a specific hike. I’d also clump one location per day for hiking purposes (like Jordan pond with Bubble rock, and then the Sand Beach / ocean side trails a different day). Cadillac mountain will require a separate ticket. Beehive is not for the faint of heart… looked pretty crazy scary to me.

We spent four days here as this was my 19th national park and I can see why this place gets such large crowds. The visitor center is a little on the small side, but there are a decent number of rangers that can assist. Some general comments:

The standard maps you can get for free does not cover the trails, which isn’t good, and they push a $5 map instead, so we got that. Like most national parks, cell service (we had Verizon) was spotty at best, so don’t assume you can use your phone to get around. We did a few hikes, and I can say of all the parks we’ve been too, this is among the worst in terms of signage for trails. Most of the signs they had were very faded and hard to read. For all the money coming in, they can afford to update them! The carriage roads they have are pretty cool and definitely worth checking out and are good for any age group. We didn’t do a horse ride on them but if we come back, we would probably do it.

Cadillac Mountain is the only place you need a timed reservation, and we went there for a sunset and it’s the tallest mountain on the East Coast. There are two main areas to park, and the ranger recommended the first lot, so we did that. The lot had no services, and not even a bathroom. It was still an amazing experience and would highly recommend. Before leaving, we checked out the other lot and that had a store and bathrooms, as well as various views.

If you want to go to Sand Beach, get there early as the parking lots fill in quickly and there were over 100 cars parked on the street (at least). Thunder Hole is another cool place to visit, and we unfortunately were not there during high tide as I’m sure that would be amazing to watch.

Jordan Pond is another big attraction and parking again can be challenging. The Pond is beautiful and as we found out the hard way, takes almost two hours to get around. While most of the trail is easy, there is a potion that’s pretty rocky so I can see that being difficult for some to complete. If you want to eat at the restaurant, you can reserve via OpenTable so definitely do that.

Outside of the Jordan Pond, there isn’t any other food services, so we hit the supermarket in Bar Harbor and got some food and would have a picnic as they have some nice areas (we went to the Fabbri picnic area)

While most people will stick to the main road, don’t forget to check out the other areas such as Bass Harbor as those are completely separate and are part of smaller towns so it’s quaint.

Overall, bring your patience as we were there in early June, and it got pretty crowded. They offer shuttle services, but for whatever reason it doesn’t start until late June and doesn’t make sense to me (I did see some busses, but it said they were training). They should consider doing timed entrances to the park itself, but it would be hard to implement is only one fee station and it’s on the separate road to the beach and Thunder Hole, so in theory if you don’t want to go there, you can skip that completely and not pay at all. I don’t advocate that, but I’m assuming some people don’t pay and get away with it and in the four days, we saw zero rangers (outside of the visitor center & fee station), so if anything, there should be people patrolling the lots to make sure people have paid.

Accidentally pleasantly surprised! I was originally planning on a solo road trip to Quebec City while staying in Boston for a week. Unfortunately, I forgot my passport and Acadia was my plan B. And, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the place! It was a foggy morning and there's a forecast of rain. I was able to drive up to Cadillac Mountain but unfortunately, the rain started pouring. It was still a worth it road trip and would definitely come back.

Check out the photos and see for yourself.

Beautiful National Park worth the visit. Lots of hiking trails, shops and beautiful scenery. Options to drive, hike or even take a carriage ride.

Acadia is truly Gorgeous. I went in August 2020 and there is so much to do! So much to see! I recommend staying in Bar Harbor. Make sure to see Sand Beach, drive up to Cadillac Mountains, and go to Jordan Pond. I highly recommend this park!

This park is absolutely beautiful with ocean views and wooded areas surrounding clear blue lakes and waterways. There are hiking trails for all levels and varying in length. When we got our tag (we have the annual pass) the woman who helped us was not terribly helpful or openly sharing information and we had to go back and ask for a park map which we have been given with our window tag when visiting other parks - without having to ask. She acted as though we were inconveniencing her by asking.

We visited the end of July and it was fairly busy so parking was tough at some of the pull outs and for some of the sights, overlooks and trailheads. If you follow the map you can plan ahead and know when you should start searching for a place to pull over (where allowed) or park. Sand Beach was one of those especially busy places, as was the Jordan Pond stop, But those were also favorite areas to explore. Walking around Jordan Pond (about 3.2 miles) took us about 75 minutes easily, and we stopped for photos and to enjoy the sites. There are some rocky areas on one side of the pond which made the traveling a little slower for some people but nothing too strenuous or difficult if you took your time. The ocean view from Otter Cliff area is beautiful and you can look back and see Sandy Beach too. There were plenty of people in the water at Sandy Beach enjoying the waves and despite the 50 degree temperatures, your body quickly adjusts and it really doesn’t feel that bad. The Park Loop is one way part of the drive and if you drive it all the way around you easily can catch the highlights at Acadia. It took us about 4 hours with quite a few stops and hikes.

Five days exploring the park and doing casual hikes was just enough time, but may not be enough for avid hikers. The park is beautiful, easy to access and explore. Trails and points of interest are all well marked and the park as a whole was very well maintained.