Acadia National Park is New England’s most multifaceted—and downright splendid—natural attraction. It’s home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the Atlantic coast; granite coastal cliffs; a variety of habitats, from estuaries to bustling tide pools; scintillating scenic drives; an iconic sunrise experience; pristine islands; wind-strafed beaches; and sun-dappled forests.

There are dozens of ways to get out into nature here, and more than 4 million visitors did so in 2022, making this the fifth most visited park in the national park system.

So it’s important to figure out when to go to Acadia National Park so that you can get the most out of the experience—with the fewest fellow visitors blocking the views. You also want to look at all of the things to do in Acadia National Park, as well as consider Acadia National Park weather, Acadia National Park camping opportunities, other types of Acadia National Park lodging, and Acadia National Park tours.

Where Is Acadia National Park?

Located on the coast of Maine, about 160 miles from Portland, the majority of the park’s 47,000 acres are on Mount Desert Island. But portions of the park are also on Isle au Haut and the Schoodic Peninsula (and those latter areas tend to be far less crowded).

There’s a lot to discuss when it comes to Acadia National Park, so let’s get started!

Click to jump to:

• When to Go to Acadia National Park
• Acadia National Park Lodging
• Camping in Acadia National Park
• Things to Do in Acadia National Park
• Best Hikes in Acadia National Park

When to Go to Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park weather and crowds are the key factors in determining when to go to Acadia National Park. Let’s talk about Acadia National Park weather first.

As with the rest of Maine, weather in Acadia National Park is affected by how far north the park is. That being said, the park’s weather tends to be more temperate than that of inland Maine, though with more precipitation. That means it is often socked in with snow in deep winter, and mud in early spring.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), winter temps start around 15 degrees F and rarely go above 35 degrees F. But winter is the depths of the off-season in these parts, so if you want a serene park experience—and to enjoy sports like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling (allowed on the park’s road system), and snowshoeing—winter is the most crowd-free time to visit.

The second least crowded season, due to Acadia National Park weather, is spring, which can be quite rainy. During these months, the temperature can veer from a low of 30 F all the way up into the 70s, so be sure to pack clothing you can layer and unlayer, and bring shoes you don’t mind destroying. Spring is known as “mud season” in these parts for a reason. As in winter, some roads and trails may be closed in spring as well. 

(Acadia National Park Photos: Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse)

Acadia National Park weather is at its finest in both the summer and fall months. Yes, weather in Acadia National Park can get weird even then—there have been times when nighttime temps have dipped into the 30s F in summer and the 20s F in fall.

But for the most part, the park’s weather in summer will be temperate: 60 F to 90 F is a normal range, according to the NPS.

Acadia National Park weather in fall generally tops out at 70 degrees F, and can drop into the 40s F, but since crisper air heralds leaf-peeping season, very few autumn visitors seem to mind. Generally the leaves reach peak color in early October, but because climate change is shifting Acadia National Park weather patterns, check sources such as as Yankee magazine, which posts helpful, science-based foliage time lines on its website.

When to go to Acadia National Park within the super-popular summer and fall seasons can be tricky if you’re trying to avoid the throngs.

In autumn, weekends are far busier than weekdays because that’s when many travelers take short road trips into Acadia National Park to view the changing leaves. For summer, June will be slightly quieter than July. Additionally, crowds level off during the last two weeks of August because so many children go back to school then, trimming the number of families in the park.

Acadia National Park Lodging

There’s a wide variety of Arcadia National Park lodging options—though no options with walls are located in the park itself. That’s right: Acadia National Park has no dedicated park lodge (though there is excellent camping in Acadia National Park; see below).

Most visitors choose to stay in nearby Bar Harbor, a town with a long history of welcoming vacationers. Just as important, Bar Harbor has a lot of restaurants and food shops. That’s key because there’s only one place to buy food in the park, the restaurant at Jordan Pond—and it gets crowded. If you’re interested in Acadia Park camping or in just visiting the park for the day, it’s crucial that you bring your food in with you.

What follows are our top picks for Arcadia National Park lodging, in alphabetical order.

