Park Loop Road
Travel

6 Absolutely Best Things To Do In Acadia National Park

Are you looking for a place where you can relax and be one with nature? If so, the best things to do in Acadia National Park await! With 41 miles of coastline it protects, Acadia is the only national park in the Northeast and is known as the “Jewel of the Atlantic Coast.” It’s hardly surprising that Acadia is one of the ten most visited National Parks in the nation with its gloomy and rocky beaches, iconic New England vistas, special hiking opportunities, and mountain views that cross with the ocean! Read our article for more information!

Best things to do in Acadia National park

Go hiking

Hiking is a fantastic opportunity to take in the park’s natural splendor and perhaps even spot some animals. In Acadia, hiking is a must-do activity! We really had extremely low expectations for the hiking in the park when we first arrived, but we were immediately proven wrong. The trails in Acadia are pretty wonderful; they’re challenging, enjoyable, distinctive, and truly have something to offer everyone.

Our opinion is that the Precipice and Beehive Trails, as well as the park’s renowned iron stairs, offer the greatest hiking in Acadia. These routes are not for everyone since they ingeniously ascend the cliff face’s sides utilizing iron ladders, small ledges, and some pretty insane touches. Along with the iron stairs, there are other lakeside strolls, coastal hikes, and difficult peaks to scale. The Ocean Path, Jordan Pond Path, Ship Harbor, and Wonderland pathways are all excellent choices for a leisurely stroll.

things to do in acadia national park

Paddling in Acadia

Kayaking is a terrific way to discover Acadia’s coastal regions, as you might anticipate from a national park with so many ponds. If you paddle down Somes Sound, the only fjord on the East Coast, you could see several lobster boats and underwater vehicles creating noises while they row. I had the impression that I was in Alaska while in this location! Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and Long Pond are additional local favorites for boating. On the river, you may discover peace and serenity even on the busiest park days. If you don’t have a kayak, think about renting some from a nearby shop to help out the community.

Thunder Hold

Just a few minutes away on the road that crosses Sand Beach is one of the park’s coolest natural features. The distinctive hum of waves from the Atlantic Ocean is produced by a stone entryway along the coast with a small cave below…but only at specific times of the day. To witness waves up to 40 feet high slamming into the crater, try visiting two hours before high tide during low tide. However, it was still pleasant to observe the low tide coming in and going out of the cave during low tide. It sounds more like thunder than a rumbling, but it also offers fantastic vistas of the rocky beach.

Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is not just the highest peak in the park, but also the highest point on the whole east coast, rising 1,530 feet above sea level. That isn’t the only claim to fame, though. As the first location in the nation to witness the dawn, Cadillac Mountain is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations. Every morning, throngs of people climb Cadillac Mountain in hopes of seeing the sunrise and taking in the breathtaking view. In the northwest, West Bay and Eagle Lake may be seen, while the Cranberry Islands, Bar Harbor, the Porcupine Islands, and the Schoodic Peninsula can all be seen on a clear day.

things to do in acadia national park

Additionally, you may climb Cadillac Mountain on foot! Although it’s a difficult task, it will undoubtedly be satisfying (and will spare you the parking navigation!) In degrees, the trek on the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is 7.7 miles long. taller than 1,500 ft. Along the process, you’ll be able to determine it for yourself (until you reach the top.) Those that make it to the top will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and may brag about having done so at the top of the park! Watching the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain is definitely one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park.

Park Loop Road

The most well-liked activity in Acadia is driving the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile picturesque route on Mount Desert Island that gives visitors access to all of the park’s most well-known attractions. Beginning at the Hull Cove Visitor Center, the Park Loop follows the coastline for the first half, providing breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and untamed coastal cliffs. The word “exciting fun” hasn’t really crossed my mind very much in my life, yet this is perhaps the most traditional activity in Acadia National Park!

The 27-mile Park Loop is a terrific complement to any exploration schedule since it passes through the majority of Acadia’s top sites and provides a quick way to take in the stunning scenery. sever the New England highway. Simply stop on the right side of the road if a path, a vista, or anything else catches your attention. Parking is generally rather simple, however there may be traffic jams at popular locations. The Park Circuit provides quick access to several of Acadia National Park’s top attractions!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Another accessible tourist attraction in Acadia National Park is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, which is 35 minutes from Bar Harbor, is an essential piece of Maine’s marine and coastal heritage. This well-liked destination was constructed in 1858 before Acadia has proclaimed a National Park! A short trail and a tiny set of steps lead to the lighthouse, which is perched on a granite outcrop on Mount Desert Island’s southwest shore. However, for greater view, people frequently opt to scramble over the enormous rocks below.

things to do in acadia national park

After parking, you may go a short distance to the lighthouse to take in the expansive ocean views. A walkway that descends to the rocks for views is also available to the left of the parking area. wonderful lighthouse. Even though it is shorter, this path is significantly steeper. When you reach the rocks, you must hop about to reach the desired view position.

In conclusion, come discover all the great things to do in Acadia National Park. From hiking to boating or climbing to the top of Cadillac, Acadia deserves a great family travel destination!

Read more: