Bike Carriage Roads
Winding through the heart of the park, the 45 miles of historic carriage roads have crushed rock surfaces perfect for miles of bicycling.
Year-round Pets allowed
National Park · ME
Things to do in Acadia
The National Park Service lists 89 things to do at Acadia National Park. 87 have no extra fee, 85 need no reservation, and 82 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
Birding "with" the Champlain Society
In the early 1880's members if the Champlain Society documented bird species breeding on Mount Desert Island. Follow along the same trails they took and observe what birds we find in those places. Are they the same, or different?
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Birding at Otter Point
Enjoy Acadia's rugged coastline along Otter Point and search for passing seabirds and listen for songbirds in the nearby forest.
Year-round Pets allowed
Birding at the Precipice
View the cliff for nesting peregrine falcons (mid-April through early August) and for other raptors passing by and explore the wetland across the street.
Spring, Summer Pets allowed
Birding at Thompson Island
Explore migratory shorebirds, terns, and gulls (August-October) on the mudflats of Mt. Desert Narrows.
Year-round Pets allowed
Birding Cadillac Mountain
Enjoy excellent birding opportunities from Acadia's highest point. In the fall (late August-October), join park rangers and volunteers daily at the Cadillac Mountain Hawkwatch.
Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Pets allowed
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Birding Isle au Haut
Explore this downeast offshore island that is home to spruce-fir forests, rocky coastlines along with a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, and terns.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Birding Jordan Pond
Explore Jordan Pond before the crowds by searching for breeding loon and songbirds in the morning at this popular Acadia destination.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Birding Schoodic Peninsula
Spend a day driving and birding the mainland section of Acadia National Park. Located near Winter Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula provides some of the best birding habitat in the park.
Year-round Pets allowed
Birding Seawall
Seawall provides great birding opportunities on the west side of Mount Desert Island at Acadia National Park.
Year-round Pets allowed
Birding Sieur de Monts Springs
Explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia and Great Meadow, or take a walk on Jesup Path, Hemlock Trail and Stratheden Trail for birding opportunities.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Birding the Carriage Roads
Grab a bike and binoculars and take a ride. Just about everywhere you go you can find a feeding flock of songbirds. Great starting locations and loops: Eagle Lake, Witch Hole Pond Loop, Aunt Betty Pond, Jordan Pond, and Bubble Pond.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Birding the Western Mountains
Explore the rugged side of Acadia National Park to find and listen for boreal breeding songbirds.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Birding Wonderland and Ship Harbor
Enjoy two beautiful walks through boreal and mixed-wood forests out to the rocky coast on the quietside of Acadia National Park
Year-round Pets allowed
Drive Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape.
2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed
Drive Park Loop Road
Wind your way through forests, past lakes and mountains, and along the shoreline on scenic Park Loop Road. The 27-mile (43 km) road also provides access to popular areas such as Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.
1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Explore Historic Carroll Homestead
Head towards the west side of the island to visit an example of 1800s island life at Carroll Homestead, a time capsule of early Euro-american settlement before Mount Desert Island became a tourist destination and Acadia National Park came into being.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Go Earthcaching At Acadia
Embark on an exciting journey through time to discover how glaciers have shaped Acadia National Park. Using your GPS unit and a set of clues obtained from this website and hidden along the journey, you can guide yourself to a series of sites in the park.
Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed
Geocaching
Hike Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain Loop
A short, challenging loop hike to the summits of Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain, each over 900 feet.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Bar Island Trail
Walk along a gravel sand bar during low tide to reach Bar Island. Once on the island, hike another mile to the highest point on the island for views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.
45-90 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Beachcroft Path
The Beachcroft Path is an historic memorial pathway, constructed in 1915. Take this trail to reach Champlain Mountain for panoramic coastal mountain views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outlying islands.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Beech Cliff Trail with Island Explorer Bus
The Beech Cliff Trail climbs a steep rock face from the southern end of Echo Lake to the top of the cliffs. Continue north along the short and fun Beech Cliff Loop to be treated to even more views from the top of the cliffs.