Acadia Hotel

One of the few Bar Harbor hotels to stay open year-round, the Acadia is within easy walking distance of most everything you’d want to see in town, and the hotel will lend you walking sticks or snowshoes to get around if you ask. Those are just two of the surprising freebies here; you can also borrow bikes, board games, and books, and there’s a hot tub. Rooms are spacious and recently renovated.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A

Balance Rock Inn

This former Gilded Age mansion has one of the best locations in Bar Harbor, overlooking lovely Frenchman Bay. Service is gracious, and both the restaurant and piano bar are fun places to hang out. There are some issues due to the age of the property, such as a few very small rooms (former servants’ quarters) and some noise between guest rooms.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A-

(Acadia National Park photos: Bar Harbor, Maine)

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel 

Friendly staff, a central location, and well-maintained, comfortable rooms—for many travelers that’s enough to recommend this large hotel with biz travel vibes. We’ve dinged it several points for not having as much character as some of its neighbors, but you may not care.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: B+

Bar Harbor Inn 

Another year-round beaut, the Bar Harbor Inn is a short walk from the center of town and set right on the water (about 75% of the rooms get stellar views). The staff is caring and professional, though prices can be a bit steep in summer and fall for what you get.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A-

Bass Cottage Inn 

Bring your stretchy pants, as this is the boutique inn for gourmands. Every morning starts with a fab, made-to-order breakfast that’s different every day. You’ll return from exploring Acadia National Park to the smell of fresh baked cookies. In the evenings, the friendly owners treat guests to wine and nibbles. Rooms are as exquisite as the food, with working fireplaces, canopy beds, and fine furniture.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A+

Black Friar Inn

If you’re a thrift store fan, you’ll love the quirky interiors of this very eccentric little inn. The owner has added stained glass windows, pressed tin ceilings, and other finds for décor that has kooky charm. Many guests come just for the restaurant, which may well have the best clam chowder in Maine.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: B+

Bluenose Inn 

Set about a 15-minute walk from the center of Bar Harbor, the Bluenose is a modern resort, with nice views but dated décor and very thin walls.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: B

The Claremont 

This Southwest Harbor property is one of two top picks for travelers who don’t want to be in the bustle of Bar Harbor but still want high-end comforts such as top-quality mattresses, plush décor, an accomplished spa, and lots of dining options, including a much-ballyhooed onsite restaurant called Little Fern. Many visitors come to take part in the hotel’s annual croquet tournament, which should tell you something of the Claremont’s vibe.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A+

Kingsleigh Inn

The Kingsleigh is Southwest Harbor’s other spendy charmer, an elegant B&B where guests find homemade chocolates on their pillows, and come back to fresh, flower-filled rooms after a day of Acadia National Park hiking. There’s also a wine-and-canapés reception in the evening. Expect nice touches like heated bathroom floors, loaner hiking sticks (the owners will also talk you through the trail guide), and three-course breakfasts.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A+

Lindenwood Inn

Another Southwest Harbor choice, the Lindenwood isn’t as dazzling as the Kingsleigh or Claremont, but it has a homey vibe, a caring staff, and a good dose of style (love the bold graphic wallpapers throughout). Plus, the Lindenwood’s location is convenient for those who want to concentrate more on Acadia National Park than on Bar Harbor.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A-

Maples Inn

It might be difficult to pry yourself out of the rocking chairs on the front porch here to go explore the park, especially if innkeeper Jen comes around with her locally famous ginger cookies. It’s that level of hospitality—and the excellent breakfasts—that lands the Maples on this list. As for the rooms? They’re comfortable and well-kept, even if some have too-small showers or lack an en suite bathroom entirely.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A-

The Primrose

Set along “Mansion Row,” this picture-perfect Victorian home has been recently renovated, meaning it’s as handsome indoors as out. Guests are treated to a top-notch breakfast (with choices changing daily) and warmhearted hospitality from the owners and staff.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A

Seawall Motel

Though it won’t win any design awards, the Seawall is one of the few lodgings in the area that offers reasonable rates for clean rooms and friendly service. And sometimes that’s what you need, right? The Seawall is located in Southwest Harbor, not in Bar Harbor.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: B

West Street Hotel

Double the amenities, double the fun! Guests at the West Street have access to great amenities here—including sea-view balconies with every guest room, two pools, tennis courts, a spa, a fitness center and excellent breakfasts—as well as the amenities at sister property the Bar Harbor Club, where you’ll find more tennis courts, another pool, and another spa and fitness center.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Lodging Score: A+

Acadia National Park Camping

Of course, Acadia National Park camping will be far less expensive than any of the area’s hotels, inns, or motels—and camping will get you closer to nature, too. Here are our picks among the many campgrounds in the area, again in alphabetical order.

