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Acadia National Park

, Maine

NPCA REGION: Northeast Regional Office

Acreage: 47,389.67

Category: National Park

Date Established: 02/26/1919

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/acad

Along the rugged coastline of Maine is a gem of the Northeast—Acadia National Park! With 45 miles of historic carriage roads to bike and 125 miles of trails to hike, Acadia is a premier destination for the adventurous and outdoorsy! Among the park’s granite peaks is Cadillac Mountain, which at 1,530 feet stands as the tallest mountain on the United States Atlantic coast.

The gorgeous Maine landscape includes ocean shoreline, coastal forests, remote islands, and rocky young mountains. The coast is marked by historic lighthouses like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse on Mt. Desert Island.

The park is a great place to boulder and rock climb; Otter Cliffs and Great Head have spectacular sea cliff climbs with scenery that will take your breath away. You can also canoe, kayak, and sail on the lakes and ponds of Mt. Desert Island. The extensive trail system takes hikers to lovely vistas that sweep across the mountains and coastline. The Park Loop Road takes visitors on a 27 mile scenic drive around the park. Enjoy the pristine beaches and take a dip in the ocean if you can handle the cold!

In this diverse environment, you can fish for both freshwater fish like trout and salmon, and saltwater fish like mackerel and bluefish. To see more of the ocean wildlife, sign up for a whale watching boat tour.

Acadia national park is truly multi-seasonal. Come in the magical Maine winter months to cross-country ski, snowshoe, dogsled, or ice fish!

—Caroline Griffith

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Comments

Visiting Acadia National Park as a child had a huge impact on my life. It was were I first discovered my true love of nature and my life calling. I am now studying geology and hope to go back there to work someday.

Submitted by Anonymous at: January 10, 2010

Just a picture of Acadia means a thousand wishes to be there

Submitted by CaNdIcE at: November 18, 2009

I was in Acadia just a month ago and I can't even put into words how wonderful I think it is. Between the park and the rest of the beautiful state of Maine I miss it everyday. A place I could be very happy living.

Submitted by Tom at: October 30, 2009

I'm doing a report on Acadia. So far, From this page it looks awesome. Please give me some ideas to include in my report (That would be very helpful(: ) I hope some day my family will have a chance to travel into maine and escape this cold Minnesotan weather! Thanks jmtrnka@mcshi.com

Submitted by Julia at: October 21, 2009

Our family has been enjoying Acadia for 16 years, particularly the carriage roads by horseback and carriage. We never get tired of the Park and the area which is so beautiful.

Submitted by petArtist at: October 20, 2009

The very best of our National Parks ... I know, I know, they're all terrific. But there is just something about Acadia that connects man with nature that surpasses the rest. The mountains, the islands, the sea, the wildness ... even the lobster boats chugging away in the early morning fog as they pull their traps. In the coldest of winter the sea smoke (really a mist) rises from the warmer water in tall dust-devil like swirls that mesmerize the soul. I discovered Acadia in 1960 as a boy from Illinois and vowed I'd live here some day. Now I do. Wild elephants couldn't pull me away. When you go don't miss Isle Au Haut (a wild island far out at sea) and Schoodic Point. You'll never forget Acadia.

Submitted by Dirk at: September 27, 2009

Need info.

Submitted by Anonymous at: September 25, 2009

What a magical & special place! My first visit was camping with my parents in 1968, my husband & I spent our honeymoon camping in 1975 and we have taken our daughters there and visited by ourselves numerous times. It's always a very special occasion and I have hopes that it will remain so for many years to come!

Submitted by Susie at: September 22, 2009

I first knew about Acadia 50 years ago, camping with my parents and brother, in a tent. It truly is one of the most beautiful national parks. The Maine coast is spectacular.

Submitted by antarcticdream at: September 21, 2009

The most magical place on the East Coast, I fell in love with Acadia four years ago, and go back, at least once a year; this year for our 25th wedding anniversary. What a blessing to have this park.

Submitted by Boiester at: September 12, 2009

When I went to Acadia for a first time, 4 y ago, it was like a pedaling through a dream. Ever since at September my dream comes true; by know our 6-y old daughter rides bike as well, we are ciclyng every day 22-24 miles, hiking and usualy end the afternoon with a popover at Jordan Pond (great service!). After 5 days, leaving Acadia, we hardly wait a new September, to smell the grass, thach the stones, talk with dears, enjoy the Sun-birth from Cadilac or Sun-set and the late summer tranquility over the lakes. Once I read while visiting Grand Canyon; Only the soul can comprehend what the eye sees...and that's how I feel about Acadia. Dada, Ohio/Croatia

Submitted by Dada at: September 10, 2009

Where can I get the best maps of the park for family hiking, best tips for easy family activities, etc. Any information would be appreciated!

Submitted by sally at: June 12, 2009

Acadia is like a deep, calming breath. We grill along the ocean, hike the wooded peaks, and walk the wide carriage roads that wind over and under broad stone bridges. Some visits, we catch fish at Eagle Lake. Every visit includes popovers at Jordan Pond.

Submitted by Andrea/NPCA at: May 28, 2009

We first visited ANP in 1976 as our first camping family vacation. We still visit every few years and look forward to introducing our grandchildren to the wonders of Acadia. Although we have been there at least 15 times every time we find one more new thing to explore. Last year we finally found the trail head to Western Mt, this June we will climb Western for the 1st time. Every time back to Acadia is like 'going home'.

Submitted by Alice at: March 30, 2009

I was there in October 1998, and I enjoyed cycling on the carriage trails. My most potent memory was climbing Cadillac Mountain in a drizzle and finding a hail storm when I reached the top! I was able to get down thanks to the trusty, handy "MASH 4077"-style singage. :-) I had a lot of fun, it's a beautiful place.

Submitted by Steve at: March 4, 2009

What a magical place in early Oct. The mist over Jordan Pond, the changing colors and the sound of the hidden loons in the marning just can't be topped by any other park. I love hiking in the rain and the sun, it's just such a gift of nature.

Submitted by Barrie at: January 10, 2009

I like this place because it looks like it is really beautiful at night with all of the nightfall and beautiful rivers.

Submitted by hottie213 at: October 17, 2008

Our family has been visiting Acadia for years and we never grow tired of exploring it's beautiful coastline and rocky cliffs. The views are breathtaking. Here, you can climb a mountain in the morning then lie on the beach in the afternoon, or find a quiet place to listen to the waves crashing against the rocks. End the day by watching the stars come out from the top of Cadillac Mountain and the distant lighthouses sending their beacons out across the water.(just thinking about it makes me long to be there!)

Submitted by Lea at: July 8, 2008