I’ve heard the best time to visit Acadia National Park is early fall, before temperatures drop below freezing at night after all the summer crowds have gone home, but before the leaf peepers come up to visit.
However, we would like to go before summer tourism starts picking up. My friends and I have made it a tradition to visit Acadia National Park every year. We usually visit during one of the first few weeks of June, right after Memorial Day weekend. It’s the start of summer, but it’s not quite warm enough to attract the crowds yet.
We usually camp at Mount Desert Campground from a Wednesday to a Sunday, turning that Wednesday into an epic road trip up north. What would traditionally be a 5 ½ to 6-hour drive turns into an 8-10 hour trek because we make our way up the coast, taking scenic Route 1. For all the places to stop, check out this post for some things you won’t want to miss!
If you’d rather be straight to your destination because you can only stay for a long weekend, don’t worry. 2-3 days is still the perfect amount of time to explore Acadia.
Whether it’s your first or your tenth time, if you’re planning a trip to Acadia National Park, there are several places you can’t miss! Don’t worry; most of them are family & pet-friendly!
Where is Acadia National Park?
Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the coast of Maine. It is home to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast of the United States.
It sits about 160 miles from Portland, ME, and just around 50 miles from Bangor, Maine.
The closest town to Acadia National Park is Bar Harbor, a gorgeous little bayside village with shops, restaurants, and places to stay (if you’re not into camping!)
When is Acadia National Park Open?
Generally speaking, most facilities, stores & services, and campgrounds are open from early May through mid-late October. They are no longer staffed then, though some park areas will remain open and accessible.
According to nps.gov, Park Loop Road and paved roads are open from April 15 to December 1. The unpaved roads are open from May 1 until November 15.
The carriage roads are open year-round with some seasonal closures.
Schoodic Loop & Point Road, and Sand Beach are open year-round.
Is Acadia National Park Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Acadia National Park is dog-friendly. This is one of the few national parks that allows dogs, and aside from being a drivable distance from us, it is one of the reasons we choose to visit this park every year.
Federal law requires that pets be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. This is for the safety of your pet as well as the wildlife.
Protect your pet, the local flora & fauna, and other visitors by always keeping your dog on a leash. Safety first – don’t forget to check yourself & your pet for ticks after being outdoors, and always bring plenty of water for yourself and your adventure buddy.
What are some Fun Things To Do in Acadia National Park?
Whether you consider yourself outdoorsy or not, Acadia National Park has plenty to offer everyone. Leisurely hikes and beautiful views, I’m telling you — this place has quickly become one of my favorites, with good reason.
Hike Around Jordan Pond
Jordan Pond is a gorgeous and relatively easy dog- and kid-friendly hike. It is mostly level, with one area of rock scrambles (which can be avoided if one cannot/doesn’t want to climb). In total, the hike takes between 1-2 hours and is about 3.5 miles long.
I recommend getting here early because this hike is very popular, and parking at Jordan Pond House is limited. However, there are overflow parking areas in the Jordan Pond North Lot.
Start your hike by heading to either the right or left since it is a loop. If you head towards the left (clockwise direction), you’ll meet the rock scrambles pretty quickly. Going this way means getting the hardest part of your journey out of the way first. If you prefer a more leisurely stroll, head towards the right. Either way, you’ll encounter pristine, glass-like waters reflecting gorgeous colors and views. Even on a cloudy day, you’re sure to see some wildlife, particularly loons, floating on the pond.
Note: no swimming or wading is allowed in Jordan’s Pond because this is a public water source. If you’re searching for a place to swim, visit Echo Lake or Sand Beach.
Your visit to Jordan Pond would only be complete by stopping at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant for a popover and some blueberry lemonade. It would be smart to make a reservation because this place tends to get busy in the summer afternoons. Still, if you’re lucky enough to get there (or finish your hike) right when they open at 11 am, you can put your name in and usually be seated relatively quickly. Don’t miss a chance to dine out on the lawn if the weather’s nice – the views are spectacular!
Wild Gardens of Acadia
I said most of these hikes were dog-friendly. Still, technically, the Wild Gardens of Acadia themselves do not allow pets inside the actual gardens (which I respect – who wants their dog peeing all over the precious landscaping?)
There are, however, several paths located around the gardens that are accessible for hiking, and dogs are allowed.
We spent some time walking the length of the boardwalk (which was a little over a mile long). This was an incredibly peaceful and private hike, given that we went in the late evening. We only encountered a few other folks walking at this time.
Witch Hole Pond & The Carriage Roads
The Witch Hole is considered moderately challenging because of its length and change in elevation. This spot is popular for mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. We encountered a handful of other people throughout our hike, most of whom were biking around.