Acadia Yurts

For those who want to tent but don’t own the equipment, these yurts are set in a serene 5-acre patch of forest near Southwest Harbor. The digs are plenty sturdy, with tents set far enough apart to ensure a good measure of privacy. Yurts are equipped with real beds and couches, and are quite roomy. There’s a useable kitchen onsite, as well as several tiny houses to rent. Weekly rentals available only.

Accommodations: yurts

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A

Bass Harbor Campground

Set near the Bass Harbor Head Light, a lighthouse on the southernmost tip of Mount Desert Island, this campground outside the national park’s grounds has yurts and cabins for rent, along with tent and RV sites. The property is well run, generally quiet, and outfitted with a lot of nice amenities for families, including a heated pool, playground, laundromat, and camp store. Biggest perk: The Island Explorer Bus stops here. You can use it rather than your car to get to Acadia.

Accommodations: cabins, yurts, tent and RV sites

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A-

(Acadia National Park photos: A campsite in the park)

Bar Harbor Campground 

As the name suggests, this campground is nearer to the town of Bar Harbor than Acadia National Park. Still, the site has much to recommend it, including very private-feeling wooded camping spots, unusually clean bathhouses, nice fire pits, and staff members who are on top of their game. One warning: No advance reservations are taken here, so plan to show up before noon to ensure you get a spot (campers get to choose their own campsites).

Accommodations: tents and RVs accepted

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A

Blackwoods Campground 

This is perhaps the most popular campground inside the park because the property is within easy walking distance of the ocean and requires the shortest drive to Bar Harbor of any of the campsites in Acadia National Park. Blackwoods does not have shower facilities, but it does have most everything else campers could want, from flush toilets and fire rings to a stop along the park’s free shuttle bus route.

Accommodations: tents and RVs accepted

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: B+

Duck Harbor Campground

While the majority of Acadia National Park is on Mount Desert Island, some of the most beautiful stretches of the park are on the Isle au Haut, where this campground sits. It’s the only campground on the island, and Duck Harbor only has 5 campsites. Consequently, getting reservations is very, very difficult. But those who do snag a spot are rewarded with a stay in one of the most tranquil, appealing campgrounds in the entire national park system. Warning: Duck Harbor is only accessible via a 4-mile hike (or via a ride on the mail boat), so this is not a choice for those who want to drive up and tent.

Accommodations: tent camping only

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A+

Hadley’s Point Campground

Located near the Hulls Cove Entrance Station for Acadia National Park, Hadley’s Point is right on the water, with campsites as well as 16 cabins for rent in case you didn’t remember to pack your tent (or don’t own an RV). Hadley’s Point is a stop along the free island shuttle (a big plus) and has well-maintained facilities, though be sure to bring lots of quarters with you—you’ll need them to operate the showers.

Accommodations: cabins, tent and RV sites

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A-

Lamoine State Park

Just a short drive from both Acadia and Bar Harbor, this lovely smaller park has a campground with a bathhouse and a little beach. It’s a pleasant, not-too-noisy place to stay, and because it’s less well-known than campgrounds closer to town or to Acadia National Park, it’s possible to motor up to Lamoine the morning you want to stay and still find a place (though advance reservations are probably a smarter move).

Accommodations: tent sites

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: B+

Mount Desert Campground 

Though it’s not located within Acadia National Park, MDC has a number of unique perks, including its own boat launch site and deep water moorings, plus an onsite concession that rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Campsites are in deeply forested areas, giving each camper a welcome sense of privacy. There’s a little market onsite with fresh-brewed coffee, baked goods, and supplies.

Accommodations: tents and RVs accepted

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A

Seawall Campground

Set on the less-touristed western half of the park, Seawall is a looong way from Bar Harbor; if you choose to camp here you’ll need to bring in a lot of supplies. If you’re tent camping, you’ll also need to use one of the loaner wheelbarrows to get your gear and grub to your site because many pitch sites are far from the parking area. Still, there are nice coastal hikes and bike trails nearby, and the campground is not far from the small town of Bass Harbor, where there’s a free shuttle stop to get you around the park.

