Questions re Acadia national park

Question

Hi we are two older couples traveling to Acadia from 9th Oct for two nights.

1) I try to buy the Annual America the beautiful pass online but it is only available to US citizen. Can I get it from our down town Bar Harbor hotel on arrival?

2) I think Cadillac Mountain Summit is not covered by Island Explorer. How late can I make a reservation as we have not decided whether to go for sunrise or sunset.

3) can you recommend three east to moderate hike with beautiful ocean view that is less than 2 hours?

4) we love kayaking, don’t see a lot of kayak rental places in the area, is the sea too rough here?

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned to Acadia! Here are the answers to your questions:

1) Purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass

The America the Beautiful annual pass is typically available for purchase by U.S. citizens online, but as international visitors, you can still buy it once you arrive in Bar Harbor. The Acadia National Park Visitor Center is a great place to purchase the pass, and they are located just a short drive from downtown Bar Harbor. Additionally, most of the park entrance stations sell this pass, so you can pick it up when you arrive at the park. You might also want to check with your hotel; some may offer it as an option for guests. The pass costs $80 and provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S.

2) Cadillac Mountain Summit Reservations

You're correct that the Cadillac Mountain Summit is not serviced by the Island Explorer shuttle bus. If you're planning to drive up to the summit for sunrise or sunset, you need a reservation to access the Cadillac Mountain road during the peak season (from May to October). Since you're visiting in October, the need for reservations is likely to be more relaxed, but it's always best to check current requirements. The National Park Service recommends making reservations in advance, especially for sunrise or sunset, as these times are popular and limited. You can typically reserve spots for Cadillac Mountain via the Recreation.gov website, but it's good to check the availability for your specific dates. For last-minute changes, it's also worth calling the park directly or visiting the visitor center for availability, as they sometimes have openings depending on the time of day.

3) Easy to Moderate Hikes with Ocean Views

Acadia National Park offers some stunning coastal hikes that are easy to moderate and provide fantastic views. Here are three options that are under 2 hours long:

Ocean Path – This is an easy, 2-mile, one-way trail that follows the coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Point. It's perfect for beautiful ocean views, rocky shorelines, and tide pools. The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk.
Jordan Pond Path – This easy, 3.5-mile loop around Jordan Pond offers gentle terrain and breathtaking views of the pond and the surrounding mountains. While a little longer than 2 hours, the hike is moderate and well worth the effort for the serene views of the water and mountains.
Schoodic Point Loop – Located on the Schoodic Peninsula (a bit of a drive from Bar Harbor but less crowded), this 1.6-mile loop offers fantastic coastal views and is considered an easy hike with minimal elevation gain. It's a perfect place for a quiet, scenic stroll along the ocean.

4) Kayaking in Acadia

Acadia is a fantastic place for kayaking, and although it is known for its rugged coastline, the waters are usually calm enough for kayaking, especially in the protected bays. The best times for kayaking are typically early in the morning or late afternoon when the winds are calmer. You can find several kayak rental places in the Bar Harbor area, such as Acadia Kayak Tours and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, which offer guided kayaking tours or rentals for self-guided paddling. Some of the best kayaking areas for calm waters are around Jordan Pond, Somes Sound, and the quieter coves of Frenchman Bay.

While the sea around Acadia can get rough in windy conditions, there are many sheltered areas for kayaking where you’ll feel safe. If you're new to kayaking or are concerned about the conditions, guided tours are a great option as the guides are very knowledgeable about the best times and locations for paddling.

Enjoy your trip to Acadia! It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, and there’s no shortage of stunning views, fantastic hikes, and outdoor activities to enjoy.

Questions re Acadia national park

More Acadia National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions