Attractions in Acadia National Park

Cadillac Mountain
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is not only the tallest mountain in the park, but also the tallest mountain along the eastern coast of the United States. Rising high above the town of Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain offers magnificent views of the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. Explore the summit of this granite mountain along a .3-mile trail, which includes wayside exhibits about natural and human history. Portions of this trail are accessible to wheelchair users.

Cadillac Mountain is accessible via a winding, narrow, 3.5-mile road. The road is closed from December 1 through April 14 and whenever weather conditions (e.g., dense fog or ice) require.

Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road system offers outstanding views of the park's ocean shoreline, coastal forests, and mountain silhouettes. This historic road system is open from April 15 through November 30, weather permitting (small portions remain open all year).

Sieur de Monts Spring Area
The Sieur de Monts Spring area is the heart of the park. Facilities include the Nature Center, the Abbe Museum, and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Set out on one of many historic hiking trails that begin in the area.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island. Currently a private residence for the commander of the local Coast Guard unit, the lighthouse has short trails on either side that provide spectacular views. The lighthouse is located along Route 102A in Bass Harbor, on the west side of Mount Desert Island.

Islesford Historical Museum
Visit the maritime past at the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. Exhibits tell the story of the Town of Cranberry Isles and its people through ship models, dolls and toys, photographs, and tools.

Bicycling
Portions of the paved motor roads and 45 miles of historic carriage roads are suitable for bicycling.
The Park Loop Road offers scenic views, but it is winding and narrow and may be congested with vehicles. The road up Cadillac Mountain is very steep and can be dangerous. Bicyclists should use caution when riding on any park road.

Birdwatching
Acadia is a great location for birdwatching, with more than 270 species of breeding birds on Mount Desert Island and many migrating species passing through on their way north or south along the coast. Raptor Ranger Lora compiled a list of a few of the best spots to find birds in the park, along with some of the birds you might see in each location.

Climbing
Acadia National Park offers a variety of fine climbs on small cliffs created during the last continental glaciation. Most of these cliffs are composed of solid coarse-grained pink granite. The longest routes are three pitches. Otter Cliffs and Great Head provide a spectacular setting for sea cliff climbing not commonly available elsewhere in the U.S.

Fishing
Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound in Acadia National Park and the surrounding area. Lakes and ponds can have several species of freshwater game fish, including trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and other species. Ocean species include mackerel, bluefish, and striped bass.

Hiking
Acadia is a hiker's paradise. Within the park, 125 miles of trails offer choices for all abilities and interests. From flat rambles across meadows to challenging climbs up iron rungs, you can find it here. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods to open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. For those who prefer more level footing, 45 miles of carriage roads are excellent for walking.

Horseback Riding
Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads, the gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and family, weave around the mountains and valleys of Acadia National Park. Most of those roads are still available for horseback travel either on a carriage ride with the park concessioner at Wildwood Stables or on a horse of your own.

Picnicking
The park contains many good spots to sit down, enjoy the view, and have a quick lunch. If you are looking for a location with tables and fireplaces, however, you can visit one of the park's picnic areas listed here. All picnic areas are first-come, first-served; no reservations are accepted.

Acadia Air Tours
Anything from open cockpit to romantic sunset flights Acadia Air Tours has it all. This is a great activity for anyone that likes to fly!