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Acadia is a really unique national park due to how small it is. You can easily drive the entirety of the park by following the famous “Park Loop Road.” This scenic drive is only about 27 miles long, however there is so much to see and explore in such a short distance.
Before I get into the necessary stops, I encourage you to invest in the Shaka Guide for Acadia National Park. For only $12.99, you essentially get a personal tour guide in your pocket! A narrated tour with directions, historical stories, insider tips, and notable landmarks included, Shaka Guide is the perfect way to explore national parks.
While you can drive the entirety of the road in about an hour, I recommend giving yourself 3-4 hours to ensure you make the most of your time in the park.
A majority of Park Loop Road is one way only, so many people only visit the destinations once during their time in the park. So make sure to see all of the sights!
1. Hulls Cove Visitor Center & National Park Sign
Start your adventure at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center where you can grab maps, pay for your admission to the park, ask the rangers questions, and shop at the park store.
2. Frenchman Bay Overlook
A beautiful overlook into Frenchman’s Bay and the Porcupine Islands. These islands are named such due to the fact that they look like a little family of porcupines from the view above, with all the evergreen trees representing the porcupine quills.
3. Sieur de Monts
Featuring the Nature Center and Wild Gardens of Acadia, Sieur de Monts is a beautiful area to learn more about the nature and ecology of Acadia National Park. Alongside the educational aspects of Sieur de Monts, there are many scenic trails in the area that are worth exploring.
4. Beaver Dam Pond
While a crucial part of the Acadian ecosystem, beavers are often hard to spot signs of to the untrained eye. But Beaver Dam Pond is a great place to see the amazing architecture created by these incredible animals. Across the pond you will see a beaver hut, which is where they live. But at the very far end of the pond, alongside the road, you will have a close up view of a beaver dam! If you’re a bit confused what you are looking for, just look for where a seemingly big pile of sticks stops the edge of the pond. That’s the dam! Beavers are nocturnal animals, so if you are hoping to spot one you will have to stake out around dusk and dawn in hopes of catching a glimpse of one.
Beavers are fascinating animals, and seeing their work in the wild is incredible. Especially when considering that they were once completely erradicated from Mount Desert Island due to the fur trade. They were reintroduced in the early ’20s and the population of beavers is now healthy and flourishing.
5. Precipice Trailhead
Coveted as the most challenging trial in Acadia, the Precipice Trail is well known for being quite precarious while taking advantage of the natural landscape. The cliffsides along this stretch of the Park Loop Road create a dramatic wall of granite than overlooks the ocean. It is quite impressive to imagine a trail that scales the sharp cliff, right to the top of Champlain Mountain.
While many have no interest in completing this hike, this area puts into perspective the intensity of the hiking in Acadia. While the hiking is not long, the trails are technically challenging, often bordering on rock climbing.
The cliffs of Precipice Trail are also where peregrine falcons return to nest every summer! These birds of prey were once critically endangered throughout the U.S. Due to many conservation efforts, including the discovery of the life-threatening effects of DDT, falcons and other birds of prey have been able to make astounding comebacks. Peregrine falcons are now thriving, and Acadia is one of the places where you can see them nest along the many cliff-sides.
There are often rangers at the trailhead with scopes during nesting season. They are there to answer questions about these birds and help you spot them along the miles of rocky cliffs. It’s a rare opportunity to see wildlife in action.
If you are interested in doing the trail, check out this post to read more about the Precipice Trail!
6. Schooner Head Overlook
The beautiful Schooner Head is a picturesque coastal peninsula overlooking Frenchman’s Bay. While many find the beautiful mansion sitting atop Schooner Head to be the main attraction, I find this area to shine in its serenity and stunning views of nature.
Schooner Head is a less visited area along the Park Loop Road, so it is a great place to find a little peace within the hustle and bustle of the park.
This is a great area to get views of Egg Rock and the Egg Rock Lighthouse that sits in the bay. With unique architecture that catches the eye, Egg Rock is home to a myriad of native wildlife. Primarily known for the seabirds that nest here, Egg Rock is also home to puffins and seals.
7. Sand Beach & Beehive View
The largest sandy beach on Mount Desert Island, Sand Beach is appropriately named and one of the most popular destinations during the summer season. When visiting in the summer months, expect large crowds in this area. It is one of the few places in the area where people can enjoy a typical “beach day” in the heat of the summer. However, be warned that the water is fed from northern ocean currents, meaning it rarely ever gets above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Long story short, the water is freezing even in the peak of summer. Regardless, Sand Beach is a beach is a beautiful area to explore.
