The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is open daily from early May to October from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. From November to May, it’s open at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce from 8 AM to 4 PM. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
At Acadia National Park, a 7-day pass costs $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, and $20 per person for pedestrians, hikers, or bicyclists. Youth 15 and under are free. An annual pass is $55, and an America the Beautiful Annual Pass is $80.Lifetime passes are available for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
By car via I-95 to Bangor, then Route 1A to Ellsworth, then Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. Nearest airport: Bangor International (BGR). Ferries operate to Schoodic Peninsula in summer.
At Acadia National Park, parking lots include Cadillac Mountain (145 spaces, no oversized), Echo Lake (89 spaces, no RVs/trailers), Jordan Pond (152 spaces, 12 oversized), and Sand Beach (no RVs/trailers). Parking fees are $30 for 7 days; no overnight parking in lots. Motorcycles allowed in all lots.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
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Along Maine’s rugged Downeast coast, Acadia National Park unfolds across 49,000 pristine acres where granite cliffs plunge dramatically into the churning Atlantic. Cadillac Mountain, the East Coast’s highest peak at 1,530 feet, crowns this wilderness sanctuary where America’s first sunrise illuminates a tapestry of spruce-fir forests, glacial lakes, and windswept headlands.
The park’s crown jewel, Bar Harbor, serves as the gateway to this coastal Eden, while the historic village of Southwest Harbor offers quieter charms. John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s legacy lives on through 45 miles of meticulously crafted carriage roads that wind past Jordan Pond’s mirror-like surface and through cathedral groves of Eastern white pine.
Thunder Hole’s explosive surf provides nature’s percussion, while Schoodic Peninsula offers solitude seekers raw, untamed beauty. The park shelters peregrine falcons soaring above Precipice Trail’s vertical ascent, while harbor seals bask on pink granite ledges carved by ancient glaciers. From Bass Harbor Head Light’s iconic beacon to Sand Beach’s rare Arctic plants, Acadia weaves together maritime wilderness and cultural heritage into an unforgettable coastal symphony.
- Area (mi²)
- 77
- Annual visitors
- 3 880 000
- Established year
- 1916
Top 3 Facts about Acadia National Park
The lofty summit of Cadillac Mountain rises to 1,528 feet above sea level, making it the highest point along the entire east coast of the United States.
Cadillac Mountain, is the tallest peak on the East Coast and one of the first places in the U.S. to see sunrise.
Acadia supports diverse wildlife, including moose, black bears, red foxes, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit Hulls Cove Visitor Center for maps, trail closures, and seasonal updates. Check ahead for any peregrine falcon nesting area restrictions.
Pack Appropriately
Pack in layers—Acadia’s coastal climate can shift quickly. Be ready for sun, fog, wind, and even snow depending on the season.
Respect Wildlife
Respect closures, especially along ladder trails like the Precipice, during nesting season. Observe wildlife from a distance.
Stay Informed
Monitor NPS.gov for weather alerts, road conditions, and trail updates before you go.
Seasons
March–April: Quiet, peaceful trails and remarkable birdwatching. Some facilities may still be closed.
June–August: Warm weather and ranger programs abound. Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is iconic. Expect high visitor volume.
September–November: Cooler temps and vivid fall foliage. Lighter crowds and rich colors make it a photographer’s dream.
December–February: Serene snow-covered scenery, perfect for cross-country skiing and wildlife tracking.
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Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Acadia National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You should stay in Bar Harbor, which is the closest town to the park and offers easy access to its stunning scenery. It is located on Mount Desert Island and provides various amenities and activities for visitors. Bar Harbor is just minutes away from the park’s entrance.
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For young hikers, consider the Ocean Path, Jordan Pond Path, or the Ship Harbor Trail. These trails are less than three miles long, have minimal elevation gain, and offer scenic views of the coastline and lakes. The Jordan Pond Path, in particular, is a popular and relatively easy trail around the east shore of Jordan Pond.
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You can take your pet on most trails, but not all of them. Dogs are allowed on 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads, except for ladder and rung trails which are not safe for them. Your dog must be on a 6-foot leash.
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You can bring a trailer, but there are restrictions. Trailers are not allowed on Great Head Road, Bass Harbor Head Road, or Cadillac Summit Road. Trailers must also fit within the site pads at campgrounds like Blackwoods and Seawall, where RVs and trailers combined cannot exceed 35 feet.
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Start the day with a sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain or the Beehive Trail. Drive Park Loop Road to visit popular stops like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs. Have lunch at Jordan Pond House and walk around the pond, then end the day with sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
