Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is popular among outdoors enthusiasts. It contains more than 120 miles (193 kilometers) of historic hiking trails and 45 miles (72 kilometers) of bikeable carriage roads. Park visitors can also go tidepooling, kayaking, or fishing on the coast or at the inland lakes. Acadia National Park tickets for private vehicles cost $25, while individuals arriving by bus or on foot must pay a $12 entrance fee. All vehicle reservations are valid for seven days. 

It's possible to visit on an overnight tour of Maine from Boston, or on a multi-day tour of the United States' East Coast. Boat tours are another special way to see its sights. And for one of the park's essential experiences, follow the 27-mile (43-kilometer) Park Loop Road, which goes around the east side of Mount Desert Island.

• Be prepared for traffic during summer's peak visitation. Beat the crowds by arriving early and buying your visitor's pass online, or booking a tour in advance.

• The weather is constantly changing on the Maine coast, so prepare with sunscreen and dress in layers.

• The park allows pets—just be sure to keep them on a leash.

• For an accessible park hike, embark on the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Jordan Pond loop.

Acadia National Park is 264 miles (425 kilometers) north of Boston or about five hours away by road. Car rentals are available at Logan Airport, as well as Hancock County Airport (15 minutes from the park) and Bangor International Airport (one hour from the park). For those who haven't visited Acadia before, it's best to start at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Parking lots can be tough to access during the summer months. Instead, leave your car at your hotel and take Oli's Trolley or the fare-free Island Explorer bus.

The park is open year-round, although it is most crowded in summer. In autumn, the trees blaze with color and fewer crowds make for ideal bird-watching and hiking conditions. When snow falls, some roads and facilities close, but the terrain is perfect for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Complete your Acadia National Park tour with a stop (or overnight stay) in this seaside town, located adjacent to the park on the island's northeast harbor and known as a gateway town to Acadia. Peruse specialty art shops and dine at Main Street restaurants for your fill of fresh seafood and local farm-grown produce. Most guided bus tours to Acadia include time in Bar Harbor with an expert tour guide.

While Acadia National Park is open year-round, most visitors come from June through October, when most trails, visitor centers, and attractions are open. Seasons transform the landscape: Clear skies and blooming lilacs make spring a favorite, while autumn brings brightly colored leaves to the island’s dense forests.

Entrance passes are required for Acadia National Park, but they’re not based on timed entry. The only timed tickets you’ll need in Acadia National Park are for driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Vehicle reservations are required to access the Cadillac Summit Road from late May through late October.

Begin your Acadia National Park visit at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Bar Harbor, a destination for park passes, maps, and information on park activities. It’s also a stop for the seasonal (and free) Island Explorer bus that leads to many of the park’s top trailheads and attractions.

Entrance fees at Acadia National Park depend on how you arrive. Pedestrians pay $20 per person, while motorcycle passes are $30. Private vehicles with up to 15 passengers pay $35. If you have an annual park pass—including passes for seniors, military, and fourth graders—there’s no additional entrance fee.

Exploring Acadia National Park is all about playing outside. The park has dozens of hiking trails, a 45-mile (72-kilometer) network of car-free carriage roads, and rocky shorelines great for peering into tidepools. Limited light pollution means incredible stargazing at night, and the park’s also a favorite for avid birdwatchers.

There are plenty of things for kids to do at Acadia National Park. Ranger-led programs take place throughout the summer, and park-provided scavenger hunts help kids learn about local nature and history. Kids can spot starfish and other marine wildlife in tidepools, and stroller-friendly carriage roads are great for even the smallest hikers.