Acadia National Park

It was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 by a presidential proclamation by Woodrow Wilson. Congress renamed the park Lafayette National Park in 1919. Congress again enacted a name change in 1929 to the name we now use, Acadia National Park. It was the first NP established east of the Mississippi River.

In October 1947, Acadia and some adjacent lands were ravaged by fire.

A quick look at any topographical map of Mount Desert Island will indicate the powerful and lasting effects of the last ice age on the island and the current landscape of Acadia. As the last glacier receded over 18,000 years ago it left behind the elongated mountains and lakes we see today. The moving ice was also the culprit behind the "bald" summits of most of the park's hilltops, scraping off vegetation and leaving the beautiful pink granite underneath.

More than 273 bird species have been identified in the park, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, blue jays, finches, and chickadees (the Maine state bird). Mammal species include deer, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, porcupines and bats. Other species include garter snakes, the American bullfrog, and the North American red-bellied salamander.

Acadia's weather is largely a product of latitude and marine influences. On a daily and annual basis, Mount Desert Island temperatures are more moderate than those of inland Maine. The Maine coastal climate has been ranked second only to the Pacific Northwest in annual precipitation. This moisture occurs in every form at Acadia. Ice storms are regular in winter and early spring, and rain is frequent in every month. Fog is common during June, July, and August.

Spring can be foggy with temperatures ranging between 30 °F (−1 °C) and 70 °F (21 °C). Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, and long pants for protection. Annual rainfall is 48 in (1,200 mm).

Summer daytime temperatures range from 45 °F (7 °C) to 90 °F (32 °C). Evenings are cooler. Dressing in layers is advisable for any boating or hiking activities. Ocean water temperatures range from 50 °F (10 °C) to 60 °F (16 °C). Lake water temperatures range from 55 °F (13 °C) to 70 °F (21 °C).

Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Come prepared for all types of weather, from sun to fog, from downpours to flurries. Fall foliage often peaks during the first couple of weeks in October. Weather conditions over the summer, such as drought, may alter the time that the leaves peak.

In the winter, due to Acadia's coastal location, snow and weather conditions change rapidly. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero. The park averages 61 in (1,500 mm) of snow annually. For the latest in weather information, call the local weather phone line at +1 207-667-8910 or call the park at +1 207-288-3338.

• Park website
• 🌍 Hulls Cove Visitor Center, 25 Visitor Center Road, Bar Harbor. 8:30AM–4:30PM. (updated Feb 2022)

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. By car to the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor: Follow Rt. 1 North/East from Ellsworth to Rt. 186.

• Bangor, ME 50 miles, 1 hour
• Portland, ME 161 miles, 3.5 hours
• Kittery, ME 211 miles, 4.5 hours
• Boston, MA 264 miles, 6 hours
• New York, NY 492 miles, 10 hours
• Saint John, New Brunswick 227 miles, 5 hours
• Montreal, Quebec 424 miles, 8 hours
• Halifax, Nova Scotia 500 miles, 10 hours

Direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, 10 mi (16 km) from Acadia National Park. National airlines serve the Bangor International Airport, about one hour from the park. Car rentals are available at both airports.

There is no longer ferry service from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth Nova Scotia. "The Cat" is no longer in service.

There is an extensive network of carriage roads throughout Acadia National Park, which are closed to automobiles and are excellent places to ride your bicycle. The carriage roads are mostly paved with crushed stone and, therefore, are best navigated on a mountain or hybrid bicycle. Another option for cyclists is the ~20 mile (32 km) long Park Loop Road, which encircles much of the eastern portion of the park. The road is open to automobiles, but is a one-way, two-lane road for much of its length. The Park Loop Road appears to have been re-paved in 2008, making for a very smooth, pleasant ride. Bikes can be rented in Bar Harbor.

Acadia has the best day hiking in the Eastern U.S. Walking the miles of trails is one of the best ways to experience the park. Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island on a number of different hikes of various environment, length, and difficulty. These trails are stunning, with high ocean views, accessible tree lines, steep precipices, stone bridges, etc.

