People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.

Campgrounds - Camping

Blackwoods Campground
Open all year. Primitive, walk-in camping only from December 1 to March 31 (permit required).

Seawall Campground
Open late May to September 30

Duck Harbor Campground (Isle au Haut)
Open May 15 to October 15 (permit required)

Acadia Places of Interest

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. During certain times of the year, it is the first place in the U.S. to see sunrise.

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.

Directions to Acadia
Acadia National Park is located along the rugged, rocky coast of "Downeast" Maine. Most of the park is located 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.

Hulls Cove Visitor Center (April 15-October 31) is located on Route 3 north of Bar Harbor. Park Headquarters is located on Route 233 (Eagle Lake Road), two miles west of Bar Harbor.

Acadia Hours of Operation
Acadia National Park is open all year. Information is available at park headquarters all year and at Hulls Cove Visitor Center from April 15 through October.

Most facilities—including the visitor center, museums, picnic areas, Seawall Campground, and many roads—close during the winter. Most of the Park Loop Road, including the road to Cadillac Mountain, is closed from December 1 through April 14 and at other times when severe weather creates dangerous conditions.

Location