2-4 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop
This loop hike traverses a forest before ascending Beech Mountain, where there is a fire tower and views of Long Pond, Mansell Mountain, and the west side of Mount Desert Island.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Beech Mountain Trail
This short, moderate loop on the west side of Mount Desert Island provides hikers with views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain on the way up and access to one of the few remaining fire towers in the area.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Beehive Loop
This is a 1.4 mile loop trail that ascends a 450 ft cliff face. Exposed cliffs, iron rungs, and granite staircases climb this trail revealing scenic ocean views.
1-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Bubbles
This short 1.5 mile hike offers views of Jordan Pond and the surrounding mountains from the iconic North Bubble, South Bubble, and Bubble Rock.
60-90 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Bubbles Nubble Loop
This hike traverses the summits of North Bubble, South Bubble, and Connors Nubble and crosses varying terrain of forest paths, steep granite sections, and a level carriage road.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Cadillac North Ridge Trail
A moderate out-and-back hike to the highest point both in Acadia and on the eastern seaboard. The trail is mostly exposed, providing hikers with sweeping vistas of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the Schoodic Peninsula.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Cadillac South Ridge Trail
This out and back trail is the longer option for hiking Cadillac Mountain with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and outlying islands before reaching the summit.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Cadillac Summit Loop
The Cadillac Summit Loop, located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, is well known as one of the most scenic paths at Acadia National Park.
1-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Pets allowed
Hike Carriage Roads
Many carriage roads intersect with hiking trails. They can be incorporated into a hike to create a loop, add distance, or provide opportunities for more even terrain to gain or lose elevation.
Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Compass Harbor Trail
Explore a historic site near Bar Harbor and enjoy a dramatic shoreline with views of Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Island.
30-45 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop
The Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop is a 3.2 mile loop featuring views of Mount Desert Island from the top of Dorr Mountain after a steep ascent.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Double Bubble Nubble Loop with Island Explorer
The trek to summit both Bubbles and Conners Nubble summits three peaks and accesses iconic park locations. Hikers will be treated to views of lakes and mountains while exploring woodlands.
4-5 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Emery Path
Emery Path is a steep .5 mile memorial path at Sieur de Monts leading up towards Schiff Path and Dorr Mountain.
20-45 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Flying Mountain Loop
This loop hike offers a short, relatively steep hike to the top of a small mountain with spectacular views of Somes Sound and descends to a quiet ocean cove with a rocky beach.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Giant Slide Loop
A challenging hike up a rugged ravine to excellent views atop Mount Desert Island's second highest peak, Sargent Mountain, and other summits.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Gorge Path
Gorge Path follows a narrow, rocky gorge separating Dorr and Cadillac Mountains. It crosses streams, climbs steep, granite steps, and intersects other trails leading to either summit.
2-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Gorge/Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Loop with Island Explorer Bus
This is a great option for hiking to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. It follows Kebo Brook which cuts deeply through the granite bedrock with views of steep canyons walls from the gorge below.
2-4 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Gorham Mountain Loop
The Gorham Mountain Loop is 3.5 miles featuring mountains and a rocky coastline with panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outlying islands.
1-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Great Head Trail
This 1.7 mile trail has spectacular ocean views along a coastal headland with some wooded sections. This historic trail also includes the ruins of an early 1900's tea house.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Great Head with Island Explorer Bus
Great Head Trial provides visitors a chance to hike a shorter trail and get amazing views of the ocean and forest in the same hike. Enjoy the views while relaxing on the beach afterward.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Hadlock Ponds Loop
Enjoy boardwalks, wooden bridges and some uneven terrain on this 4.1 mile figure eight trail that includes both Lower and Upper Hadlock Ponds.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Homans Path
Homans Path is a memorial path at Sieur de Monts. It is a .3 mile steep ascent with impressive examples of intricate rock work. It is one of the routes to reach Schiff Path, and eventually the summit of Dorr Mountain.
15-30 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop
This forested path continues to a boardwalk with multiple interpretive signs and benches. It opens up to a meadow before looping back on an old fire road. Views of Dorr Mountain are interspersed in this walk along a birch and hemlock forest.
