Acadia National Park
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: national park, scenic views
Acadia National Park blends granite peaks, rocky shores, and spruce-fir forests. Hike iron rung trails, drive the scenic Park Loop Road, and catch vibrantly-colored Cadillac Mountain sunrises. Don’t miss fall foliage or popovers at Jordan Pond, a cherished park tradition.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Summit Cadillac Mountain – Hike or drive to the summit of the tallest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard. It’s the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from October to early-March.
- Drive the Park Loop Road – Cruise this 27-mile scenic drive, stopping for such highlights as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs for postcard-worthy views.
- Explore Historic Carriage Roads – Walk, bike, or ride horseback along John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s 45 miles of car-free carriage roads, or opt for a scenic journey by horse-drawn carriage.
- Hike the Beehive Trail – This iconic hike uses iron rungs and ladders to scale a cliff, rewarding intrepid climbers with breathtaking views of Sand Beach and Frenchman Bay.
- Visit Jordan Pond – Stroll the shoreline trail or paddle the glassy water, then head to Jordan Pond House for a classic treat: afternoon tea and warm, fluffy popovers.
Itinerary Idea: See the best of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor without doing the driving on a narrated half-day bus tour. Book a seat to relax, enjoy the views, and soak up the stories as you visit highlights like Cadillac Mountain, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Thunder Hole.
Photo Credit: Wei Zeng/Unsplash