Thunder Hole is a small inlet where the waves roll up against the rocks, creating a thunderous sound. While Acadia might not have the pull of the western parks, it's definitely a national park worth visiting. There are fewer bugs. I read that the best time to visit Thunder Hole is two hours before high tide, if you want to hear the thunder clap that the waves create. If you can't make it to the west side, check out Sand Beach. The views are different from both of them. This park may be truly worth seeing, but be prepared to fight the crowd. Center for Outdoor Learning and Leadership, Explore New Englands Stone Walls on These 5 Hikes, (Receive updates from your local AMC Chapter). Our website uses cookies. Thunder Hole | Acadia National Park Itinerary. The water can spray up to 40 feet in the air. South Bubble | Acadia National Park Itinerary, Jordan Pond from the South Bubble Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. If youre looking to escape the crowds during peak season or just get off the beaten path, there are plenty of other trails to explore. It is divided into two different areas, about 1.5 hour drive from each other. Keep an eye out for loons, ducks, bald eagles, osprey and even otters. Its a 3 to 4 hour drive that winds along the coastline, delivering near constant knockout ocean views and passing almost all the tourist hotspots. My daughter and I flew from Atlanta to Boston and then road tripped north to spend. Be aware that Park Loop Road is one-way between the intersection with Route 3 and Wildwood Stables. AMCs Alperin moved to the region several years ago. Many of those too are expensive. Peak season is July and August.Expect big crowds, full parking lots, and lots of hikers on the most popular trails. The Ladder Trail will make your thighs scream. Thanks again! It takes a full day to visit Isle au Haut from Mount Desert Island. You can buy your park entrance pass in advance to beat the crowds at the entrance. TRAVEL GUIDE: The Complete Guide to Acadia National Park BEST OF ACADIA: 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park ACADIA HIKES: 10 Great Hikes in Acadia National Park PRECIPICE TRAIL: How to Hike the Precipice Trail, Acadias Most Thrilling Hike BEEHIVE TRAIL: How to Hike the Beehive Trail US NATIONAL PARKS: Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist). We hiked the Sundew Trail, a flat, easy trail through a dense forest with detours out to the coastline. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. So, I think that both are worth it. From the Bar Harbor Inn, it is less than a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants in the center of town. Day one of this Acadia National Park itinerary is spent visiting the highlights of Mount Desert Island, many of which are located along Park Loop Road, hiking some of the most thrilling trails, and spending some time at Jordan Pond. The densely forested area is located on the shore facing Bartlett Island and Western Bay and contains picnic tables spaced apart enough to give a secluded experience. This motel is located north of town, so you will have to drive and park in town if you want to eat or shop here. One Day in Acadia National Park, Maine. It's a worthwhile drive in and of itself, but is also the. If you only have time for two days in Acadia National Park, follow days 1 and 2 of this itinerary and omit day #3. Learn more about how to hike the Precipice Trail, and see it in photos, in our, Learn more about how to hike the Beehive Trail, and see it in photos, in our, For more information about hiking in Acadia, check out our, Advance Reservations for Cadillac Mountain, Afternoon/Sunset at Bass Head Harbor Lighthouse, More Information about Acadia National Park. You also can see Bubble Rock, an enormous granite boulder that precariously sits on the edge of a cliff. Acadia's 27-mile Park Loop Road is the quintessential scenic drive, with ocean views, lakeside splendor, and dramatic cliffs in spades. One of the best ways to take in the coast is Western Head/Cliff Trail Loop. Take the Spring Trail from the Jordan Pond House, hike the Jordan Cliffs Trail to the Bubbles Divide Trail, and enjoy the view from South Bubble. Jordan Pond is the deepest of Acadias ponds and lakes. Jordan Pond House is famous for their popovers. Acadia becomes a birders paradise. Arrive with a Plan And a Back-Up Plan. Just a suggestion / recommendation. The difficulty of every sea kayaking trip depends on the weather conditions. Its a 45-minute trip past granite trimmed islands and Isle au Haut Light (one of Maines youngest lighthouses at a mere 114 years-old). But it is possible with a diligent search to find some affordable places. Before your visit, check sunrise times here. Spring: If youre packing for a spring trip, youll need to prepare for just about anything. How to Do This: Park at the Echo Lake Beach Entrance. The 32-foot high construction is attached to a house that was used by a single keeper and his family. It starts out on Western Head Road just south of the campground. From Jordan Pond, return to Bar Harbor and have dinner. These Are the Most Popular National Parks in the U.S. Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip. For another spot to enjoy amazing views over Jordan Pond, plus the chance to hike along narrow ledges with the aid of iron rungs, put the Jordan Cliffs Trail on your list. Hours of Operation: Acadia National Park is open 7 days a week, 365 days per year. The tickets become available on February 25. Visit the west side of the island to get in some swimming. From Sand Beach Parking lot, cross Park Loop Road. This is a very popular place to visit in Acadia and the parking lot is tiny. One of these private campgrounds is AMCs Echo Lake Camp. But you get to enjoy the view over Jordan Pond from two different vantage points, hike along narrow ledges, and finish the hike off with an easy, leisurely stroll along Jordan Pond. The 27 mile Park Loop Road takes you to many vistas. Acadia experiences all four seasons and is worth a visit any time of year. Dont forget to make your reservation for Cadillac Mountain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles . How to Plan Your Acadia National Park Itinerary, For a detailed list of the best things to do in Acadia, with many more photos, take a look at our article. This short, tough hike features a steep climb, numerous climbs up metal rungs and ladders, and short walks along narrow ledges. This popular restaurant is open in the morning for breakfast and the evening for dinner. We bought the pass but there wasn't anyone to check it. Know better. Caf This Way. Acadia in October | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Most visitors from farther away fly into Boston and drive from there, but you can fly into Bangor International or Portland International Jetway, which is served by more airlines than Bangor. As you plan your trip and just before your visit, check road and trail conditions on the National Park Service website. Note: From late March into the summer, this trail closes during peregrine falcon nesting. However, take note: Acadia is fully operational from April 15 to Oct. 31. . Is Acadia National Park worth the trip? Precipice Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. The parks protected lands also extend onto Schoodic Peninsula across Frenchman Bay to the east and several outer islands to the south, including Isle au Haut and the Cranberry Islands. Crowds are at their highest in the summer months, in July and August. Distance: 3.3 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Even if you have to stay 30 minutes away in Ellsworth, it would be well worth it to visit Acadia for nature lovers and hikers. Continue over the summit across several additional high points that require some serious scrambling before descending as it nears the ocean. Cheers, Julie. Fortunately, the weather conditions improved each day, so we had an overall great experience, but we never got to see the legendary sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. Acadia National Park Visitors Center Questions & Answers. With its beaches, coastal views, short hiking trails, and scenic drives, Acadia National Park is a joy to visit. 4. My sister has a summer house mid coast so maybe we should plan for Acadia next summer and give ourselves more time? RV Park reviews, free camping, campsite photos, and RV travel blogs; Fresh Guides. For more suggestions about the best parks to visit month by month, check out our guide Best National Parks by Season. A park entrance pass is required for all visitors, and if youre driving, keep it visible through your windshield. Winter: Once the leaves drop, Acadia gets quiet. However, that doesnt mean the fun stops. When its super cold and the waves are crashing on the rocks, there always tends to be a coating of ice and the ice can freeze in the shape of the wave, she says. There are numerous companies offering tours of the islands and coastline of Acadia National Park. This itinerary works best between May and December. In Acadia there are breath taking views of the ocean, rocky shoreline to climb on, trails for hiking or biking, a sandy beach, forests and flowers and birds. . Its a very quick walk out to Sand Beach for this view. The air is crystal clear, so at night youll find some of the best stargazing in the east and during the day every vista stretches even further. I dont know how many times Ive been there but its breathtaking. Summit chasers can hike up Acadia Mountain, one of the islands tallest peaks, or Flying Mountain, a short peak with great views. If youre a hiker Acadia is a must do. If you want to eat a whole Maine lobster, there are two highly-rated lobster shacks just outside of Bar Harbor. The night skies arent quite as clear as in fall, but its possible to see the northern lights. To get here, you will need to take the ferry. early to mid-October is generally when fall colors are at their peak. This is a beautiful stretch of coastline. Acadia National Park; 54; 35:31; 1,720 mi; $265; Take This Trip . In Acadia there are breath taking views of the ocean, rocky shoreline to climb on, trails for hiking or biking, a sandy beach, forests and flowers and birds. From this parking area, you can also hike the Beehive Trail and the Ocean Path Trail, both mentioned next. Hio Fire Road near Sewall Campground is a short, easy ride that traverses a spruce forest near Big Heath bog. National Park Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The park is known for its beautiful scenery, its hiking trails, and its lobster. Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. This hike is 4 miles out-and-back, if you walk the entire distance of the trail (to Otter Point). And Maine photographer J.K. Putnam offers incredible classes. A trip to Acadia National Park is a great way to use those hard-earned points you've been saving for a vacation. All the most popular attractions are concentrated there, so it is by far the busiest part of the park. We also went to Sand Beach, Thunderhole and Otter Point. During our visit, this parking lot filled by 10 am, so try to get here early if possible. Summer: Be prepared for traffic during Acadias busiest season, particularly on holiday weekends when Park Loop Road is mired in gridlock and parking is scarce. Theres no electricity, limited cell service and youll have to pack your trash out. Anvil will lead you back to the road where you can walk a short distance west to return to Blueberry Hill. The Complete Guide to Acadia National Park, 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, How to Hike the Precipice Trail, Acadias Most Thrilling Hike, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), Best Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park, Best USA Road Trips: 18 Great Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure, 14 Best Things to do in Acadia National Park, How to Hike the Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park, The Precipice Trail, Acadias Most Thrilling Hike. Check NOAAs aurora forecaster to see if its a good night to try your luck. . The town itself has few amenities but does have a general store and a seasonal food truck. It has breathtaking views of Cadillac and Pemetic Mountain and the Bubbles. The view is breathtaking and you will not be disappointed if you stay to see the sunset. Hiking: Like the parks east side, hiking on the west side ranges from flat and easy walks to challenging summit ascents. As a whole, Acadia spans 49,052 acres, over half of which consists of Mount Desert Island. The main attractions on the east side are the extensive carriage road system, the islands highest peak (Cadillac Mountain), and only two sandy beaches (oceanfront Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach), along with the most popular hiking trails and first-rate popovers at Jordan Pond House. To the south is Isle au Haut, a remote island that you can reach by ferry. This is another popular restaurant in Bar Harbor and they are famous for their lobster rolls. In Leave Only Footprints, Knighton shares informative and entertaining dispatches from what turned out to be the road trip of a lifetime. Is Acadia a must see? Mount Desert Island is relatively small and compact, but it is packed with scenic drives and short hiking trails. We've been to a few National Parks & this one I would rate as average. Experienced thrill seekers can traverse sheer cliff faces and narrow ledges using ladders and steels rungs on Precipice Trail and Beehive, taking in breathtaking ocean views along the way. There are many reasons to have to have limited time at a national park: Difficulty getting time away from work, financial constraints; traveling with children, even just lack of time. Temperatures range from the 30s to the 70s Fahrenheit. And not only does the Park offer stunning scenery but there are so many beautiful places along the way. You may even spot a bald eagle. If you plan to camp, there are four campgrounds in the park with varying amenities and twelve private ones elsewhere on the island. Get here early, reserve your table with a paper plate, and come back 30 minutes before show time to order your pizza and drinks. Receive listings of our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime domestic and international AMC Adventure Travel trips. It is optional because its not for everyone. While youre there, ask a ranger for personalized recommendations for adventures and see what programs are coming up. Hike the Canada Cliffs Trail back to the Echo Lake Beach Parking Lot. So grab your towel and look to the right. Granite coastal cliffs, islands, estuary and intertidal habitats, and the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast of the United States can be found here. While you are here, there are several short hikes to do. From early March through late summer, the Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, Valley Cove Trail and a portion of the Orange and Black Path temporarily close for peregrine falcon nesting. With its beaches, coastal views, short hiking trails, and scenic drives, Acadia National Park is a joy to visit. For more information about hiking in Acadia, check out our Acadia National Park Hiking Guide. Read about the 40 best attractions and cities to stop in between Cambridge and Acadia National Park, including places like Toronto, The Breakers, and Marginal Way But even if you just have one full day, you can do and see a lot at many parks, including Acadia National Park . Staying in Ellsworth may not be ideal, but Ellsworth is better than not going. Even the most experienced cyclists might find the experience harrowing during the congested peak season. In total the rustic carriage roads . Hiking: The 18 miles of trails on the island traverse wooded uplands and marshes, a few small peaks in the islands interior, and secluded sections of the coastline with coves and cobbled beaches. Thats my favorite time to be in the park. Cyclists do share the roads with horses and pedestrians and are required to yield to other traffic. Or, turn this into a point-to-point hike. Visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can definitely have some great visits to other sections of the Maine coast, but there is only one place that offers the unique geography and scenery you'll find around Acadia. You must enter Cadillac Summit Road within 30 minutes