30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Jordan Cliffs Loop
The Jordan Cliffs Loop offers a challenging 5 mile hike across steep slopes, iron rungs, and a strenuous climb up Sargent Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views from two mountain summits and Jordan Pond nestled between the mountains.
3-4 Hours Spring, Fall
Hike Jordan Pond Loop with Island Explorer Bus
If looking for a way to relax, to take in some magnificent views, or to just burn some of the calories from the popovers consumed at the Jordan Pond house, the Jordan Pond Path is a great choice.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Jordan Pond Path
The trail follows the shore of Jordan Pond, providing iconic views of steep, glacially sculpted mountains and the glacially carved valley that is now Jordan Pond.
1-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Kebo Brook Trail to Kebo Mountain
This 2 mile out-and-back trail follows a fairly level forest path before a short, steep climb to reach the summit of Kebo Mountain.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Kurt Diederichs Climb
Kurt Diederichs Climb is a memorial path at Sieur de Monts. It is a .4 mile steep ascent with many granite steps. It is one of the routes to reach Schiff Path, and eventually the summit of Dorr Mountain.
20-30 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Norumbega Mountain Loop
The Norumbega Loop Trail features a steep hike up to the summit of Norumbega Mountain, then a gradual descent in the forest before hiking along the western shore of Lower Hadlock Pond.
2-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Ocean Path Trail
The ocean path is a spectacular 2.2 mile long out and back trail takes you along the bold coast of Maine with ocean views, granite slabs, and rocky cliffs. This trail is a great way to access Thunder Hole and Otter Point from the Sand Beach parking area.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Ocean Path Trail with Island Explorer Bus
Ocean Path follows atop Acadia’s granite cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. While exploring the Ocean Path, visitors can enjoy scenic vistas and iconic park locations including Sand beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Pemetic Mountain Loop
The Pemetic Mountain Loop combines a variety of hiking environments over 4 miles, starting with an easy walk along a scenic pond to a rugged ascent.
2-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Pemetic South Ridge
This hike reaches the summit of Pemetic Mountain from Jordan Pond, providing panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
2-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Pemetic Summit with Island Explorer Bus
The hike up and over Pemetic takes hikers to the shores of both Bubble and Jordan Pond and summits Pemetic Mountain. Nearly 360-degree views look out over Cadillac, Sargent and Penobscot peaks, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cranberry Isles.
2-4 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Perpendicular and Razorback Loop
The loop features a gravel shoreline path along Long Pond and a steep ascent on granite staircase of over 300 stone steps built by the CCC to reach the summit of Mansell Mountain.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Precipice Loop
Rising over 1,000 feet in 0.9 miles, the Precipice Trail requires physical and mental strength. It is a rugged, non-technical climb with open cliff faces and iron rungs, and reaches the summit of Champlain Mountain.
2-3 Hours Spring, Fall
Hike Sargent and Penobscot Mountains from JPH with Island Explorer Bus
The trails up Sargent and Penobscot Mountains are located a short distance from the Jordan Pond House restaurant and gift shop.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Schiff Path
Schiff Path is a popular, relatively steep trail and acts as a connector between Sieur de Monts and the summit of Dorr Mountain. It is one of the memorial trails built between 1924 and 1930.
30-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Schoodic Peninsula Trails
This 7.5 mile network of hiking trails leads across the peninsula, from Winter Harbor in the north through spruce-fir forests, pine woodlands, and a shrubland, terminating on the southern end at Blueberry Hill.
Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Ship Harbor Trail
Ship Harbor Trail is a 1.3 mile figure-8 loop near Seawall. Great for families and birders, and a variety of habitats can be seen along the shore.
30-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Sieur de Monts to Jesup Path with Island Explorer Bus
The trails from Sieur de Monts to Jesup Path are located adjacent to the Nature Center and the Wild Gardens of Acadia in a wooded area.
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach Trek with Island Explorer
The trek from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach connects four trails and summits Champlain Mountain. Hikers will be treated to views of lakes, mountains and ocean while exploring woodlands, ponds and bare summits.
