15 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park (+ Helpful Tips!)

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Looking for the best hikes in Acadia National Park? With more than 150 miles of hiking trails, and many diverse hiking environments, Acadia National Park is a hikers’ paradise!

Hikes in Acadia span the gamut from easy (but very scenic!) strolls to extremely challenging rung-and-ladder routes, so there’s a trail (or three!) for every level of hiker here.

The Bubbles seen from Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park in Maine
The Bubbles, seen from across Jordan Pond

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From hiking trails that meander through forests or along the picturesque coastline and hikes that traverse the shores of serene lakes to trails that lead up to the summits of mountains for epic views, you’ll find numerous hiking adventures at Acadia.

In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park, and we’ve also offered some tips for the best hiking experience in the park.

Best Hikes in Acadia National Park

1. Ocean Path

Difficulty: Easy (Sand Beach to Thunder Hole is accessible)
Length: 4 miles round trip, 1.4 miles round trip between Sand Beach and Thunder Hole
Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat
Time: 2-3 hours, plus time to explore the coastline
Trailhead Access: Far end of upper parking lot at Sand Beach, or parking lots at Thunder Hole or Otter Point

Want to enjoy stunning views of Acadia’s pink granite formations? Hike Ocean Path, the trail that runs along Acadia National Park’s scenic coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Point.

Along the way, not only will you enjoy beautiful views, but you will also pass Thunder Hole, one of Acadia National Park’s top attractions. Ocean Path is considered one of the all-around best hikes in Acadia National Park.

Thunder Hole along Ocean Path in Acadia NP, Maine
Thunder Hole is magnificent!

If you start at Sand Beach, you’ll gradually walk uphill for expansive views of the coastline before descending to Thunder Hole.

Arrive at Thunder Hole about two hours before high tide for the best chance of hearing the thunderous sound of the waves as it enters the cave, and see the spray rise up to 40 feet in the air!

Past Thunder Hole, you’ll climb again through an evergreen forest to arrive at Otter Cliffs, which are over 100 feet high. Go up a granite staircase and down another as you pass over the cliffs.

Continue on to Otter Point to view the slabs of pink granite bordered by the sea. Walk to the end of the trail at Otter Cove for a fantastic view of the causeway with Cadillac and Dorr Mountains as the backdrop.

The scenery is just as spectacular as you retrace your steps to Sand Beach!

You can do the full hike, or elect to do a part. There are parking lots at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point.

Good to Know!

Little side trails allow for exploration of the coastline and offer fabulous views. Allow more time if you want to explore.

If you choose to go off-trail, note that rocks can be slippery and there are exposed drop-offs. Heed warning signs and keep small kids close.

Note that this trail runs alongside Park Loop Road, so you’ll see and hear traffic. But it’s still a spectacular and family-friendly trail!

2. Jordan Pond Path (Jordan Pond Loop Trail)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.5 miles, loop
Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat
Time: 1-2.5 hours
Trailhead Access: North parking lot at Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond Path follows the shore of tranquil Jordan Pond, one of Acadia National Park’s most iconic lakes. Carved by glaciers, the lake is surrounded by mountains.

The picture postcard lake shore makes for one of the most popular and one of the most scenic easy hikes in Acadia National Park.

Jordan Pond Path in Acadia National Park, Maine
Part of the Jordan Pond Path is boardwalk

From the North parking lot, walk towards the boat launch for the classic long view of Jordan Pond with the Bubbles as the backdrop at the far end.

Since it’s a loop, you can go east or west from the boat launch. We’ve described the route starting with the east shore of the lake.

Walk the crushed-stone path over level terrain along the east shore, enjoying the water views, as you arrive at a set of beautiful bridges at the north end of the lake.

The stepping stones and bridges allow streams of water, to flow from the slope into the lake. Be careful as you navigate the bridges to the western shore of Jordan Pond.

On the western shore of the lake, you’ll find a field of scenic boulders that makes for a good photo spot.

The trail becomes a boardwalk of wooden planks that takes you through a forested area to Jordan Pond House, where you can enjoy tea and popovers!