Accommodations: tent and RV camping

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: B+

(Acadia National Park Photos: The Schoodic Peninsula)

Schoodic Woods Campground

Many RVers choose Schoodic because it’s the only campground within Acadia National Park that has hookups. Set in a far eastern corner of the park, the campground is about an hour drive to Bar Harbor, so you’ll need to bring most of your supplies in with you if you decide to camp here. But the ocean, deep forest trails, and lots of scenic beauty are all within easy walking distance. 

Accommodations: tent and RV camping

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Camping Score: A-

Things to Do in Acadia National Park

What are the top things to do in Acadia National Park? So glad you asked! In Acadia National Park, hiking is a big activity (and we’ll get to that below), but there are so many ways to get out into nature. Here are the top things to do in Acadia National Park:

Bicycling: John D. Rockefeller paid for the creation of over 45 miles of grass and gravel carriage roads, built between 1913 and 1940. These car-free pathways are ideal for cyclists, leading to some of the most view-rich areas of the park, and making Acadia National Park one of the top 10 parks for bike riding.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: A+

(Acadia National Park Photos: Cycling on Cadillac Mountain Road)

Boating: There are two ponds and two lakes in Acadia that are appropriate for canoeing; none need advance reservations or permits. In addition, many come to Mount Desert Island for sea kayaking, but rough tides, fog, and very cold water temperatures mean that this is an activity best undertaken with guides or by experienced paddlers only.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: A-

Carriage Rides: If you want to do an Acadia National Park tour that’s akin to what your ancestors might have done, try one of these seasonal horse-and-carriage jaunts through the park. Prices have gotten extremely high in recent years unfortunately, but for those with small children or with mobility issues, these Acadia National Park tours can be a gently fun way to see the sights.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: B

Driving the Park Loop Road: This 27-mile route supplies a very scenic motor cruise of the park, passing a number of Acadia National Park’s iconic sites like Thunder Hole (where the surf sounds like explosions thanks to the force that waves hit underwater caves), Jordan Pond, Otter Cliff, and Cadillac Mountain.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: A

Earthcaching: This GPS-enabled scavenger hunt is like geocaching, except you don’t take and leave things. Created by the National Park Service, the program sends visitors all over Acadia to see startling features the glaciers carved. Find all five and you get a stamp from the NPS in your logbook.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: B+

Ranger Tours: When it comes to Acadia National Park tours, these are the top of the heap. The National Park Service offers guided hikes, star-watching sessions, tide-pooling tours, and more. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to register them for the Junior Ranger Program. Visit the national park website for full information.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: A+

Tidepooling: Twice a day, low tide maroons sea life in small tide pools created by depressions in Acadia’s rocky shore. Marine plants and critters make a temporary home, and exploring these natural aquariums can be fascinating. Best time to go: in the window of 90 minutes before and after low tide. Ask the rangers when that will be when you’re there.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: A+

(Acadia National Park photos: A dry tide pool)

Rock climbing: The course-grained pink granite cliffs of Acadia offer a number of challenging small climbs, some of which are so popular advance permits are required. To learn more about the companies that rent gear and provide guides, click here (that page also has info on Acadia National Park tours that involve rock climbing).

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: A-

Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain: You’re high up (1,530 feet) and far north, meaning those who watch the sunrise from the summit see the first rays to hit the United States each day. But this can be a very, very cold and very, very crowded experience, so unless you really need sunrise bragging rights, we’d say give it a pass. If you do want to do this, note that you’ll need a driving permit from the NPS to use the Cadillac Summit Road for many months of the year.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: B-

(Acadia National Park Photos: Sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain)

Swimming: This is not an area known for swimming, as the surf can be rough and the waters frigid. But there are three places where dips are allowed in the park, including at Acadia’s only sand beach, known as Swim Sand Beach, funnily enough.

Frommer’s Things to Do in Acadia National Park Rating: B

Acadia National Park Hiking

Since Acadia National Park hiking is the marquee activity here, we’ll give it its own section with this quick overview of the top 10 hikes in the park.

