Things to do in Acadia National Park
Top Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.
Geologic Formations
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What travellers are saying
- Robin D.4 contributionsSome of the most spectacular views I've ever seen! Absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit if you are traveling in the Acadia area.Written 22 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- S4136XSdavidbTexas460 contributionsDon't know how you could visit Acadia Natl Park without driving on this road. Lots of things to see, well-marked. Will intersect with hiking trails and the famous "carriage" roads. The haert of the National Park.Written 6 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert WCorvallis, OR306 contributionsOn a sunny Fall day one could not ask for a more beautiful hike. The Fall colors were out and the sky was clear. Consequently we had a very nice walk around Jordan Pond. This is a relatively easy 3+ mile walk. There is an extensive board walk, a little bit of granite through which to migrate, and the a wide path. It seems interesting to us that what one calls a "pond" in the NE would be called a lake in the West.Written 26 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JenOSarasota, FL3 contributionsSpanning almost 6 years between visits, I have climbed and hiked Acadia National Park's famed Precipice Path Trail on 2 separate occasions.
In August 2022, when traveling with a hiking friend, we successfully hiked Precipice Path/Trail and Beehive Path/Trail on the same day.
Comparing the two hikes:
Precipice is a long hike with slippery rungs and moss, making for some scary areas.
Beehive has an area prior to the climb where the rocks are slick and several hikers slipped. These hikers were not at the edge of the mountain and were not in any danger or falling off the face of the cliff.
Beehive has far better views.
Both hikes (Precipice and Beehive) have routes down the mountain which are difficult to navigate. Hikers are discouraged from going down via the "climb" and rungs on both hikes.
Precipice is easier to navigate going down but you will need to walk along the road to get to your vehicle and trailhead. We were lucky enough on the hike in 2022 to catch the shuttle back to our vehicle.
Again I stress that the Precipice first rung series is the hardest. If you can do this, then all the other rungs will be easily managed.
This was my review in October 2016:
Preparation:
I watched the youtube videos and read the reviews well in advance. I prepared mentally and stayed in average shape prior to my trip to Acadia in September of 2016. Despite the foreboding elder at the trailhead warning me of the man who died earlier this year on the way down after reaching the summit, I remained confident that my boyfriend and I would make it to the top without any problems. It was an overcast day and we had been cautioned that the rocks could be slippery and we should tread carefully.
Toward the Summit:
Through the mist we made our way up the Precipice trail to the test rungs, which I only passed by throwing my pack up first then climbing up. I didn't have to throw my pack again which indicates the "test" is harder than any of the ladders and rungs along the trail. In my opinion, the rock scramble was the hardest part of this hike. I felt relatively safe throughout the hike and experienced no "fear of heights" (acrophobia). Reaching the summit was a rewarding experience.
Navigation skills required to hike down Champlain Mountain:
There are several ways to come down Champlain Mountain, the least recommended is the Precipice Trail. Reviews indicated the best route down would be via the Champlain Mountain North Ridge Trail (formerly Bear Brook Trail) which terminates on Park Loop Road just north of the Precipice Trailhead. There were several hikers we encountered who had planned the aforementioned route but took a wrong turn on the way down and ended up coming down Precipice Trail. I was convinced that I did not want to have the same fate and carefully read the signs and confirmed with my boyfriend who was following the trail on his Garmin. Bates' cairns and blue arrows guide the hiker in finding their way down and posted signs assist when selecting the correct route when there is a forks in the trail.
Highlights:
Climbing the ladders and rungs. Making the way to the summit and reaching the summit. Some say the view is amazing but we had too much mist/fog during our hike to have any photos worth posting. During my walk back to the car, I passed a large bird who quickly went into flight just as I noticed her. This bird was most likely a peregrine falcon. I have now learned that he females can be as large as 3 lbs.
Recommendation:
I am a beginner hiker but I have a few summits I have reached. I do not run or work out but I remain active throughout the year. I never recommend watching the sunset from the summit, as you will then be left coming down in the dark. This is a must do hike for the experience of the ladders and rungs.Written 26 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nicolette CoffeyWestminster, MD22 contributionsThe Beehive portion of this hike is amazing! My teens (17 & 19) and my husband and I (47 & 48) LOVED it. We got to the Beehive section on a weekday around 11:00 am and it was crowded but not awful. This is a climb, not just a hike. While not one of the highest summits in the area, it has one of the steepest inclines to reach its top.
I am not afraid of heights; I love hiking “strenuous” trails and still my body had a physiological flutter of fear when climbing some of these rungs. It was exhilarating but if you are the least bit afraid of heights I suggest you skip the Beehive portion.
