Acadia National Park is a must-see if your RV travels take you to Maine. It is the only national park in the New England states and contains 47,000 acres of natural beauty. Outdoor fun abounds in this area of coastal cliffs, rocky beaches, peaceful woodlands, and mountain peaks.
There is something for everyone at the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast." The park is filled with a large variety of hiking trails as well as paved trails for biking and horseback riding. Water activities are plentiful and include kayaking, swimming, fishing, and guided boat tours. Even if you just take a drive along the Park Loop Road, you will be amazed at the spectacular scenery throughout the park's varied landscapes. Here are some tips for some of the most popular sights in Acadia National Park.
Guest Post by Robin Buck
Cadillac Mountain
One of the most well-known sights in Acadia National Park is Cadillac Mountain. This peak is 1530 feet high which makes it not only the tallest mountain in the park but also the tallest on the whole North Atlantic seaboard. The 3.5 mile drive up to the summit will reward you with stunning panoramic views over the whole area including Bar Harbor, the Cranberry Islands, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula. While you are up there, enjoy exploring the summit on the 0.3 mile Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop trail.
The most popular experience is watching a sunrise from the peak. If you go between October and March you will be among the first people in the nation to witness the dawning of a new day! You need timed tickets to drive up the mountain because of limited parking at the top. If you want to go for the sunrise, make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time at recreation.gov.
Jordan Pond and House
Jordan Pond is a small, deep mountain lake within Acadia National Park. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of both the crystal-clear lake and the surrounding mountains. There are a variety of hikes in the area with everything from the mellow Jordan Path Pond to the very challenging Jordan Cliffs Trail and several options in between.
Situated along the pond is Jordan House, which is the only restaurant in the park. This beautiful oasis has both indoor and outdoor seating for a restful break after exploring the area. The restaurant serves a full menu but is most famous for its popovers and afternoon tea. I suggest making a reservation in advance if you don't want to have to wait at this popular spot.
Carriage Roads
The carriage roads are a wonderful way to experience the awe-inspiring scenery of Acadia National Park up close. John D. Rockefeller Jr designed and funded 45 miles of stone roads to provide visitors a way to enjoy the park on foot, bike, or horse. No cars are allowed on the carriage roads so you can relish the peacefulness of nature that surrounds you.
The carriage roads form a network of paths around Mount Desert Island and also circle both Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. You can see 17 elaborate stone bridges and several picturesque carriage houses along the route. For a really fun treat, book a horse-drawn carriage ride while you are there. If you visit in the winter months, you can even cross-country ski or snowshoe on the carriage roads.
Park Loop Road
Driving the 27-mile Park Loop Road is a great way to get to the many attractions in Acadia National Park. The road is one-way for most of the loop with pull-offs and parking areas at popular sights like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff. I suggest starting at the Hulls Cove Visitors Center where you can get more information on what to see, a map of the park, and hiking trail details. You will be amazed as the scenery you pass on the drive changes from a beautiful rocky coastline, to lakes, forests, and also mountains.
The Park Loop Road can get busy, especially during the summer months. Since much of it is one way, allow plenty of time for the drive and any stops you want to make. It is easy to spend the day in the park and there aren't any places to eat other than Jordan Pond House so packing a lunch or snacks would be wise. If you are looking to park at a trailhead and do some hiking, arrive early as parking areas fill up quickly for the most popular spots.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
In addition to the attractions along the Park Loop Road, there are other places worth checking out while you are at Acadia National Park. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is located on the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island and is one of three lighthouses managed by the park. While there is no public access to the lighthouse or quarters building, you can view the exterior from a paved walkway. We walked out to the rocky shoreline to snap our own picture of this landmark which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.
Bar Harbor and Beyond
You can't get all the way to Acadia National Park and not stop in the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor. We learned that it rivaled Newport as a summer getaway for the richest Americans during the Gilded Age. Today it is the best place to do some shopping or enjoy a great seafood meal right outside of Acadia National Park.
From Bar Harbor you can also take a sightseeing cruise around the harbor, ride a ferry to the Schoodic Peninsula, or even go on a whale watching trip. We enjoyed our days in town as well as the time we spent in Acadia National Park. There are so many options that you can't go wrong with any choice in this beautiful area.
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Robin and her husband, Mike, are Air Force veterans and empty nesters who travel full-time in their Entegra Anthem motorhome. Always ready to explore, they love nature and wildlife, meeting new friends, and discovering America's many hidden gems. Robin chronicles their adventures and experiences on her travel blog RVing with Robin.
