Our favorite things to do in Acadia national park

Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s stunning Atlantic coastline, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its breathtaking landscapes, granite peaks, and over 120 miles of hiking trails, there are countless Acadia National Park things to do for visitors of all interests. From hiking and biking to scenic drives and coastal exploration, this guide covers the best activities in the park. You’ll also find information on campgrounds to help you plan your trip. 

Hiking is one of the top Acadia National Park things to do. There are trails for every skill level, ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging summit climbs. Consult the National Park Service website for trail closures/park conditions prior to planning your hike, as some trails close for peregrine falcon nesting season, and others can be dangerously slippery when wet.     

Challenging Hikes

If you’re up for an adventure, Acadia has some exhilarating trails with steep climbs and stunning views. 

•  Beehive Trail | 1.4 miles round trip | Strenuous – The ascent is sustained, but the panoramic views of Sand Beach are worth it! Expect to scale a series of iron rungs and exposed cliffs. The Beehive is an extremely popular hike, so start early or go late in the day to avoid the crowds.   
•  Precipice Trail | 2.1 miles round trip | Very strenuous – Acadia’s most difficult hike, featuring steep cliffs and metal ladders up Champlain Mountain. This is not for those with a fear of heights! If you’re up for the challenge, the view from the top of Champlain Mountain is stunning.  
•  Cadillac Mountain via North Ridge Trail | 4.4 miles round trip | Moderate to strenuous – A steady incline with sweeping views takes you to the summit of the highest peak on the eastern coastline! For an extra challenge (and an extra .8 miles round trip) I highly recommend continuing on to Dorr Mountain via the Cadillac-Dorr Connector Trail.   

Moderate Hikes

These trails offer beautiful scenery without the intense climbing of Acadia’s more strenuous hikes. 

•  Gorham Mountain Trail | 3.5 miles round trip | Moderate –This hike offers incredible views of the coastline and the chance to hear the ocean roaring at nearby Thunder Hole. A great alternative to the more challenging Beehive Trail.  
•  Jordan Pond Path | 3.3 miles round trip | Easy to moderate –A charming path encircling the crystal-clear Jordan Pond, with the Bubble Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. The trail is relatively flat, but includes some rocky and wooden boardwalk sections. Keep an eye out for loons on the pond, and stop for popovers or a blueberry lemonade at the Jordan Pond House.  
•  Bubble Rock via South Bubble Trail | 1.5 miles round trip | Moderate – A short but rewarding hike leads to a famous glacial erratic perched on the edge of a cliff. The view over Jordan Pond from the summit is spectacular.
•  Great Head Trail | 1.4 miles round trip | Moderate – This rocky hike offers stunning views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. A great option if you’re looking for a relatively short but rewarding hike. Towards the top you’ll find the stone ruins from a 1915 tea house.  

Easy Hikes

For those looking for a more relaxed hike, these trails offer beautiful scenery with minimal effort. 

•  Ocean Path Trail | 4.4 miles round trip | Easy –This scenic coastal walk runs from Sand Beach to Otter Point, passing Thunder Hole and other dramatic shoreline views. The trail is mostly flat and perfect for families. I recommend stopping at Otter Cliffs for a picnic lunch to round out the day.  
•  Ship Harbor Trail | 1.3 miles round trip |Easy –A quiet trail with beautiful views of the coastline and opportunities for tide pool exploration. A great trail for wildlife spotting and photography. 
•  Jesup Path and Hemlock Trail | 2.2 miles round trip | Easy –This boardwalk trail takes you through a tranquil birch forest, and is one of the best places in Acadia for birdwatching. Especially stunning during peak foliage season in the fall. 

Acadia National Park Things to do on Schoodic Peninsula

Tucked away from the bustling Mount Desert Island and vibrant downtown of Bar Harbor, the Schoodic Peninsula is Acadia’s hidden gem–an ideal destination for those who want to experience Acadia’s beauty away from the crowds. 

•  Schoodic Point – An incredible scenic viewpoint, and one of the best places in Acadia to watch waves crash against the rugged coastline. 
•  Schoodic Head Trail | 3.2 miles round trip | Moderate – A forested climb to the highest point on the peninsula, with panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island. 
•  Schoodic Loop Road – A 6-mile scenic drive with several breathtaking viewpoints. Or explore the road via bicycle if that’s more your speed.  
•  Schoodic Institute Museum – The museum is housed in the former Navy building at the Schoodic Institute. It contains exhibits detailing the history of the Naval base, the natural and cultural history of the peninsula, science and conservation efforts, and interactive learning.  