You’re in full sun, so wear SPF. It’s a short but intense trail so we paired it with a few others yet decided that on a hot day Beehive would pair well with a few hours at Sand Beach playing in the water.Written 7 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jgpknowsWilmington, DE13 contributionsHike was tough in certain areas but worth the effort. Rained night before, so slick in spots. Round trip took 2 hours 39 minutes with multiple stops to summit.Written 17 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hooty123Tucker, GA32 contributionsI rented a bicycle in Southwest Harbor and rode the Island Express bus to Eagle Lake. I had a wonderful bicycle ride around the lake on the well maintained carriage roads. There are steep uphills, rewarded with fast steep downhills. Also, I rode by and photographed 3 different bridges. The carriage trails are great fun!Written 28 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Patricia SChepachet, RI14 contributionsOne of my favorite stops while touring Acadia. It was a beautiful day and we were there as the tide was coming in and the waves were beautiful!! While they say the water is very cold there were a few brave souls testing the waters!!! Sand Beach is a delite!Written 17 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Genevieve B4 contributionsThe drive up Cadillac Mt. was worth the fee to go. The views are spectacular. The trails on the rocks are gentle, even for 65+ yr. old hikers such as my husband and me. We tried to hike Jordan Pond the day we arrived. Too crowded, no place to park. We went back 2 days later and went early in the morning so we could park. Barring that, go to visitor center and take the bus. Jordan Pond was my favorite hike. Level, flat rocks, boardwalk and gravel. Views were awesome. I walked at a pretty good clip, it took me about 1- 1/2 hrs to complete.Written 29 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- buytaertsOwatonna, MN217 contributionsGreat hike from Sand beach to cliff. Fantastic view and you can see Thunder Hole on the way. Only drawback is parking and crowds. I suggest either getting up early or heading here closer to 2 pm,Written 1 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- neetzerNew York City, NY3 contributionsDid the hike to Bubble Rock. The trail for the North Bubble provided the best views but it was worth it to check out Bubble rock. Hike is pretty quick - it is a little steep and some rock scrambling but not too difficult.Written 11 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bob SLuray, VA118 contributionsThis trail is on the western side of desert island. I would rate it a must do
We did The Valley trail first. This trail was relatively easy and other reviews said it was like you were in middle earth.
I totally agree. If you have people that can’t do something a bit more strenuous just do this trail and walk up and then back. You will not be disappointed
Or , after you do valley you continue up beech mountain trail. This is a moderate hike uphill and like much of Acadia lots of rocks.
Important hiking tip especially if you are a bit older. Bring knee supports (I forgot mine) for the down hill parts. Also bring hiking poles (forgot them too- but my wife and ira h bought one at the park- helps a lot)
Any way this was a great hike. Not crowded great views at the top. This was one of our favorite hikes in all of AcadiWritten 4 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Michele PMiddletown, NY360 contributionsSpent the day driving the loop and stoping at the various points along the mostly one-way road. Each area was unique and beautiful. There are small pull offs to admire the scenery, walking paths and of course lots of hiking! There were restrooms open at some of the areas although some things were closed this late in the season. Take the ride to the top of Cadillac mountain...and sit and enjoy the view.Written 29 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rep1943Waynesville, NC4 contributionsEnjoyed the scenery and the lobster! Took some nice tours - bus tour of Acadia, culinary walking tour, LuLu lobster boat, and Acadia carriages in Acadia Park. Enjoyed them all and would recommend them. Only drawback is how crowded this part of Maine is.Written 28 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanju_222323New Jersey14 130 contributionsFrom Bar Harbor, it takes over 30 minutes to drive here. Along the way, you will pass Echo Lake. it's not that popular so less of a crowd. in the fall, I did not see anyone here except us... yeah, in summer, it could be fun...there is a small beach, changing rooms, and calm water (its lake).
Fall colors were very pretty, with reflection in the lake making it more beautiful. Secluded but great!
Parking: Ample parking there-no issues with that.Written 15 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acadia National Park
- The top attractions to visit in Acadia National Park are: See all attractions in Acadia National Park on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Acadia National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Precipice Trail
- Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
- Gorham Mountain Trail
- Cadillac Mountain
- Great Head Trail
- The best day trips from Acadia National Park according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park
- Full Day Small Group Hiking Tour of Acadia National Park
- Full-Day Private Tour and Hike in Acadia National Park
- 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Cadillac Summit, Somes Sound & Lobster Pound
- The most popular things to do in Acadia National Park with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Acadia National Park on Tripadvisor
Acadia National Park Attractions Information
Attractions | 37 |
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Attraction Reviews | 12 554 |
Attraction Photos | 9 525 |
Local Time | Saturday 19:24 |