Acadia is on Mount Desert Island in Maine, about 40 miles south of Bangor

Acadia National Park sits on the coast of Maine near the town of Bar Harbor. The park covers roughly 49,000 acres across Mount Desert Island and several smaller islands. Most visitors come for the rocky coastline, mountain trails, and carriage roads — a network of gravel paths built in the early 1900s that you can walk, bike, or ride horses on.

The park is open year-round, though the busiest season runs from June through September. Winter brings fewer visitors but also shorter daylight hours and occasional road closures due to snow. Spring and fall offer moderate crowds and mild weather, making those seasons popular with people who want to avoid summer traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • Acadia charges a per-vehicle entrance fee of $30 (valid for seven days) or $55 for an annual pass, with discounts for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • The park has over 120 miles of hiking trails ranging from straightforward walks to steep climbs, plus 45 miles of carriage roads open to walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
  • Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast at 1,530 feet and offers a road to the summit, though the road sometimes closes in winter.
  • The park has no lodging inside its boundaries, so visitors stay in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, or other nearby towns.
  • Reservations for the park's two campgrounds (Seawall and Blackwoods) fill quickly in summer and can be made up to five months in advance through Recreation.gov.

How to enter and what it costs

You pay an entrance fee at the park gates or at the visitor center near the park entrance on Route 3. A seven-day vehicle pass costs $30 per car; motorcycles are $25; and bicycles or pedestrians are $15. An annual Acadia pass is $55 and covers unlimited visits for one year from the month of purchase.

If you hold a U.S. military ID, a National Parks Pass, or an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, you enter free. People 62 and older can buy a lifetime Senior Pass for $80 (or an annual Senior Pass for $20). People with permanent disabilities can obtain a free Interagency Annual Pass by showing documentation at the visitor center.

The entrance fee does not cover parking at specific trailheads or at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, where there is a separate $5 per-vehicle fee to drive to the top. Parking at the main visitor center and at most trailheads is free.

Trails, carriage roads, and how to move around the park

Acadia has over 120 miles of hiking trails. Popular short walks include Jordan Pond Path (3.3 miles, mostly flat) and Beehive Trail (1.6 miles, steep with iron rungs). Longer hikes include Penobscot Mountain (2.4 miles) and Sargent Mountain (5.5 miles). The park website lists each trail with distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level.

The carriage roads are a separate system: 45 miles of gravel paths built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 1900s. These roads are open to walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders but not to cars. They are gentler than hiking trails and popular with families and people who want to move through the park without steep climbs. A carriage road map is available at the visitor center and online.

Cadillac Mountain Road is a 3.3-mile paved road to the 1,530-foot summit. The drive takes about 15 minutes, and the road sometimes closes in winter or during storms. Many people drive to the top to watch the sunrise, since Cadillac is the highest point on the U.S. East Coast and among the first places to see the sun each day.

The park operates a free shuttle bus system (Island Explorer) from late June through September. Buses connect Bar Harbor, the visitor center, and major trailheads, reducing the need to drive and park at popular spots. The shuttle runs on a schedule; you can board at any marked stop.

Where to stay and how to reserve a campsite

Acadia has no hotels or lodges inside the park. Visitors stay in nearby towns: Bar Harbor (the largest, closest to the park), Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, or Seal Harbor. These towns have hotels, inns, vacation rentals, and restaurants ranging from budget to upscale.

The park operates two campgrounds: Blackwoods (on the east side of Mount Desert Island, 5 miles south of Bar Harbor) and Seawall (on the west side, near Southwest Harbor). Blackwoods is open year-round; Seawall is open late May through September. Both fill quickly in summer.

Reservations for both campgrounds are made through Recreation.gov up to five months in advance. Blackwoods sites cost $30 to $35 per night; Seawall sites cost $20 to $30 per night. Prices vary by site type and season. If the park campgrounds are full, private campgrounds operate nearby.

What to bring and when to visit

Bring sturdy hiking boots if you plan to walk trails; many paths are rocky and uneven. Bring water, snacks, and a map or read the park's trail app. Weather on the coast changes quickly, so bring a light rain jacket even on clear days. In summer, bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

June through September is peak season: warm weather, all facilities open, but crowded parking and full campgrounds. May and October offer fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and fall foliage in October. November through April is quiet but has shorter daylight, occasional snow, and some facilities closed. Winter visitors should check the park website for road and facility closures before arriving.

The park is busiest on weekends and holidays. Weekday visits in shoulder seasons (May, September, October) tend to have shorter parking waits and easier trail access.

Getting there and parking

Acadia is in Hancock County, Maine, about 40 miles south of Bangor. The nearest major airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR), about 50 miles away. Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is smaller and closer but has fewer flights. Most visitors drive or rent a car.

From Boston, the drive is roughly 5 to 6 hours northeast on I-95 and Route 3. From New York City, it is about 8 to 9 hours. Once in the park area, you navigate by car to trailheads and the visitor center. Parking at popular trailheads fills by mid-morning in summer, so arriving early or using the Island Explorer shuttle helps.

Visitor center and park information

The Acadia National Park Visitor Center is on Route 3 near the park entrance, about 3 miles south of Bar Harbor. It is open year-round (hours vary by season) and has maps, trail information, ranger talks, and restrooms. Staff can answer questions about trail conditions, weather, and current closures.

The official park website (nps.gov/acad) lists current conditions, campground availability, shuttle schedules, and downloadable maps. You can also call the park at 207-288-3338 for recorded information or to speak with a ranger during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog to Acadia?

Dogs are allowed on most carriage roads and some trails, but not on others. The park website lists which trails permit dogs. Dogs must be leashed at all times and cannot go on Cadillac Mountain Road or into buildings.

Is there cell service in the park?

Cell service is spotty and depends on your provider. Verizon and AT&T have better coverage than smaller carriers, but service can drop in valleys and on remote trails. Do not rely on your phone for navigation; bring a paper map or read maps before you enter areas with no signal.

What is the best time to see fall foliage?

Peak foliage typically occurs in mid-to-late October, though timing varies by year depending on weather. September can also show color. October is busier than September but less crowded than summer. Check the park website in late September for current foliage reports.

Can I drive the entire park loop in one day?

The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile scenic drive that takes 2 to 3 hours without stops. Adding time for short walks, viewpoints, and lunch makes a full day. Many visitors spend multiple days to hike longer trails or explore different areas of the park.

Are there ranger-led programs or tours?

Yes. The park offers free ranger talks, guided walks, and evening programs at the visitor center and campgrounds. Programs run seasonally (most in summer) and cover topics like geology, wildlife, and park history. Check the visitor center or website for the current schedule.