Acadia National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful and unique destination located on the coast of Maine. It is one of my favorite National Parks in US. With its granite peaks, rugged coastline, and lush forests, it offers a diverse array of landscapes and activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking trails wind through the mountains and around the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands. You can explore the park’s many lakes and ponds by kayak or canoe, and take in the beautiful fall foliage that blankets the park each year. The park also boasts historic carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., which are now used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and diverse activities, Acadia National Park is a true national treasure and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
How much time to spend in Acadia National park
I suggest to spend three days in the park. This allows you to see many of the park’s highlights and experience its natural beauty. During a three-day visit, you can hike some of the park’s popular trails, such as the Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Path or the Beehive Trail, and take in stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains from atop Cadillac Mountain. You can also explore the park’s carriage roads on foot, bike, or horseback, and take in the beauty of Jordan Pond and the bubbles. In addition to outdoor activities, you can also attend ranger-led programs and educational activities, visit the park’s visitor centers, and explore nearby towns such as Bar Harbor.
If you have just one day in the park, I suggest taking scenic park road, hiking Precipice trail, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and watching the sunset at Cadillac Mountain.
If you’re planning a three-day visit to Acadia National Park that includes hiking the Precipice Trail and visiting a lighthouse, here’s a more detailed itinerary.
3 Days Acadia National Park itinerary
Day 1
We start your day early by hiking the Precipice Trail. This trail is a challenging and steep climb, but the views from the top are well worth it. You’ll be hiking up the cliffs of Champlain Mountain, and at certain points, you’ll need to use iron rungs and ladders to climb. Note that this trail is closed during nesting season (mid-March to mid-August) to protect the endangered peregrine falcons. Be sure to check for trail conditions before starting your hike. We hiked it with our 10 years old daughter and it was her most memorable experience from the park.
After completing the hike, take a break and have lunch at one of the picnic areas within the park. There are plenty of picnic areas to choose from, but some popular options include the Jordan Pond House, the Sieur de Monts picnic area, and the Eagle Lake picnic area.
In the afternoon, we headed to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, located on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island. This picturesque lighthouse was built in 1858 and offers beautiful views of the harbor and the ocean. There’s a short trail that leads from the parking area to the lighthouse, and you can walk around the rocky shoreline to get even better views.
Day 2
We drove scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, stopped at various points of interest such as Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Thunder Hole is a popular spot where waves crash against the rocks and create a loud booming sound. Otter Cliff is a 110-foot cliff that offers stunning views of the ocean and is a popular spot for rock climbing. We also stopped by to see the Bubble rock.
After driving along the Park Loop Road, we visited the Wild Gardens of Acadia, a beautiful garden that features over 300 native plant species. This is a great spot to learn about the local flora and fauna and take a leisurely stroll through the gardens.
In the afternoon, we took a hike on the Jordan Pond Path, a 3.5-mile loop trail around the beautiful Jordan Pond. This is a relatively easy hike and offers beautiful views of the pond and surrounding mountains. You can also go for swimming and kayaking in the pond if interested.
We ended our day by watching the sunset at Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard and offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding ocean. This is a popular spot for watching the sunrise, but the sunset is just as beautiful. The hike is relatively easy.
Day 3
Start your day by visiting Sand Beach and taking a dip in the cold water or sunbathe on the beach. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
After the beach, we head to Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town located just outside the park, for lunch and some shopping. We spent some time exploring the area and had lunch there. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from, and you can also take a stroll along the harbor and watch the boats come in.
In the afternoon, we visited the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland, Maine. This museum offers a fascinating history of lighthouses in Maine, and you can even climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase lighthouse-themed souvenirs.
We ended the day with a leisurely stroll along the Shore Path in Bar Harbor. This paved path follows the shoreline and offers beautiful views of the harbor and the surrounding islands. You can also visit Agamont Park, which is located at the end of the Shore Path and offers more stunning views of the harbor.
This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Acadia National Park, including a challenging hike, a visit to a lighthouse, and other scenic destinations within the park.