Good to Know!

You cannot wade or swim in Jordan Pond, because it is designated public water supply.

3. Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.5 miles, loop
Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat
Time: 30 minutes (we spent about one hour, snapping photos and gawking at the views!)
Trailhead Access: Summit parking lot at Cadillac Mountain

Taking in the views from the top of Cadillac Mountain is one of the best things to do in Acadia National Park. The summit is the highest point in the park, and the short and easy Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is a great way to explore.

Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain in Maine
Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

Drive the narrow winding Cadillac Summit Road to the parking lot at the top. Walk one of the paved trails to the marker at the highest point on the mountain, for panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains.

Walk the paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, which wraps around the summit, to take in the views from different spots, and stop to read the many informational plaques to learn more about the region.

If you follow the loop clockwise, you will get fabulous views of Bar Harbor, and the Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay. Further along, admire the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula and the Cranberry Isles.

If you choose to explore off-trail on the granite, please so not trample on the fragile flora that grows at the summit.

Sunrise is a hugely popular time for this hike, so you may experience crowds in season. Wait until the crowds disperse after the sun is up, and you can re-explore the summit in relative peace and quiet.

Good to Know!

Reservations are required to drive Cadillac Mountain Summit Road in season, generally from the third week in May until the third week in October.

Exact dates for each year are noted on recreation.gov, where you can also make the reservation.

4. Ship Harbor Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.3 miles, figure 8
Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (allow for more time to explore the coastline!)
Trailhead Access: Maine 102A, between Seawall and Bass Harbor Light

Ship Harbor Trail is a beautiful and popular trail on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island that allows you to explore the scenic coastline at Acadia National Park. The trail makes its way through serene forests to several picturesque spots along the water.

The Ship Harbor Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine
A view from the Ship Harbor Trail

Along the water, you’ll find the gorgeous pink granite that’s a hallmark of this coast, and if you visit at low tide, you can explore the many tide pools, teeming with tiny marine life. At low tide, you can even access a tranquil cove.

You’ll find interpretive stations along the route that describe the various habitats, from spruce forest to mud flats and blueberry and huckleberry ledges.

Ship Harbor Trail is an excellent birding trail, so be sure to bring your binoculars or zoom lens. Look for great blue herons, common loons, ospreys, eagles, and other birds as you walk along the water, and land birds such as warblers in the forested sections.

Good to Know!

If you choose to explore off-trail or go tidepooling, note that rocks can be slick and slippery. Watch your footing when exploring along the coast.

If you have the time, also do the Wonderland Trail to the water’s edge. The trailheads for the two hikes are along the same road, not too far apart!

5. Wonderland Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.4 miles round trip
Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (allow for more time to explore the coastline!)
Trailhead Access: Maine 102A, between Seawall and Bass Harbor Light

The Wonderland Trail is an easy walk on a gravel road, from the parking area to the water’s edge and back. It is one of the best family-friendly hikes in Acadia National Park, and therefore popular, especially on good-weather weekends.

The Wonderland Trail in Acadia National Park in Maine
A view from the Wonderland Trail

Once you leave the parking lot, you’ll walk along a forest of spruce and then jack pine, before you arrive at the water. The rocky shoreline offers views of the Duck Islands and Greater Cranberry Isle.

The shoreline is beautiful, with colorful rocks. You’ll also likely see shorebirds.

At low tide, kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the tidepools. After you complete your exploration of the coast, retrace your steps back to the parking area.

Like Ship Harbor Trail, Wonderland Trail is an excellent birding walk. More than two dozen species of warblers have been spotted at Acadia National Park, and along this forested trail, you may see some of them!

Good to Know!

If you choose to go off-trail at the coast or go tidepooling, do so only when the tide is out, and do not turn your back on the ocean. Watch your footing on rocks: they may be slippery.

Bring lunch to enjoy at the water’s edge! And if you have the time, also do the Ship Harbor Trail. The trailheads for the two hikes are along the same road, not too far apart!

6. Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Change: Not material, mainly flat
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Trailhead Access: Sieur de Monts Nature Center

This easy, wheelchair-accessible hike winds its way through stands of white birch and hemlock for a serene stroll in Acadia National Park. It also offers views of Dorr Mountain.

Jesup Path in Acadia National Park in Maine
Walk through forests of white birch and hemlock!

The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop is a great birdwatching trail in the spring and summer, so be sure to bring your binoculars or zoom lens! You may see (and hear!) barred owls. You may also see deer, butterflies, and chipmunks.

There are interpretive plaques along the route if you want to learn more about the region, including the local flora and fauna.

Just before the entrance to the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts, you’ll find a wooden footbridge that leads to Jesup Path. Continue onto the boardwalk.

You’ll pass through a marshy forest of white birch. It’s a shady, pleasant walk, and there are benches where you can sit for a bit and savor the beautiful green environment. The boardwalk makes for beautiful photos too!

When the boardwalk ends, continue on through the Great Meadow to Park Loop Road. You can look for birds and wildlife here! Cross the road and turn right onto the Great Meadow Loop.

At the next junction, take Hemlock Path, through a hemlock forest back to the parking lot at Sieur de Monts.

7. South Bubble Trail to Bubble Rock

Difficulty: Easy to Low Moderate
Length: 1 mile round trip
Elevation Change: About 250 feet
Time: About 1 hour
Trailhead Access: Bubbles Divide Parking Lot

The hike up South Bubble Mountain to the seemingly precariously-balanced Bubble Rock is a fun hike with beautiful views as well. There is more than one trail that leads to Bubble Rock, so for the easier hike, be sure to start at the Bubbles Divide trailhead.

Bubble Rock in Acadia National Park, Maine
Bubble Rock!

From the trailhead, the trail gradually ascends up the valley. There are steps. When you arrive at the junction, you’ll see the spur to the left that says Bubbles Divide Trail and South Bubble Mountain.

Take the spur, and hike gradually up to the summit, where you’ll have beautiful views! Do the short trail that leads to Bubble Rock, the glacial erratic boulder that’s an Acadia landmark. Blue arrows lead the way to the boulder.

Not only is Bubble Rock worthy of a photo, but the area around the rock is great for enjoying the views and snapping photos. Stay away from the edges, though, and keep kids away from the edges, because there are steep exposed dropoffs.

Good to Know!

You can continue on South Bubble Trail towards Jordan Pond for a bit, for spectacular views of the lake. But turn back after a bit, because the full descent by this route is steep and moderate to strenuous.

If you like, you can do the hike to Bubble Rock and back in combination with the Jordan Pond Loop Trail.

You can also hike both Bubbles: go up North Bubble before or after doing the South Bubble spur to Bubble Rock and back. North Bubble is not an easy hike, though.

And you can also do both Bubbles in conjunction with the Jordan Pond Loop Trail, depending on the time you have and your fitness level. All three of these Acadia hikes are scenic and among the best in the park!

8. North Bubble Nubble Trail

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Length: 2 miles
Elevation Change: About 400 feet to the top of North Bubble Mountain and about 150 feet to the top of Connors Nubble
Time: About 1-2 hours
Trailhead Access: Bubbles Divide Parking Lot

This moderate hike to the summits of North Bubble and Connors Nubble is a must-do for the fabulous views over Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. And it’s even more scenic in the fall!

North Bubble Mountain Trail in Acadia NP, Maine
A view from North Bubble Mountain

Start at the Bubbles Divide Trailhead, and ascend up the valley until the junction, where you will want to take the spur to the right towards North Bubble Mountain.

The trail becomes steeper as it continues uphill, with open granite ledges. Arrive at the summit of North Bubble Mountain and enjoy views of Jordan Pond to the south.

Continue on the Bubbles Trail as it descends into the forest, offering lovely views of Eagle Lake along the route. Stay on the Bubbles Trail as it crosses a carriage road.

Make the short second ascent to the top of Connors Nubble for a spectacular view of Eagle Lake.

