Plan your visit
Plan Your Acadia Visit
Acadia attracts over 4 million visits annually. Learn how to navigate the Park Loop Road, avoid parking congestion, and choose the best hiking trails.
Getting there
How to get around the park.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Driving the Park Loop Road is the most popular way to see the park, though parking fills up quickly in summer. | Flexible | $35 entrance fee plus $6 vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit | No RVs or trailers are allowed on Cadillac Summit Road. Cell service is unreliable, so download maps in advance. |
| Bus: The propane-powered Island Explorer shuttle connects towns, campgrounds, and trailheads. | Varies by route | Free | Operates from late June through early October. It helps bypass severe parking congestion at popular trailheads. |
| Walk: Walking or biking the 45 miles of unpaved carriage roads. | Flexible | Free (with park entry) | Motorized vehicles are completely prohibited on the carriage roads. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Acadia is open year-round, but main facilities operate from mid-May to October. September and October are very busy because of the fall foliage.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Cell service is unreliable inside Acadia National Park.
Download offline maps and audio tours before you arrive.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to spend your time in Acadia.
Drive the main sights on the East Side of Mount Desert Island.
- Cadillac Mountain
Drive up the Cadillac Summit Road (reservation required).
- Park Loop Road
Start the 27-mile scenic drive.
- Sand Beach & Thunder Hole
Walk the coast and see the wave action at Thunder Hole.
- Jordan Pond
Walk the perimeter trail around the pristine tarn.
Explore the Quietside on the West Side of the island.
- Echo Lake Beach
Visit this popular freshwater swimming spot.
- Seawall
Explore the natural granite seawall and tide pools.
- Bass Harbor Head Light Station
Photograph the historic lighthouse on the granite cliffs.
Navigating Acadia
The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile route connecting the main attractions on Mount Desert Island's east side. Parking fills up rapidly in summer. Consider using the propane-powered Island Explorer shuttle, which operates from late June through early October. It connects towns, campgrounds, and trailheads for free.
Remember that pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Do not stack rocks or alter the historic Bates cairns that mark the trails.
Easiest way to do it
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park
8 h to 16 h 4.6 (70)
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
From$20per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How many days do you need in Acadia?
Most visitors need two to three days to see the highlights on the Park Loop Road, drive up Cadillac Mountain, and explore the carriage roads.
Do you need a car to get around Acadia?
A car is convenient, but you do not absolutely need one in summer. The free Island Explorer shuttle runs from late June to early October and bypasses parking congestion.
Is Acadia National Park open year-round?
Yes, the park is open year-round. However, the main visitor facilities, shuttles, and many nearby town services operate only from mid-May to October.