"Acadia is small, but impressive!" Acadia National Park by worldtrekker

Acadia National Park Travel Guide: 271 reviews and 483 photos

Acadia National Park is not as well known as some of the larger parks, but is certainly worth a visit. The natural beauty and the recreational opportunities here make it a worthwhile destination. It is also one of the few national parks which is located almost entirely on coastal islands, the main island being Mount Desert.
My trip here was unplanned, although I had wanted to visit for quite some time. My brother's friend Diana from Hungary was visiting, and he decided on the spur of the moment to take a trip up to Maine for 10 days. He had been up there once before and decided to stay at the same lodge he had previously stayed at on Deer Isle. He asked me if I wanted to go and of course I did, I just had to get a couple of days off from work. I joined them there for 3 nights. During the days I explored Acadia.
We made the trip at the end of Sept / early Oct. because we wanted to see the fall foliage, but we were too early. It was also an unusually warm fall...

Many recreational opportunities.

Stone bridge on a carriage trail

If you like the outdoors and enjoy immersing yourself in it, you won't be lacking for things to do here.
One of my favorite activities was mountain biking on Rockefeller's carriage roads. These 45 miles of roads are also open to hikers and those preferring to go by horse and carriage.
There are numerous hikes available including some considered non-technical climbs where you get up via metal rungs and ladders.
Kayaking, canoeing, and whale watching are some options to take part in on the water.
A special program offered here in the fall is Hawkwatch. From the summit of Cadillac mountain participants meet in the morning and observe and discuss the birds of prey which migrate through. Sightings have included bald eagles, merlin falcons, ospreys, and Cooper's hawks.

Sunset from Cadillac Mountain

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the park and what it offers, is to take a drive on the Park Loop Road and stop at it's various viewpoints. There's also a road which leads up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain which is a popular spot for sunset. Check out this link for a map of the park: http://www.acadia.national-park.com/map.htm

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful nature, mountain biking on the carriage trails, fall foliage
Cons:Tacky souvenir shops in Bar Harbor
In a nutshell:Jewel of the Northeast

Last visit to Acadia National Park: Oct 2002
Intro Updated Feb 7, 2003
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Reviews (20)

A nice end point on our climb Off The Beaten Path (3)

The climb up Precipice was challenging and created a little bit more excitement for us. It was really worth the extra... more travel advice

Whoa, that's a long way down... - Acadia National Park

Get adventurous and go up the... Off The Beaten Path (3)

It was kind of my decision to take this way up but my brother and Diana from Hungary were troopers. They had never done... more travel advice

Climbing up Mt Champlain - Acadia National Park

Climb the Precipice Trail Off The Beaten Path (3)

This may not be off the beaten path for some, but it is certainly not the way most people would choose to get up Mt... more travel advice

Hike up to Bubble Rock Things to Do (2)

Bubble Rock is a short hike with a moderate level of difficulty. There's a few spots where you need to scamble a bit,... more travel advice

Favorites (6)
See All Hiking has its rewards
Restaurants (3)
See All Internet Cafe in Bar Harbor
Hotels (4)
See All Beach front property

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Mountain biking in Acadia
Local Customs (1)
Eat lobster
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Comments (10)

36waterfalls Jan 31, 2008 at 6:22 AM Report Abuse

Very pretty indeed. Just wondering if Bubble Rock is still in tact ;-)
frankcanfly Aug 15, 2006 at 1:53 PM Report Abuse

I've always enjoyed this park, and I'm returning soon. You represent the park well.....
annk Feb 12, 2005 at 7:27 AM Report Abuse

Planning a trip for next summer. Very good tips and photos, thx! Hope all is going well with you in SB. Ann
Trekki Oct 3, 2004 at 6:44 AM Report Abuse

Very exciting page on Acadia ! I always wanted to go there, experience the rough oceanside setting, but unfortunately never had the time. Thanks for the pcitures and the excellent tips ! :-)
kazander Sep 20, 2004 at 12:04 PM Report Abuse

I love Acadia. We went for the 1st time this summer, we plan to go again next year. Nice page:)
Myndo Jul 17, 2004 at 2:50 AM Report Abuse

I loved that park. It is especially great in autumn. Very good pages!
grandmaR Oct 6, 2003 at 8:40 PM Report Abuse

My idea of Maine
mrclay2000 Feb 7, 2003 at 1:46 PM Report Abuse

Great stuff on the boutique-park in Maine. Now can we go to Denali?
Sharrie Feb 3, 2003 at 10:26 PM Report Abuse

Looks like my kinda place. Will be back :-)
wadekorzan Nov 11, 2002 at 3:26 AM Report Abuse

where is your Acadia page??? I am sure you have some great pics!