Get there Early!

The trails, roads, and parking lots in Acadia get busy. If you’ve got a particular destination or hike in mind, arriving early (before 9 a.m.) increases your chances, especially in popular areas such as the Jordan Pond parking lot and Park Loop Road.

Catch the Sunrise from a Number of Stunning Places.

Sure, Cadillac Mountain gets all the attention (and crowds), but if you can’t get a vehicle reservation, there are a host of incredible places to watch the sun come up. Try Park Loop Road/Ocean Path, Wonderland Trail, or other peaks like Gorham, Dorr, and Champlain Mountains.

Take the Bus

Ditch your car (and the headaches of packed parking lots) and ride the FREE Island Explorer bus. The Island Explorer runs through October 14, 2024, and there are routes all over Mount Desert Island (with stops in downtown Bar Harbor and many of the hotels, too), as well as the Schoodic Peninsula. You can bring your bike, too! Learn more at exploreacadia.com.

Plan Ahead.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or exploring the trails for the first time, do some homework on the places you plan to explore. Acadia’s trails can be steep, rocky, rooty, and slippery—not to mention the rock scrambles. Those elements can be part of the fun, so long as you’re ready for them. Unsure? Stop at the Visitor Center and ask a ranger for help.

Have a Backup Plan

That awesome hike you really want to do? It’s likely a lot of other visitors want to hike it, too. Have a back-up option (Acadia has loads of them!) in case your first choice is already busy. And make sure you have a good, printed map, as cell phones don’t always work in the park.

Don’t Be Afraid to Explore the Park in the Rain.

“Perfect” weather isn’t a guarantee, and the park can be rather beautiful in the fog and rain. Explore Sieur de Monts, the carriage roads, or other flat trails between peaks. Bring your rain gear.

Footwear. Layers. Water.

Maybe you’re envisioning a short and mellow trail meandering. Even still, wear reliable footwear, bring an extra layer (like a fleece and/or windbreaker), and some water (snacks welcome, too)! That trail might surprise you—as might the weather.

Sign Up for a Ranger-Led Tour.

You’ll learn a lot about Acadia from someone who knows it well: a park ranger. From guided walks to carriage road bike tours, ranger-led tours give you a deeper look at the park. Or head out on the water with a cruise to Baker Island or Islesford. Check out the calendar on the park’s official website to learn more and sign up at nps.gov/acadia

Share the Carriage Roads.

Acadia’s historic carriage roads can get crowded in the summer. Whether you’re walking, biking, or horseback riding, stay aware of your surroundings and exercise courtesy. Keep to the right and give other visitors a clear warning before passing on the left. Bicyclists must yield to all users; pedestrians must yield to horses.

Be Acadia Questers.

Acadia Quest is a FREE family-friendly scavenger hunt that leads to interesting
corners of the park to glean cool Acadia insights and complete fun activities. To participate, download the free Acadia Quest app by searching the app store for “Friends of Acadia” or “Acadia Quest,” then download it to your device. friendsofacadia.stqry.app