Acadia National Park



Acadia National Park is the only United States national park in New England and the easternmost national park on the mainland. It is on the coast of the Down East region of Maine, near the town of Bar Harbor.

Understand
Acadia NP encompasses more than, 30,300 of which are on Mount Desert Island. 2,728 acres of the park lie on Isle au Haut and 2,266 more on the Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor.

Acadia is one of the smaller national parks in the country, yet it attracts around 4 million visitors per year.

History
It was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 by a presidential proclamation by Woodrow Wilson. Congress renamed the park Lafayette National Park in 1919. Congress again enacted a name change in 1929 to the name we now use, Acadia National Park. It was the first NP established east of the Mississippi River.

In October 1947, Acadia and some adjacent lands were ravaged by fire.

Landscape
A quick look at any topographical map of Mount Desert Island will indicate the powerful and lasting effects of the last ice age on the island and the current landscape of Acadia. As the last glacier receded over 18,000 years ago it left behind the elongated mountains and lakes we see today. The moving ice was also the culprit behind the "bald" summits of most of the park's hilltops, scraping off vegetation and leaving the beautiful pink granite underneath.

Flora and fauna
More than 273 bird species have been identified in the park, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, blue jays, finches, and chickadees (the Maine state bird). Mammal species include deer, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, porcupines and bats. Other species include garter snakes, the American bullfrog, and the North American red-bellied salamander.

Climate
Acadia's weather is largely a product of latitude and marine influences. On a daily and annual basis, Mount Desert Island temperatures are more moderate than those of inland Maine. The Maine coastal climate has been ranked second only to the Pacific Northwest in annual precipitation. This moisture occurs in every form at Acadia. Ice storms are regular in winter and early spring, and rain is frequent in every month. Fog is common during June, July, and August.

Spring can be foggy with temperatures ranging between and. Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, and long pants for protection. Annual rainfall is $$.

Summer daytime temperatures range from to. Evenings are cooler. Dressing in layers is advisable for any boating or hiking activities. Ocean water temperatures range from to. Lake water temperatures range from to.

Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Come prepared for all types of weather, from sun to fog, from downpours to flurries. Fall foliage often peaks during the first couple of weeks in October. Weather conditions over the summer, such as drought, may alter the time that the leaves peak.

In the winter, due to Acadia's coastal location, snow and weather conditions change rapidly. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero. The park averages $$ of snow annually. For the latest in weather information, call the local weather phone line at +1 207-667-8910 or call the park at +1 207-288-3338.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
Acadia National Park is along the rugged, rocky coast of "Downeast" Maine. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island, which is accessible by vehicle. The park is approximately six hours north of Boston.

By car
From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. By car to the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor: Follow Rt. 1 North/East from Ellsworth to Rt. 186.

Distances from other cities

 * Bangor, ME 50 miles, 1 hour
 * Portland, ME 161 miles, 3.5 hours
 * Kittery, ME 211 miles, 4.5 hours
 * Boston, MA 264 miles, 6 hours
 * New York, NY 492 miles, 10 hours
 * Saint John, New Brunswick 227 miles, 5 hours
 * Montreal, Quebec 424 miles, 8 hours
 * Halifax, Nova Scotia 500 miles, 10 hours

By plane
Direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, from Acadia National Park. National airlines serve the Bangor International Airport, about one hour from the park. Car rentals are available at both airports.

By ferry
There is no longer ferry service from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth Nova Scotia. "The Cat" is no longer in service.

Fees and permits
Entrance fees as of 2020 are:
 * $15 Acadia Entrance Fee - Per Person
 * $25 Acadia Entrance Fee - Motorcycle
 * $30 Acadia Entrance Fee - Private Vehicle
 * $55 Acadia Annual Pass

Get around
The free Island Explorer bus system, Phone: +1 207-667-5796, can take you through the park, stopping at points of interest. There are bicycle racks on the front and back of each bus if you'd like to combine transport methods as you explore. Island Explorer buses are propane-powered.

Land activities
There is an extensive network of carriage roads throughout Acadia National Park, which are closed to automobiles and are excellent places to ride your bicycle. The carriage roads are mostly paved with crushed stone and, therefore, are best navigated on a mountain or hybrid bicycle. Another option for cyclists is the ~20 mile (32 km) long Park Loop Road, which encircles much of the eastern portion of the park. The road is open to automobiles, but is a one-way, two-lane road for much of its length. The Park Loop Road appears to have been re-paved in 2008, making for a very smooth, pleasant ride. Bikes can be rented in Bar Harbor.

Acadia has the best day hiking in the Eastern U.S. Walking the miles of trails is one of the best ways to experience the park. Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island on a number of different hikes of various environment, length, and difficulty. These trails are stunning, with high ocean views, accessible tree lines, steep precipices, stone bridges, etc.

Acadia is a great place to birdwatch, with many species calling the park home including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, cranes, ducks, geese, chickadees, woodpeckers, owls, orioles and blue jays can be seen in the park. For an extensive checklist and more info on birdwatching opportunities in Acadia, see the NPS's birdwatching page.

The park is one of the darkest spots on the East Coast and on a clear night stargazers can see the Milky Way in all of its glory. Drive into the park after dark, find a safe place to stop along one of the park roads or parking lots where you're not crowded in by trees or lights, get out and look up. You will not be disappointed.

Water activities
The last glacier of 18,000 years ago carved out the incredible and beautiful terrain of the park, leaving behind some of the cleanest lakes and ponds in the country. Sea kayaking tours and boat rental services are offered from numerous establishments in Bar Harbor and allow access to Mount Desert Island and other destinations.

Fishing is allowed in the park in accordance with the park regulations. While ocean fishing is open to all, fishing in freshwater lakes and ponds requires a Maine state fishing license. Licenses are required for residents aged 16 and up and non-residents 12 and up, and can be purchased at town offices and a few local shops.

Some ponds and lakes are used for drinking water and do not allow swimming; check park office for list of approved swimming locations.



Tours
Those who prefer a guided experience can choose between free park tours or commercial options.



Lodging
There are no hotels within the park borders, but the nearby town of Bar Harbor has numerous options.

Camping
The park has three campgrounds:



Backcountry
Backcountry camping is not permitted (and strongly discouraged due to the fragile ecosystem) in Acadia National Park.

Stay safe

 * It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating.  The water is cold and hypothermia can set in in a short amount of time.  Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm.

If you are determined to go out on your own, it would be foolish and could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer to do so without every single passenger:
 * wearing a PFD and/or
 * having a compass and knowing how to use it and/or
 * understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards

There are numerous companies on Mount Desert Island and elsewhere that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.