Acadia loop road

Question

We are coming to Bar Harbour beginning of October & would like to do the loop road. Is it an easy drive or is it advisable to do a tour like the Oli trolley tour? Is there plenty of parking at the view points along the way?

We plan to do the sunrise Cadalic Mountain by shuttle the following day. TIA

Answer

The Acadia Loop Road is one of the most popular ways to see the highlights of Mount Desert Island, and for most visitors it’s a relatively easy and enjoyable drive. It’s a 27-mile one-way loop (if you do the full loop) and offers access to many of the park’s key scenic spots, including Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, Jordan Pond, and Thunder Hole. The road is paved, well-maintained, and has a posted speed limit of 25–35 mph, which makes it very manageable even for casual drivers.

Driving on your own vs. a tour

Driving yourself: This gives you flexibility to stop as long as you like at scenic viewpoints, hike side trails, or detour to carriage roads. Most viewpoints have small parking areas, though they can fill quickly in October during fall foliage season, especially on weekends. Early morning or later in the afternoon is best for avoiding the crowds and finding parking more easily.
Oli Trolley or other tours: Guided tours are convenient if you prefer not to navigate, want historical or natural commentary, or plan to avoid the stress of parking. They also allow you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving. Trolley tours can be crowded in peak season, but early October is generally a bit quieter than late September.

Parking along the Loop Road

Jordan Pond House: Moderate parking, but can fill up around lunch hours. Early arrival is best.
Sand Beach: Smaller parking area; tends to fill quickly in the morning and mid-day.
Thunder Hole: Small lot, often requires walking a short distance from nearby parking areas. Expect crowds during peak fall color days.
Cadillac Summit Trail parking: Separate from the shuttle you plan to take; small lot, typically busy at sunrise. Since you’re taking the shuttle for sunrise, you won’t need to worry about parking there.

Tips for driving the Loop Road in early October

Start early in the morning to enjoy lighter traffic and better light for photography.
Consider a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on which viewpoints you want to hit first — some visitors recommend starting at Sand Beach and working clockwise for morning light.
Allow extra time for unplanned stops — the beauty of the Loop Road is in the small scenic pull-offs and short hikes.
Bring coins or a credit card for the park entrance fee (or show your National Park Pass).

Overall, the drive is straightforward and enjoyable for most drivers, and many visitors do the Loop Road themselves without needing a guided tour. The shuttle for Cadillac Mountain sunrise is a good choice, as parking is extremely limited at that time. Doing the Loop Road either the same day or on a separate day allows you to combine scenic stops, short hikes, and photo opportunities at your own pace.