Acadia is a great place to birdwatch, with many species calling the park home including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, cranes, ducks, geese, chickadees, woodpeckers, owls, orioles and blue jays can be seen in the park. For an extensive checklist and more info on birdwatching opportunities in Acadia, see the NPS's birdwatching page.

The park is one of the darkest spots on the East Coast and on a clear night stargazers can see the Milky Way in all of its glory. Drive into the park after dark, find a safe place to stop along one of the park roads or parking lots where you're not crowded in by trees or lights, get out and look up. You will not be disappointed.

The last glacier of 18,000 years ago carved out the incredible and beautiful terrain of the park, leaving behind some of the cleanest lakes and ponds in the country. Sea kayaking tours and boat rental services are offered from numerous establishments in Bar Harbor and allow access to Mount Desert Island and other destinations.

Fishing is allowed in the park in accordance with the park regulations. While ocean fishing is open to all, fishing in freshwater lakes and ponds requires a Maine state fishing license. Licenses are required for residents aged 16 and up and non-residents 12 and up, and can be purchased at town offices and a few local shops.

Some ponds and lakes are used for drinking water and do not allow swimming; check park office for list of approved swimming locations.

• Sand Beach. Watch out for a strong undertow at this ocean beach accessible from Park Loop Road 
• Echo Lake beach. 

Those who prefer a guided experience can choose between free park tours or commercial options.

• Ranger-led Walks, ☏ +1 207 288-3338, fax: +1 207-288-8813. Various park locations. Ranger-guided walks and cruises. 
• Carriages in the Park, Inc.. The authorized carriage concession at Wildwood Stables in the National Park. With a number of regularly scheduled tours and the option of private tours, Carriages in the Park offers guests a chance to see John D. Rockefeller's carriage roads and some of the park's most stunning views. For the guests of the park with horses Carriages in the Park also offers overnight stabling on site. 

There are no hotels within the park borders, but the nearby town of Bar Harbor has numerous options.

The park has three campgrounds:

• 🌍 Blackwoods Campground, toll-free: +1-800-365-2267. Open year-round. Reservations are suggested from may through October. 306 sites. No hook-ups or utilities. Restrooms with running water. Showers available nearby (fee). May - Oct: $20, Apr & Nov: $10, Dec - Mar: free (primitive camping only). 
• 🌍 Seawall Campground (on Route 102A, four miles south of Southwest Harbor), toll-free: +1-800-365-2267. Open mid May - Sept. Approximately half of the campsites are non-reservable and will be sold on a first come, first served basis at the campground. Reservations. 214 sites. No hook-ups or utilities. Showers available nearby (fee). $20 drive in, $14 walk-in tent. 
• 🌍 Duck Harbor Campground, ☏ +1 207-288-3338 (reservations). Duck Harbor Campground is on Isle au Haut, a rugged island off the coast of Stonington, Maine. Remote and inaccessible to automobiles, Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by mailboat. Five primitive sites are available at Duck Harbor from May 15 to October 15 by advance reservation, and stays are limited to 3-5 days depending on the season. You must have a reservation to camp. Camping is permitted in designated sites only, and party size is limited to six persons per site. Facilities include five lean-to shelters, three-sided with roof and floor. Dimensions are 8' tall, 8' deep, and 12.5' wide. Use of tents is limited to what can fit inside the shelters. There is also a composting toilet and hand pump for water that is 1,600 feet from shelters. Reservations are recommended well in advance, but are not accepted before April 1st. Access to Isle au Haut is via limited passenger ferry service; Confirm boat schedule with Isle au Haut Ferry Company (207) 367-6516, before reserving a campsite. Campers should be prepared to hike five miles to reach camp from Town Landing, if the ferry is not scheduled to continue on to Duck Harbor on date of arrival. A $25 special use permit fee must accompany each reservation request form regardless of how many nights you wish to camp. There is no additional camping fee. 

Backcountry camping is not permitted (and strongly discouraged due to the fragile ecosystem) in Acadia National Park.