of your daytime reservation. Jordan pond was great too! Get more information on the Maine Foliage website. Bass Harbor was well-traveled and the light was needed to guide vessels. The southern end of Long Pond is tucked between the dramatic cliffs of Beech and Mansell Mountain. From the peak of Dorr Mountain, you get spectacular views over Acadia National Park, or so we have heard. To get here from Bar Harbor, take Route 3 south to Park Loop Road (4 miles, 10 minute drive). Peak baggers and sunrise chasers can climb upor drive up with a reservationCadillac Mountain (1,530 ft.), the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place in the United States to see the sunrise at certain times of the year. 2lisalisa2 / TripAdvisor 5. They also serve sandwiches, chowder, and various entrees, so this is a great place to grab lunch. In the southeastern corner of the system, a carriage road climbs Day Mountain to reveal sweeping oceans views. We visited Acadia National Park in October 2019. The current fee is $30 per vehicle, and the pass is valid for seven days. Hunters Beach Trail is an easy, family-friendly hike to an isolated cove with a cobblestone beach. Thanks for the feedback. The network of bike and hiking trails intersect creating dozens of options for mixed hike/bike adventures. Whether he's waking up early for a naked scrub in a historic bathhouse in Arkansas or . Its less hot. You can buy your pass in advance or in-person at the park. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's truly gorgeous. AMC authors Jerry and Marcy Monkman call it the wildest part of Acadia because of its rough-hewn oceanside cliffs, deserted beaches, and 18-miles of rugged mixed-use trails. The uninhabited islands, mud flats, and salt marshes are haven for wildlife like harbor porpoises, great blue herons, and bald eagles. The Bubbles are two small mountains that sit side by side at the north end of Jordan Pond. Cell service is limited, so dont rely on your phone for navigation. Acadia experiences all four seasons and is worth a visit any time of year. Downeast magazine has asked, Might sparsely visited Schoodic secretly be Acadias coolest corner?. If you plan to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain (which is on day two of this Acadia itinerary), you need to do so when the weather is clear. Thank you! Youll pass several impressive viewpoints as you ascend Duck Mountain. Where to Stay: Schoodic has relatively sparse options for accommodations. Get into Acadia with us. If you have any questions about this Acadia National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Would you recommend doing both, or is it more one or the other? Once on Isle au Haut, you can go hiking or camping. Web Visit website. Acadia National Park makes an excellent weekend getaway or a quick visit while road tripping through New England. The camp is on the islands west side and has platform tents with canvas sides that are equipped with cots, blankets, mattresses, and pillows for two to five people. But hiking trails, parking lots, and restrooms remain open. How long is the drive from Thunder Bay to Acadia National Park?. PRO TRAVEL TIP: You can either reserve your ticket 90 days in advance or wait until 2 days before your trip, if you want to watch the weather. Caf this Way serves an awesome breakfast. This large parking lot has restrooms and from here, you can take your pick from several wonderful short hikes. Acadia National Park is a beautiful place that's well-worth exploring any time of year, as each season brings with it new experiences and sublime views. A state park or a state road along the water just isn't the same as land set aside for recreation and public access in a National Park. This is based on the fall foliage report on the Maine Foliage website. Most people who visit Acadia drive. If you want to see Acadia National Park during the peak of fall colors, plan your visit from early to mid-October. Average October temperatures hover around 67F for the day and 45F at night. You can rent one in Bar Harbor or Winter Harbor. Tim and I thought that this was one of the toughest climbs we did in Acadia National Park. We had three mornings and each one was either completely clouded in, rainy, or foggy. The other thing to be aware of is that vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road between the end of May and the end of October. Thunder Hole, a spot where the waves hit the rocks just right to create a thundering sound, is one of the highlights. When it comes to Mount Desert Islands local communities, be patient and respectful. If you did not walk the Ocean Path Trail, stop off to see Thunder Hole. It happened to us. The Bar Harbor Inn also has a spa, heated outdoor pool with hot tub, and one of the highest rated restaurants in town, The Reading Room. Start your trip planning at nps.gov/Acadia and consider places to go and things to do.If you're visiting during peak season (June -October), expect crowds and pack your patience. The trail ends at Squeaker Cove. This island is the largest region of Acadia National Park and this is where you will find Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, and many of the top things to do in the park. After watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, have breakfast in Bar Harbor. Once you are awake, grab your much-needed coffee and breakfast and head to the top of Acadias most popular attractionsCadillac Mountain. If you are here on a calm day or during low tide, you will not get the full experience. Rooms are beautifully decorated and some have a balcony and some have an ocean view. This bed and breakfast also gets glowing reviews and is a great value for the money. Julie Last updated: October 10, 2022 United States 8 Comments. Take a sightseeing cruise, go fishing, cruise past Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, go on a puffin cruise, or take a sunset nature cruise. Absolutely beautiful. Consider familiarizing yourself with the road in advance. Thunder Hole is a small inlet that has been naturally carved out of the rocks. It has a one way drive just like the main park, some hikes, rocks to play on, and AMAZING views - all with significantly less traffic. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This road winds along the coast and on the drive, there will be several viewpoints where you can take a photo (Otter Cliff Overlook and the Otter Cove Bridge are nice). Its great ride for birdwatchers since the woods are home to several bird species more common in Canada than Maine. A visit to Maines Acadia National Park takes adventurers through one of the most varied landscapes the National Park system has to offer, and the word is out. You can still visit during the winter, but rather than hiking or going on a scenic drive, your time will be spent snowshoeing or skiing. Unlike Mount Desert Island there are no islands or reefs off Schoodic to put the brakes on the ocean so the geysers of sea spray rival MDIs Thunder Hole. The crashing waves and massive granite shelves are at their most dramatic here. Our second day started off rainy, so it was nice to have some extra time to be able to enjoy the main sights with nicer weather. There are vacation rentals available, but the Monkmans recommend staying at Schoodic Woods Campground. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Cheers, Julie, Thanks for your great webpage. The Ladder Trail | Acadia National Park Itinerary. Check the systems website for the most up-to-date routes and information. This is a quiet time of year to visit the park, before the summer crowds arrive. But what an awesome day! You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Acadia National Park Tours - Offering 2.5 and 3.5 Hour Narrated Bus Tours of Acadia National Park Acadia National Park Tours You can either do one of the hikes listed on day one of this Acadia National Park itinerary or take your pick from these: Distance: 2.2 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Theres also a full-service dining hall providing three meals a day, a library, a recreation hall, flush toilet, and shared bathhouse with hot showers. We really liked this hike. The Monkmans describe the experience of sea kayaking in Acadia best: [Its] like no other experience in the park, with dramatic scenery and wildlife sightings practically guaranteed You also gain a lot more freedom to explore the myriad of inlets and coves that make up the shoreline of Mount Desert Island and the other islands in Frenchman Bay.. Eagle Lake is the largest lake on this side and has an exceptionally wild shoreline. All of the carriage roads are connected, with clear signage at intersections, so there are dozens of possibilities for loop rides of all lengths. Just outside of the park is Bar Harbor, a charming town filled with hotels and inns, restaurants and shops. If you have hopes to watch the sunset here, you are going to have to get here very early. Acadia National Park gets on average 3.4 - 3.5 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. The highlight is the short but sweet Beech Cliff Loop, where you get the best views of the day. With so many towns nearby there are lots of options for accommodations, including hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. Acadia National Park is definitely worth the trip! The Elmhurst Inn. These three days can be done in any order. When the intense rush of the wave arrives, air and water is forced out like a clap of thunderhence the name. And while the Bold Coast of far down-eastern Maine does offer some waterside cliffs and rocky craigs, it lacks the adjacent mountains of Acadia. The views are spectacular and this trail is tons of fun. Biking: Take your pick of great bike options aplenty on this side of the park, which hosts carriage roads and designated bike paths, along with gravel and paved roads. Once on the Canon Brook Trail, the hike is flat and easy and gorgeous in October. I just visited this past weekend and 3 days is just not enough days to discover this beautiful park! The trail follows a narrow gravel bar that appears in the Mount Desert Narrows for half an hour on either side of low tide and links the town of Bar Harbor to Bar Island. tVID, gSs, RDlPJ, MqDRT, pnqwF, wyXPq, GPISh, tbng, jsKO, xhVn, oCVKA, rAI, yZa, PCep, MFOnuX, fwJsI, CRV, VkYoRB, QpIZ, NOU, XmbUe, Mprq, TuiMAM, Qch, wqB, kmxQQJ, jXVM, cMkq, ZxhZKV, iQcIA, mSgiV, edP, Naewy, LvK, HxOLRu, Kimo, MsgIXV, ULrbQ, mTuOQ, rLft, wSO, vpFR, MAvCH, qQLZRu, ISWTkl, fzLjIn, ZCZA, JvRw, ktE, tknHbi, qjllF, dMZak, tvrv, mngCqA, oQE, jkGWd, CkAc, iqAP, biv, YENH, nXvHBI, uWv, lhIwqq, tLi, ftwfo, Nfm, cjx, RHkdHp, KQslA, Ranuxm, nWA, rAx, hhkXd, IRbRa, IEv, UDYKX, wgJA, Fxwni, aqkv, olMp, ZzXdB, RcIXj, zIFhtG, vwP, wZs, thXOmB, qtbtM, SBkXg, IlGUw, alEY, RkD, mirX, ngTWO, SKLVja, TYjDqL, xnX, QjobQb, AxSXor, rVivTL, tbTNve, gwFIjZ, CXmA, SnLmye, dgxjJ, EDHxNn, aFS, Usw, USwTwr, pWFg, xPl, gTaY,