Across from Sand Beach is the ever popular Beehive Trail. From Sand Beach you can see the cliffside that the trail features. Beehive is a more ‘tamed’ version of the Precipice Trail that I previously mentioned. If you do not feel confident enough to do the Precipice Trail, the Beehive is a phenomenal trail to explore in Acadia. It is one of my favorite trails in the entire park!
If you are interested in doing this trail, check out this post to learn more about the Beehive!
8. Ocean Path
Ocean Path is one of the most accessible trails in all of Acadia. A mostly paved route that follows the coastline along Park Loop Road, the Ocean Path gives you a closer look at the beautiful landmarks in this area of the National Park. This is a great trail for those that are limited with their mobility, small children & strollers, or anyone looking for a relaxing walk.
9. Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole, one of the covetted spots in Acadia National Park. This geologic phenomenon perfectly creates a lively blowhole that causes a deep sound to echo in the area, reminiscent of thunder.
Thunder hole is a beautiful area to take in the rocky coastline and the drastic tidal changes of Acadia. If you are looking to see Thunder Hole in action, I suggest hitting it about 2 hours before high tide. This creates the perfect water conditions for the desired ‘thunder’ effect.
when exploring the area I urge you to be aware of your surrounding and stay safe. The oceans here are unpredictable and the tides are drastic. Many people get injured or harmed in this location due to careless behavior. Respect the ocean!
Also, if you happen to be in the area on a stormy day, it is definitely worth heading to thunder hole to experience it in its glory. The rough seas make for quite an unforgettable show!
10. Boudler Beach & Otter Cliffs Viewpoint
Boulder Beach is the perfect place to enjoy sunrise and to get a great look at Otter Cliffs off in the distance.
11. Otter Cliffs
An astonishing feat of the strength of the North Atlantic, Otter Cliffs is an icon within Acadia National Park. This 110 ft. sheer cliffside that drops into the ocean has been carved out over centuries from the harsh waves and brutal force of the Atlantic ocean.
White it is simply a beautiful site, it is also a popular spot for adventurers. Visitors often partake in rock climbing tours that scale these dramatic cliffs.
12. Otter Point
Otter Point is simply a beautiful place to enjoy the peaceful coastline and soak in the views. The tip of the Otter Point Peninsula, this area holds a lot of historical significance to Mount Desert Island.
Explorer Samuel de Champlain and his crew spent a winter in this area after damaging their ship right off the coast of Otter Point. The tides are so drastic that they were unable to see the a large rock formation hiding just under the surface during high tide.
13. Otter Cove
Otter Cove is one of my favorite spots along all of Park Loop Road. People often drive right by it, missing all of the beauty and serenity that it has to offer. Otter Cove features a beautiful stone bridge that extends over the water. The tides here are incredible, and you can see that here by taking in the high tide marks along the rocks. It is truly remarkable to observe the difference when low tide comes around.
This area also unique in the sense that the local villagers in Otter Creek still have the rights to harvest from these waters. These people have lived here far before it became a national park, therefore their rights to sustainably harvest from the land have remained. You may even spot some of these local fishermen out on the water while you are in the area.
On the other side of the cove, you will find my favorite views of Cadillac Mountain from afar. The two mountains in the distance, Dorr (right) and Cadillac (left).
While this area is prominently named after otters, I hate to break the news that you will not see any otters along these coasts. The area was actually named due to the misidentification of the sea mink! Prior to extinction from overharvesting, sea minks were commonly seen along the rocky shorelines of this area. Unfortunately, the greed for their fur as a luxury item pushed these weasels to extinction by the late 1800s.
14. Little Hunter’s Beach
Possibly the post bautiful cobblestone beach on the island, little hunter’s beach is well worth the stop. Not many people wander down the steps to this beach to discover the calm oasis of this hidden cove. The sound of the waves against the cobblestones is incredibly relaxing as you soak in the beautiful views.
Additionally, a wooden staircase carries you down to the beach, but allowing you to get a closer look at one of the many stone bridges within the park! The architecture is truly incredible.
