Acadia
Maine
Granite peaks, rugged Atlantic coastline, and carriage roads on Maine’s Mount Desert Island.
Photos
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Weather & forecast
Highlights
Cadillac Mountain
One of the first places to see sunrise in the U.S., reachable by car.
Park Loop Road
A 27-mile scenic loop linking the coast, forests, and mountains.
Jordan Pond
A crystal-clear pond framed by the rounded “Bubbles” hills.
Carriage Roads
45 miles of car-free gravel roads built by the Rockefeller family.
Famous routes & hikes
Park Loop Road
The classic introduction to Acadia’s coast and mountains.
Precipice Trail
An exposed cliff climb with iron rungs and ladders (closed for falcon nesting in spring).
Jordan Pond Path
A gentle loop around the pond with famous views of the Bubbles.
Practical guidance
Best time to visit
Summer for full services; late September–October for fall color.
Typical visit
2–3 days
Come prepared
- Reserve a Cadillac Summit Road ticket in advance
- Use the free Island Explorer shuttle in summer
- Bring layers for cool, foggy coastal mornings
Good to know
- Many facilities close in winter
- Some cliff trails close seasonally for nesting falcons
Fun facts
Much of Acadia was donated by private citizens—it holds no single large federal land grant.
Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
Sunrise on Cadillac now requires a vehicle reservation in the busy season.