Go back to the carriage road you just passed, and turn left to Jordan Pond Carry Trail, which will take you back to the Bubbles Trail and the parking lot. Note that this part of the park is wetlands, and the trail is a wooden plank in some sections.

Good to Know!

You can make this a longer hike by taking Eagle Lake Trail after the Bubbles Trail descends from Connors Nubble. The length of this loop is 3.4 miles, so allow from 2.5 to 4 hours.

Eagle Lake Trail traverses the scenic shore of the lake, with many photo ops, before meeting up with Jordan Pond Carry Trail to take you to Bubbles Trail and the parking lot.

9. Gorham Mountain Trail

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Length: 2 miles
Elevation Change: About 525 feet
Time: About 1-2 hours
Trailhead Access: Gorham Mountain Parking Lot

Gorham Mountain is not among the tallest mountains on Mount Desert Island, but the Gorham Mountain Trail offers beautiful views for not too strenuous a climb.

A view from Gorham Mountain in Acadia NP, ME
A view from the Gorham Mountain Trail PC: NPS

You’ll start a steady ascent as soon as you hit the trail, going through a spruce forest. Pause to read the plaque honoring Waldron Bates, who created many of the trails here and designed the unique cairn that we now know as the Bates cairn.

At the junction, stay left to continue on Gorham Mountain Trail. The right trail is the Cadillac Cliffs Trail, which features iron rungs and ladders and is a difficult trail. If you choose to take Cadillac Cliffs, it will bring you back to Gorham Mountain Trail.

Continuing along the Gorham Mountain Trail, you will arrive at the “false summit,” where you will definitely want to stop to snap photos of the magnificent views over Otter Cliff, Otter Point, and the Cranberry Isles.

A few hundred feet further is the true summit of Gorham Mountain, which also offers fabulous views. If you brought a meal, this is the perfect place to enjoy it as you soak in the views.

You’ll see the Beehive, Sand Beach and Great Head, Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain, and Otter Cliff: some of the most scenic parts of the Acadia National Park coastline.

If you hike the trail in the summer, you’ll find lots of blueberry bushes in fruit along the trail. The wild Maine blueberries are delicious!

Good to Know!

For a longer hike, you can do the Gorham Mountain Loop. Hike past the summit to the Bowl Trail, which comes out at Sand Beach. Here you can take Ocean Path all the way past Thunder Hole to the Gorham Mountain parking lot.

10. Acadia Mountain Trail

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Length: 2.8 miles
Elevation Change: About 500 feet
Time: About 2-3 hours
Trailhead Access: Acadia Mountain Parking Lot on Route 102 across from Echo Lake

This summit hike, on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, offers stunning views of the Somes Sound and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. It is spectacular any time of year, but especially so in the fall.

Acadia Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia Mountain Trail PC: Patty

From the trailhead, you can either take the Man o’ War Truck Road or the St. Sauveur Mountain Trail to the junction where you hit the Acadia Mountain Trail.

From this junction, you’ll start ascending the forested trail up Acadia Mountain. Some scrambling is required in steeper rocky sections, so you’ll want to keep your hands free.

As you approach the summit, you’ll pass gorgeous granite ledges to the marker, where you can enjoy the expansive views of Somes Sound, outlying islands, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Acadia Mountain has two peaks, so walk over to the second summit for equally outstanding views before you begin your descent. There’s loos rock and it’s a steep rocky descent, so exercise caution.

Once you are down, you will cross the beautiful Man o’ War Brook. Just past the brook, take the Man o’ War Truck Road back to the starting point.

Good to Know!

You can make this a longer and more strenuous hike by doing a loop that covers the summits of both Acadia Mountain and St. Sauveur Mountain. The loop is 3.9 miles long.

The summit of St. Sauveur Mountain does not offer views, but Valley Peak Trail, which connects the St. Sauveur summit with the Acadia Mountain summit, features stunning views of Valley Cove.

From the St. Sauveur summit, you can also hike the 0.7-mile Valley Peak Loop Trail for views over Somes Sound.