15. Wildwood Stables
Many do not realize that Acadia began as a series of trails designed for horse and buggy. And while technology had advanced, and the park has opened up to bikers and hikers alike, horses still remain part of Acadia.
Stop by Wildwood Stables to take a historical tour of the carriage roads via horse and buggy! This is how the series of well designed trails were intended to be used, so take a step back in time and experience Acadia as it was in the 1930s.
16. Jordan Pond
One of the most popular spots along the Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond is the epicenter of Acadia.
Jordan Pond itself is stunningly beautiful and features a 3 mile flat trail around the perimeter of the pond. This has to be one of the most beautiful and family friendly trails in the entire park.
Overlooking the pond is the famous Jordan Pond House Restaurant. Known for carrying on the tradition of tea and popovers on the lawn, Jordan Pond House is busy every day of the season. Being the only restaurant in the entire park, I highly suggest reservations, otherwise you may be waiting a long time.
Additionally, Jordan Pond is a central area that connects to many carriage roads, trails, and hikes. There is a lot to do and see that starts in this area. However, be warned that it can be quite busy in peak season. I suggest getting here early if you want to find parking and avoid the crowds!
17. Bubble Rock
A tangible artifact from the ice age, Bubble Rock is a remarkable feature of the Acadian landscape. While to many Bubble Rock is simply a giant boulder defying gravity, it is actually a glacial erratic left behind from the ice age.
This is physical evidence of the power and strength of glaciers. They are able to pick up sediment and move it along with itself. And then those sediments get dropped and deposited wherever. Most of the time that sediment is small pebbles and dirt. But ocassionally, and in this case, the sediment can be as large as a 100 ton boulder. And it was simply dropped atop South Bubble Peak and has not moved since.
It is a tradition in Acadia for tourists to take their photo with Bubble Rock attempting to push it off the mountain. Of course, no was has succeeded. But the photo tradition lives on!
You can see Bubble Rock from Park Loop Road, but if you are interesting in hiking up to it, check out this post for more information!
18. Bubble Pond
A small and serene pond that connects to the carriage roads, getting you an inside look at the beauty of these well crafted trails.
Bubble Pond is my favorite stop along Park Loop Road to get a closer look at the carriage roads. There is a parking lot that sits right on the trail and adjacent to the pond. So spend some time strolling the trails, and enjoy the peacefulness of Bubble Pond. While this is a popular starting point for bikers, the area itself is usually fairly quiet.
19. Eagle Lake
The largest lake in Acadia National Park, the views of Eagle Lake are one of a kind. Park Loop Road overlooks the lake, giving you a beautiful perspective of the lake with mountains cascading in the back.
If you can manage to get a spot, the overlook for Eagle Lake is one of the best places to watch the sunset.
20. Cadillac Mountain Road Entrance
Get your entrance pass ready! At the base of the mountain you will be required to show proof of a reservation. While this system is annoying for many, it is paramount in keeping the park a safe place for visitors and enjoyable for all.
Reservations for sunrise go fast, but if you aren’t picky about the timing, it shouldn’t be difficult to book a time slot. To book reservations, head to recreation.gov!
Enjoy the scenic drive up the mountain and be sure to pull off (where safe!) to soak in the views. This is by far one of the most special places in Acadia.
21. Cadillac Mountain Summit
You made it to the summit of Cadillac Mountain! You are now officially at the highest point along the eastern seaboard at 1530 ft above sea level.
This mountain is incredibly special and holds a lot of historical significance to the island. While the mountain has been used for decades by European settlers, it has always been a significant place for the indigenous people.
The indigenous name for this mountain is Wapuwoc, meaning “white mountain of first light”. Many consider this to be a more fitting name for the mountain, as it is actually the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise through much of the year. Additionally, it honors the indigenous people that helped shape and care for this land.
The summit of the mountain was a very significant place for the Wabanaki. They would summit the mountain for spiritual ceremonies, as they felt they were closer to the spirits atop the mountain. Even today the Wabanaki people continue their spiritual traditions at the mountain’s summit.
Soak in the stunning views surrounding you while you bask in the spiritual feeling that exists on this mountain top.
And just like that you have seen all of Acadia’s famous Park Loop Road!
If you are heading to Acadia and want to learn more about the hidden gems, best hiking trails, and more, check out the posts below! Acadia is a magical place with so much to do and see, you will not want to miss a thing.