(Acadia National Park Photos: A hiker and dog at Jordan Pond)

Beech Cliff Trail
Length: 2.2 miles
Difficulty level: Very challenging
Location: Near Echo Lake
Payoff: After climbing ladders and rock faces studded with iron rungs, you’ll be treated to a few short cliff walks and dazzling views over the park’s ponds and coastline. Best perk: few crowds.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A

• Beehive Trail
• Length: 1.4 miles
• Difficulty level: Very challenging
• Location: Trailhead near Sand Beach Parking Lot
• Payoff: Another hike where you’ll spend a significant amount of time hauling yourself upward using iron rungs affixed to boulders and escarpments, the Beehive Trail includes thrilling cliff walks and stunning views of Sand Beach and Great Head.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A+

Cadillac Summit Trail
Length: 0.3 mile
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: Cadillac Summit
Payoff: Even small children can manage this short walk from the parking lot at the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Those who do are rewarded with panoramic views of the park.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A+

Gorge Path Trail
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
Location: Near Cadillac Mountain
Payoff: Much of this trail is along a stone path through a gorge. The going is easy at first but requires some scrambling and stairs when you get to Cadillac Mountain. Wear shoes that can get wet, as you will be crossing some streams. Especially beloved by bird watchers, there are excellent views when you get to the higher elevations.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A

Great Head Trail
Length: 1.9 miles
Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
Location: Sand Beach is the trailhead
Payoff: Fascinating park history, some rock scrambles, and ocean views are the reasons you choose this hike. While the full loop is 1.9 miles, if you want a shorter hike take the trail to the left which is steeper but shorter.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A-

• Jordan Cliffs Loop
• Length: 5 miles
• Difficulty level: Very, very challenging
• Location: Start at the Jordan Pond boat launch
• Payoff: The length and elevation of this trail, which is accomplished via a rocky path, lots of granite stairs, and some very narrow cliff walks (aided by iron rungs), make the route best for fit and experienced hikers. That means it’s never too crowded. The excellent Jordan Pond vistas are the reason for the trek.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A-

(Acadia National Park Photos: A hiker on the Jordan Cliffs Loop)

Jordan Pond Path
Length: 3.3 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: Jordan Pond
Payoff: This long but level stroll takes hikers around the perimeter of Jordan Pond. Your reward at the end might be a meal at the iconic Jordan Pond House Restaurant (make advance reservations).

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: B+

• Ladder Trail Loop
• Length: 3.4 miles
• Difficulty level: Very, very challenging
• Location: Dorr Mountain
• Payoff: Hikers feel a true sense of accomplishment (and a great amount of relief) when they reach the summit of this very vertical trail. It’s perhaps the most difficult hike in the park—Acadia’s StairMaster because of all of the granite steps upward. At the top, though, the views are awe-inspiring and wide-ranging.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A

Ocean Path
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: Sand Beach to Otter Point and back
Payoff: You’ll get to see many of Acadia’s iconic coastal sights along this level walk, including Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. But because this is one of the most popular walks in the park, you definitely will have a lot of company.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A

(Acadia National Park Photos: A marker along the Ocean Path Trail)

• Precipice Trail
• Length: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty level: Very, very challenging
• Location: Champlain Mountain
• Payoff: This one’s for true thrill seekers, as you’ll be clinging to very narrow cliff ledges, crawling under boulders, making use of metal rungs, and making a steep ascent to the top of Champlain Mountain. Those who have done the hike report that the views are breathtaking. Warning: People have died on this hike, so it’s only recommended for fit, experienced hikers. Don’t even think of attempting if the weather in Acadia National Park is not cooperating.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A+

South Bubble Trail
Length: 1–2.5 miles, depending on the trail
Difficulty level: Very challenging
Location: Jordan Pond
Payoff: You’ll be ascending one of the two “bubbles” (round mountains) at the north end of Jordan Pond. The top selfie spot is Bubble Rock, a massive boulder on the edge of the cliff with a wonderful Jordan Pond vista below. Note: The trail from the parking lot is much easier than the one from the pond.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: B+

Sundew Trail
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Location: Schoodic Peninsula
Payoff: A level, well-marked walk through a dense, piney forest to the park’s handsome rocky coast.

Frommer’s Acadia National Park Hiking Rating: A-

To read more of our coverage of what to see and do in Acadia National Park, click here.