11. Great Head Trail

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Length: 1.9 miles
Elevation Change: About 150 feet
Time: About 1-2 hours
Trailhead Access: Sand Beach Parking Lot

The Great Head hike is a great addition to the time you plan to spend in beautiful Sand Beach. The trail rises up into the cliffs, for great views of the coastline and Sand Beach.

Great Head is one of the best hiking trails in Acadia NP and offers great views over Sand Beach.
View of Sand Beach from the Great Head Trail

The trail starts at the far end of Sand Beach, so walk across the beach from the parking lot to the set of granite steps that mark the start of the trail. You may need to cross a small stream that drains into the ocean.

At the top of the steps, walk right to the rocky viewing area to snap photos of Sand Beach from above. You can also see the Beehive from this viewing area.

Continue walking along the headlands to the highest point on Great Head, about 145 feet above sea level, for dramatic views of the water. Here you can see the ruins of a tea house from 1915.

From the high point, the trail turns inland, and descends via forests to a junction, where you can choose to take a shorter path down. But be warned: the shorter path has an initial steep climb before the descent to Sand Beach.

If you continue on the longer trail, you’ll find it moves back towards the water, offering a few more opportunities for views before you hit an easy dirt road leading back to Sand Beach.

12. Beech Mountain Loop Trail

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Length: 1.2 miles, loop
Elevation Change: About 350 feet
Time: About 1-2 hours
Trailhead Access: Beech Mountain Parking Lot, northwest side

Located on the west side of Mount Desert Island, the Beech Mountain Loop Trail offers beautiful views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain. You can also access a surviving fire tower!

Beech Mountain Trail, Acadia NP, Maine
Walking up the Beech Mountain Trail PC: NPS/Victoria Stauffenberg

If you stay right at the junction, you can take the longer gradual climb to the top. The trail goes through a forest before emerging onto rocky ground.

From the granite formations in the foreground to views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain, you can now enjoy the views from the trail as you continue climbing.

At the top, a series of granite and wood steps take you to the summit of Beech Mountain and allow access to the fire tower.

From the viewing area in the tower, you get gorgeous views of Acadia Mountain and other mountains on the west side of Mount Desert Island, as well as views of Somes Sound and Echo Lake.

From the summit, a short descent through granite slabs and a wooded section take you back to the parking lot. The descent is fairly steep.

Good to Know!

If you prefer a quicker but steeper ascent, you can do the loop in the opposite direction be making a left at the first junction. This option allows for a more gradual descent and the opportunity for sunset photos if you do the hike in the later part of the day.

If you’d rather not tackle the steep side, you can also do the trail as an out and back along the more gradual slope for a longer but less strenuous hike.

13. Precipice Trail

Difficulty: Extremely strenuous
Length: 3.2 miles, loop
Elevation Change: About 1,000 feet
Time: About 3.5-5 hours
Trailhead Access: Precipice Trail Parking Lot along Park Loop Road

Considered the most epic trail in Acadia National Park, Precipice Trail offers a thrilling adventure for experienced hikers and climbers. It features ladders and iron rungs, similar to a via ferrata.

The Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine
The Precipice Trail is super challenging!

The trail climbs up the cliffs on the eastern face of Champlain Mountain to the summit. The mountain is the sixth tallest in Acadia National Park, but the cliffs are super challenging!

Start with a granite staircase, and then move on to a rugged slope, where a few iron rungs and an iron railing help you climb to the junction with the Orange and Black Path. Turn left to continue on the Precipice Trail.

After this point, you will encounter multiple sections with iron rungs and ladders as you continue climbing up the steep mountain face. As you walk the narrow (and exposed!) ledges between the rung-and-ladder sections, you will get fabulous views.

The last stretch to the summit is a simple climb. From the top, enjoy expansive views of Frenchman Bay, Dorr Mountain, and the surrounding areas.

Descend via the Champlain North Ridge Trail and the Orange and Black Path to Park Loop Road to complete the loop and arrive back at the parking lot.