This trail was new to us on our trip in 2023, but I would certainly go back and hike it again. We were bold and hiked with our dog, Lilo, and friends with an 8-month-old son. They brought the stroller, and we could enjoy a leisurely hike that took about 3 hours to complete – it was not too difficult to maneuver the stroller on the terrain, but some inclines were a bit of a workout at times!
The entire Witch Hole Pond hike is about 7.8 miles and is family & pet-friendly, but be sure to pack enough water & snacks for everyone because this one was a bit of a workout. (I say that as someone who is in pretty average shape). We tend to take our time and enjoy the scenery anyway, so it was never going to be a rigorous hike!
Visit Cadillac Mountain
Drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain and experience a family-friendly hiking trail of about a ½-mile with breathtaking views. Vehicle reservations are required annually from late May through October and are available through recreation.gov.
Every blog out there will tell you to catch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. While I would always recommend catching a sunrise anywhere, especially on top of a mountain with gorgeous 360° views, in the interest of full disclosure, that adventure is still on my bucket list.
Take a Drive Around Park Loop Road
One of my favorites, driving around Park Loop Road, is so relaxing and fun. There are plenty of places to stop off and have an adventure, but honestly, the best part for me after a morning of hiking and exploring is simply enjoying the views.
Kelvin always drives (as you guys know, since we camp on top of the 4Runner), so I have the luxury of being a full-fledged passenger princess and simply enjoying the wind blowing through my hair, the sun on my face, and the salty ocean breeze in my nose.
The list I’ve created in this article already includes several poignant locations off of Park Loop Road, but don’t worry, like I mentioned, there are plenty of other places to explore.
Below is a list of some can’t-miss locations off Park Loop Road.
Bar Harbor
It wouldn’t be a post about Acadia without some mention of Bar Harbor. Whether camping or staying in a quaint little hotel, you’re already staying in or near Bar Harbor when you visit Acadia National Park. If you haven’t yet, you should definitely make time to explore this town.
Better still, if you’re just planning your trip and are looking for recommendations on where to stay or what to do in Bar Harbor, check out this post.
Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a naturally-formed inlet that can be reached either by driving Park Loop Road or walking Ocean Path. There is a small parking lot across the road that is wheelchair accessible.
Witness the incredible natural magic that is the ocean waves swirling and slapping at the surrounding rocks, creating thunderous booms that are as exciting as they are deafening.
Exercise caution when visiting because the terrain can be slippery; this does face the ocean, and waves can lap up over the sides of the outlook. The best time to visit Thunder Hole is 1-2 hours before high tide for the best chance at experiencing the thunder.
Sand Beach (and a Hike at Great Head)
If a beach is what you’re searching for when you come to Acadia National Park, stop at Sand Beach – Acadia’s only sandy beach serenely settled between mountains. Find it at the beginning of Park Loop Road, on the east side of Mount Desert Island.
You can also begin your hike up Great Head Trail here. This trail wanders up the side of the granite cliff, with multiple spots to stop and enjoy a stunning view. This popular hiking trail makes its way in just under a 2-mile loop around the perimeter of the Great Head Headland.
Dogs are welcome on this hike, and we could thoroughly enjoy the route with Lilo in tow (or rather, Lilo enjoyed the trail with us in tow!).
The latter part of the trial contains rocky outcroppings and large boulders that can be difficult to navigate for some dogs or children, so it’s wise to exercise caution in these areas. Along the way, some old stone ruins from a tower once housed an observatory and tea room.
Visit Birch Harbor & Explore Schoodic Peninsula
This impressive peninsula is a much more secluded area and the only portion of Acadia National Park that is part of the mainland. It is about an hour’s drive from the Hulls Cover Visitor’s Center, but still worth the trip.
A 6-mile one-way loop around the Schoodic Peninsula offers views of the lighthouses, scenic forested islands, and all types of waterfowl. There are multiple turn-offs to stop and take in the iconic scenery.
Camping is available at the Schoodic Woods Campground; RVs are only permitted on this section of the road. There are also some hiking opportunities: about two and one-half miles from the picnic area, an unmarked trail leads to the top (440 feet) of Schoodic Head.
We always take some time to stop at the picnic area and simply take in the surroundings, climb onto the rocks and listen to the waves, or walk on the pier and search for wildlife.
Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?
Acadia National Park is a trip you can’t miss – especially if you live in the northeast area of the US.
There is so much to do in this corner of the country, even if the great outdoors isn’t your cup of tea. From camping and hiking to leisurely drives & shopping, you’ll get an unforgettable taste of classic New England.
When exploring the world, please remember to be mindful of your surroundings. Practice Leave No Trace ethics, and always remember to follow local regulations.
If you’re hiking alone, remember to tell someone where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and when you expect to return. Stay hydrated, and remember to bring snacks!
