Acadia National Park – 10 Different Ways to Experience It

by Marcia Simon, APR, CTA
 
Maine’s Acadia National Park, established in 1916 as the first eastern national park and first national park whose land, all 49,000 acres on Mount Desert Island, was donated by private citizens. With 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that allow bicycles but not cars, the park is buzzing with outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers year round. The park has about 500 campsites. In addition, lodging near the park ranges from down-and-dirty to luxurious comfort overlooking Maine’s iconic coastline.
 
Here are 10 Different Ways to Experience Acadia National Park

1. Be an early bird. The park is open 24/7; parking areas in summer get filled by mid-morning; People come and go, but it can get congested; parking lots may close when full, so have an alternate plan and be prepared to juggle your schedule.
2. Drive it.  Park Loop Road is a 27-mile drive around the eastern half of Mount Desert Island that winds along the coast with easy access to some of the park’s biggest attractions, including Cadillac Mountain. It’s quite impressive to pass cyclists pedaling up to Cadillac Mountain’s 1530 foot summit on the curvy road on a steady incline; and then watching them glide down on the descent. At the summit you’ll see stunning views of Frenchman Bay. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest coastal mountain north of Brazil overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
3. View it from the water. Park rangers lead boat tours around Mount Desert Island. You’ll need to sign up in advance at the Visitor Center when you arrive, or at the information booth in Bar Harbor right across from the Island Explorer stop on the village green. Try www.acadianboattours.com. Check out the lighthouse tours from www.barharborwhales.com. For a truly “local experience”, catch a ride on the mail boat to the outer islands. Or take the Lulu Lobster boat cruise for lobster fishing and seal watching. www.sailacadia.com.
4. Sea kayak tours also provide a variety of day trips with several options. Try www.nationalparkseakayak.com or www.coastalkayakingtours.com
5. Climb it. Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School runs youth camps and lessons, and guided climbs for adults.
6. Bicycle part or all of the 47 miles of trails on the carriage roads, originally built for horse power to pull carriages; no cars allowed. The Island Explorer Bicycle Express is a free shuttle service that runs continuously between the Bar Harbor village green and the Carriage Road by Eagle Lake in the park from about 9:30 am to 5 pm daily throughout the summer until Columbus Day. Rent bikes in town at www.acadiabike.com  or www.barharborbike.com.
7. Witness Thunder Hole, a narrow, granite channel that traps air when the waves come in with the tide and make a thunderous roar as the waves crash and retreat. Timing is key because you only get the show at or near high tide. If you’re close up at the viewing railing there’s a good chance you’ll feel a hearty spray of sea water.
8. Hike it. From gentle family hikes appropriate for young children to a breath-pumping climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain, you’ll find lots to explore. It’s about 3.5 miles around Jordan Pond, which offers one approach to Bubble Rock, a giant boulder left behind from the glacier days. The hike up to see it provides a beautiful view of both Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond. A handy pocket guide of hiking and biking trails at the park’s Visitor Information Center costs $4.95 and is lightweight and small enough to tuck away.
9. Camp it. For information about campgrounds and the park’s 500 camping spaces, visit www.nps.gov/acad.
10. By camera – Take your time. Get off the beaten path or hit the scenic vistas and popular outlooks at dawn or dusk. The park is known for beautiful starry nights. Park rangers offer photo tours; several other photo tours are available as well.

 
Entrance fee to get into Acadia National Park is $30 per car regardless of the number of passengers. It’s a 7-day pass; so whether you go for one day or five days, the price is the same. Without a car, it’s $15 per person on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. Seasonal passes are also available.
 
Marcia Simon is  a travel writer, IATA-accredited travel advisor and principal of MSE Public Relations – creating small group experiences and unique promotional opportunities for brands and travelers alike. To contact Marcia, email marcia@mseusa.com, call 860-399-0191 or through Twitter @marciasimon.

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