Good to Know!

The Precipice Trail is not recommended for small children, or for people with a fear of heights or balance issues.

The park advises against descending via the Precipice Trail. This trail is also not recommended in wet weather.

The Precipice Trail may be closed during peregrine falcon nesting time, in the late spring and summer. Check the park website for up-to-date trail status before you go.

14. Beehive Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 1.4 miles, loop
Elevation Change: About 450 feet
Time: About 2-4 hours
Trailhead Access: Sand Beach Parking Lot along Park Loop Road, look for the trailhead for the Bowl Trail

Leading up the steep face of The Beehive, the Beehive Trail is another challenging rung-and-ladder trail in Acadia National Park that offers fabulous views and an epic adventure.

The Beehive Trail is one of the best trails in Acadia National Park, Maine
The Beehive Trail is challenging!

Hike the Bowl Trail to the Beehive Trail and then begin the ascent up the faults in the granite to the top. Iron rung ladders, manmade steps, and railings help traverse the steep mountain face.

About halfway up the climb to the top of The Beehive, you’ll even walk a section made of iron rungs instead of solid ground!

There are many exposed sections and lots of scrambling involved before you attain the peak. From the top, enjoy spectacular views of Sand Beach and Great Head, and the water.

You’ll descend via a much easier route, down the west side of the mountain to the Bowl, a pond with a lovely setting amongst mountains. Continue on the Bowl Trail back to the starting point.

Good to Know!

The Beehive Trail is not recommended for small children, or for people with a fear of heights or balance issues.

For an easier route to the top of The Beehive, you can hike up the Bowl Trail and back.

15. Jordan Cliffs Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 3 miles, loop
Elevation Change: About 950 feet
Time: About 3-4 hours
Trailhead Access: Jordan Pond North parking lot

Yet another classic ladder and iron rung route in Acadia National Park, the Jordan Cliffs Trail is not considered as strenuous as the Beehive Trail or the Precipice Trail, but still offers a thrilling adventure.

The Jordan Cliffs Trail in Acadia National Park in Maine
A view from the Jordan Cliffs Trail PC: Danielle

The dramatic Jordan Cliffs are located along the east face of Penobscot Mountain and offer stunning views of Jordan Pond.

Start at the Jordan Pond boat launch, and go left on the Jordan Pond Trail to where it connects with the carriage road. If you walk the carriage road to sign post 14, you will connect with the Jordan Cliffs Trail. Or walk to post 15 and hike Spring Trail to Jordan Cliffs Trail.

Jordan Cliffs Trail makes its way through the forest as it goes up the face of Penobscot Mountain. You’ll encounter exposed sections, loose rocks, and masses of tree roots as you hike.

Stone steps and intermittent handrails offer support. Along the route, you will get great views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding areas.

At the top, an iron rung ladder leads to the junction with the Penobscot East Trail, with a final climb to the summit. The summit offers fabulous 360-degree views.

Take the Penobscot Mountain Trail for the initial descent from the summit. At the junction, take the Spring Trail left for a steep descent, which features iron rungs and ladders, to the carriage road leading back to Jordan Pond and the parking lot.

Good to Know!

The Jordan Cliffs Trail is not recommended for small children, or for people with a fear of heights or balance issues.

This trail is generally closed in late spring and summer due to peregrine falcon nesting. Check the park website for current trail status before you go.

Tips for Hiking Acadia National Park

Best Time of Year to Hike Acadia National Park

While many of the hiking trails in Acadia can be hiked year round, spring through fall is considered the best time for hiking Acadia National Park.

In winter, the park sees a lot of snow and severe winter weather, making trails and rocky sections slick and dangerous. The park’s carriage roads make good snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.

Peak fall color time is an exceptionally scenic time to hike in Acadia National Park. Fall foliage at Acadia generally peaks between October 10 and October 20, but you should check color reports for current information if you plan to visit then.