2-4 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop
This 3.9 mile challenging loop summits two mountain peaks and offers stunning views of Somes Sound, the surrounding mountains, outlying islands,and the ocean.
2-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike the Acadia Mountain Loop with Island Explorer Bus
Acadia Mountain Trail follows up the east and west side of the mountain with views of the surrounding mountains and bodies of water. With the Island Explorer bus, visitors won't need to park along the road and can ride to the trailhead stress-free.
2-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Village Green to Sieur de Monts with Island Explorer Bus
Beginning at the Village Green in Bar Harbor and ending at the Sieur de Mont Area this hike includes the Great Meadow Loop, the Hemlock Road Trail, and the Jesup Path.
1-1 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike Western Mountain Loop
This 3.8 mile loop travels through forested areas and up the summits of Bernard Mountain and Mansell Mountain, together creating Western Mountain.
2-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Wonderland Trail
This 1.4 out and back trail on an old gravel fire road is family-friendly and provides direct access to the coastline with birding opportunities.
30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Oldfarm Video Tour
George B. Dorr worked tirelessly through the early 1900s to found what we know today as Acadia National Park. His former family estate, known as Oldfarm, is situated along the Compass Harbor Trail, less than a mile from downtown Bar Harbor on State Route 3.
Year-round Pets allowed
Paddle Eagle Lake
Explore Eagle Lake by canoe or kayak.
Pets allowed
Paddle Echo Lake
Launch at Ikes Point to explore Echo Lake by boat.
Pets allowed
Paddle Jordan Pond
Paddle Jordan Pond in the center of Mount Desert Island.
Pets allowed
Paddle Long Pond
Explore Acadia's longest pond by boat.
Pets allowed
Picnic at Jordan Pond
Eat at Acadia's only restaurant, the historic Jordan Pond House, or bring your own picnic. This popular spot on Park Loop Road is a crossroad for historic carriage roads and hiking trails, as well as a launch point for canoeing and kayaking.
Year-round Pets allowed
Stargazing at Jordan Pond
Find opportunities to stargaze and photograph the night sky the shores surrounding Jordan Pond.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Stargazing at Sand Beach
Enjoy stargazing and night photography opportunities from Acadia’s only sandy beach.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Stargazing at Seawall
Explore the night sky from the west side of Mount Desert Island while enjoying the ocean soundscape.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Stargazing Ocean Path
Learn about stargazing opportunities along the coast on Ocean Path.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Stargazing on Cadillac Mountain (Vehicle Access Limited)
Gaze in awe at Acadia's night sky from the highest mountain summit in the park.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Swim Echo Lake Beach
Echo Lake Beach is a popular, freshwater swimming area on the southern end of Echo Lake. It is accessible off Route 102 in Southwest Harbor.
Summer Pets allowed
Swim Lake Wood
Lake Wood is a secluded pond with a small beach area, just a short drive away from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. There are no lifeguards and access road does not open until June 1.
Summer Pets allowed
Swim Sand Beach
Acadia’s only sandy ocean beach, at the beginning of the Park Loop Road’s coastal section, is one of the park’s most heavily-visited areas.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Tidepooling at Bar Island
Access the shore from downtown Bar Harbor for a unique tidepooling experience on a natural land bridge.
30-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Tidepooling at Ship Harbor
Explore tidepooling opportunities on the rocky shoreline off this easy figure-8 coastal forest trail.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Tidepooling at the Schoodic Peninsula
Tidepooling locations at the Schoodic Peninsula.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Tidepooling at Wonderland
Explore rocky tidepools at the far end of this coastal forest trail on the west side of Mount Desert Island.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Tour de Wildlife
A few spots with great potential for wildlife viewing, and what you might find there.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Waysides at Schoodic Woods Ranger Station
There are two waysides featured on a wall at the Schoodic Woods Ranger Station. "Exploring Schoodic," offers an aerial view of a peninsula with a rugged coastline. The land-mass is partially surrounded by deep blue water.
Year-round Pets allowed
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Acadia. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
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Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Acadia National Park — things to do on nps.gov