Scenic Drives and Must See Landmarks

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other Acadia National Park things to do.  No visit to Acadia is complete without driving the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which winds through some of Acadia’s most iconic landmarks, as well as past numerous scenic viewpoints. Drive the road yourself, or take the free Island Explorer Shuttle to explore the following destinations without worrying about parking.  

•  Sand Beach – Nestled between rocky shores and pine forests, Sand Beach is a 290-yard stretch of pristine sand. It’s one of the most popular Acadia National Park things to do, and an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or taking a dip in the Atlantic (be prepared for chilly waters, even in the heat of summer!). 
•  Otter Cliffs – One of the most dramatic coastal features in Acadia National Park, known for its towering 110-foot granite rock faces that drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a picnic lunch and watch rock climbers scale the cliffs.
•  Thunder Hole – Under the right tidal conditions, waves crash into this natural rock inlet with a thunderous boom, sending sea spray high into the air. Thunder Hole is best visited an hour or two before high tide for the most dramatic wave crashes. Check the latest tide schedule at NOAA Tide Predictions. 
• Cadillac Mountain – At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From early October to early March it’s the first place in the United States to witness the sunrise, and the views at the top are unparalleled! The Island Explorer shuttle only goes to the base of Cadillac Mountain but the summit can be accessed by hiking or driving your personal vehicle. 

Please note: Reservations are required to drive the auto road during peak season, so plan in advance. A sunrise witnessed from the top of Cadillac Mountain is one the most coveted Acadia National Park things to do.  

•  Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse – Located away from the Park Loop Road about 25 minutes from Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses. Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline, especially picturesque at sunset. The Island Explorer Shuttle does not go to the lighthouse, so be prepared to drive to see this landmark. 

Other Fun Acadia National Park things to do

Kayaking 

Exploring the park from the water is one of the more unique Acadia National Park things to do! There are ample opportunities for scenic paddling available depending on ability level. The calm waters of Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and Seal Cove Pond cater to beginners, while Somes Sound, Frenchman Bay, and the open ocean offer more of a challenge to experienced paddlers. 

Kayak rentals for Jordan Pond can be acquired at the Jordan Pond House. There are also many local outfitters in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor that provide rentals, as well as guided tours.  

Guided Acadia Hiking and Kayaking tour

Explore the Carriage Roads  

Acadia’s famous carriage roads are a scenic and car-free way to explore the park. Designed and gifted to the park by John D. Rockefeller Jr., the 45 miles of carriage roads are perfect for walking, cycling, or horseback riding. The panoramic views, idyllic stone bridges, and lack of motor vehicles make the carriage roads one of the most charming Acadia National Park things to do. 

Bike rentals are available in nearby Bar Harbor, and the Island Explorer Shuttles are equipped with bike racks, providing easy and convenient transportation to the carriage roads.   

Other Activities 

•  Wildlife Watching – Acadia’s diverse habitats are home to an array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, peregrine falcons, eagles, and loons. Marine mammals like seals can often be spotted along the coast or on boat tours. 
•  Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, Acadia offers some of the best stargazing opportunities on the East Coast.  
•  Explore tide pools – The intertidal zones of Acadia are teeming with marine life. During low tide, areas like Ship Harbor and Schoodic Point can reveal tide pools with starfish, crabs, and anemones. While guiding a Wildland trip in Acadia in 2023 myself and the guests were in awe of the thousands of snails!  
•  Ranger talks – The National Park Service offers a variety of ranger-led programs, from guided hikes to evening amphitheater talks. These programs provide deeper insights into the park’s ecology, geology, and history. The schedule for ranger talks and programs can be found on the National Park Service website or at the visitor center.  

Camping in Acadia National Park

Acadia offers four campgrounds for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature.  

•  Blackwoods Campground – The most popular campground, located near Bar Harbor and the main tourist attractions.  Reservations are required. From the campground it’s a short walk to the rugged coastline- an ideal spot for sunset views.
•  Seawall Campground – A quieter, more rustic campground on the western side of Mount Desert Island. A short drive from the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Reservations are required during peak season (June-Oct).  
•  Schoodic Woods Campground – Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground provides a serene setting away from the main tourist areas. It also offers easy access to hiking and biking trails. Reservations are accepted.  
•  Duck Harbor Campground (Isle au Haut) – Only accessibly via boat, offering five primitive campsites. This campground operates on a first-come first-served basis, and is ideal for those looking for a more isolated & rustic camping experience.  

Try an inn-based hiking adventure

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or eager to explore breathtaking landscapes, there are no shortage of Acadia National Park things to do. With its diverse ecosystems, granite peaks, and pristine shorelines, the park delivers an array of activities that cater to all interests.  

Happy exploring!