Fall colors at Acadia National Park in Maine
Fall in Acadia National Park

Whether you pick trails through the forests or carriage roads to see the gorgeous leaf colors up close, or you hike up mountains for expansive color swathes, you are in for a visual treat!

From a congestion perspective, summer tends to be the most crowded time in the park, followed by peak fall color time. Consider visiting in the late spring (May or June) or outside of peak color season in the fall for a more tranquil time hiking in Acadia National Park.

Parking at Acadia in Season

In season (summer and peak fall color time), popular parts of Acadia National Park can get extremely congested during the day, making it almost impossible to find parking at trailhead parking lots. Some of the lots are on the smaller side as well.

For a better experience, start as early in the day as you can, or hike late in the afternoon. This is especially true for popular hikes.

Rather than wait for parking spots to open up, consider taking the park shuttle, the Island Explorer, which generally runs from some time in the later part of May to some time in the early part of October.

Acadia National Park sign in Maine
Fall in Acadia National Park is beautiful!

Hiking with Your Pets at Acadia National Park

Planning to bring your pet to Acadia? Dogs are allowed on many Acadia National Park trails, as well as the carriage roads, as long as they are leashed at all times.

Hiking Safety in Acadia National Park

The National Park Service has a page on safety in Acadia National Park, with tips for hiking safety as well. We recommend you read and get familiar with their rules and recommendations prior to you visit.

Many trails in Acadia, even easy trails, are not safe to hike in wet weather. They can get slick and slippery when it rains.

Other trails have sections with steep drop-offs.

Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are recommended in any weather. Dress in layers, and use bug and sun protection.

Download Maps or Bring a Printed Trail map!

Cell reception tends to be minimal to non-existent in Acadia National Park, plus it’s not wise to only rely on your phone for maps: you may drop or lose your phone, or your battery may run out.

Get a weatherproof hard-copy trail map to bring with you on hikes, even if you download all the maps and information you need prior to your visit.

Trail Markers in Acadia National Park, Maine
Trail signs at Acadia National Park

Where to Stay Near Acadia National Park

You can find great places to stay in Bar Harbor, the charming town just outside the park.

The town also boasts a variety of dining options, making it the perfect base from which to explore the park.

Hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor Grand Hotel is located in a historic building on Main Street in downtown Bar Harbor, but quiet rooms are available.

The hotel is 1.5 miles from the park, and offers spacious rooms with contemporary furnishings. You will also find an onsite swimming pool and hot tub.

Check rates and availability now!

The Inn on Mount Desert is located just a mile from the park, and offers free wifi and free parking.

The Bar Harbor waterfront and shopping and dining are just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and breakfasts are rated excellent.

Check rates and availability now!

Yellow House Inn is located one block from the main drag in Bar Harbor, and a 5-minute drive from Acadia National Park. The charming bed and breakfast offers individually decorated rooms with plush bedding, and an outdoor fire pit and sitting area.

Parking and wifi are free. The breakfasts are rated excellent and there is an afternoon wine reception.

Check rates and availability now!

Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine
Beautiful Jordan Pond

More New England Travel Inspiration

Planning a trip to New England?

Be sure to check out our article on the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, and our round-up of the best things to do in Newport, Rhode Island!

We also have an article on the best places to visit in New England, from cities like Boston and Portland to charming little towns and natural areas.

Also check out our guide on the best places to go in Vermont, as well as the most picturesque places to visit in Maine.

Looking to explore more of the east coast of the USA?

Check out our article on the best East Coast weekend getaways, from big vibfrant cities like Miami to smaller charmers like Savannah and Charleston and natural areas like the Outer Banks!

And if you are looking to do a road trip, we have an article on the best East Coast road trips you can take, from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway to the Florida Keys and New England in the fall.

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Discover the best hiking trails in Acadia National Park, Maine, from easy strolls like Ship Harbor to challenging climbs like the Precipice.

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Dhara

Dhara's travel interests are eclectic, spanning everything from natural wonders to history, culture, art and architecture. She has visited 22 countries, many more than once, plus almost all 50 states of the USA, and has amassed a hoard of cherished travel moments.

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