How early should you get to Acadia?

Arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm. Most vehicle congestion occurs midday. Avoid long lines by buying your Entrance Pass online, and printing a copy prior to your arrival. Leave your car where you are staying, then walk on a village connector trail, ride your bike, or take the fare-free Island Explorer bus into Acadia.



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Arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm. Most vehicle congestion occurs midday. Avoid long lines by buying your Entrance Pass online, and printing a copy prior to your arrival. Leave your car where you are staying, then walk on a village connector trail, ride your bike, or take the fare-free Island Explorer bus into Acadia.

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One Perfect Day in Acadia Early Morning – Start by driving to the entry booth near Schooner Head Overlook. Mid-Morning – Explore the southeast part of the Park Loop Road. Stop at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point. If you're feeling ambitious, go for a hike like The Beehive (trailhead located near Sand Beach).

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  • TWO. Try a car-free experience.The fare-free Island Explorer serves most of the park and surrounding communities except Cadillac Mountain. ...
  • THREE. Pets are welcome in Acadia, but rules apply. ...
  • FOUR. All natural areas pose risk. ...
  • FIVE. Please leave Acadia as you find it.


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Cadillac Summit Road offers a three-mile drive to the top of the highest peak in the park. Along the way, there are several scenic pullouts to enjoy the view. Parking is available in two locations at the summit, where restrooms, a gift shop, and scenic overlooks connected by paved walks can be found.

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The Schoodic Peninsula area is by far one of the best hidden gems Acadia National Park. Adventure Tips: Schoodic Woods Campground is the national park campground located on the Schoodic Peninsula.

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You may want to begin your exploration of Acadia National Park here at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center just off Route 3 in Bar Harbor. The entrance is a short distance on the right (if traveling East towards Bar Harbor) after the Hulls Cove inlet (which will be on your left).

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When is the Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park?
  • To Avoid Crowds and Save Money: Visit between November and May.
  • For Hiking and Camping: Visit between May and September.
  • For Fall Colors: Visit in September or October.
  • Notable Dates in Spring: National Park Week, Junior Ranger Day, Memorial Day.


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As very large mammals that need a great deal of space, moose are rarely seen in Acadia.

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Long sleeve t-shirts or flannels are essential for chillier days and perfect for early morning hiking or huddling around the campfire in the evening. Bring long pants like sweats, leggings, or comfortable jeans to wear while you hit the trails or explore our 100-acre, waterfront campground.

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Reservations and Timed Entry Vehicle reservations are not required for any other areas of the park, or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bike, or taxi. Vehicle reservations provide a timed entry, but do not require a departure time until 10 pm, when the road closes to vehicles.

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Relax and enjoy a fare-free ride on the Island Explorer shuttle, which provides service between park destinations, local communities, and Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport. Regularly scheduled buses stop at destinations in the park, including campgrounds, carriage road entrances, and many trailheads.

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Acadia National Park is filled with an amazing variety of hiking trails. From easy strolls along coastal paths to summit climbs to thrilling cliff walks, there is something here for everyone. One of the things that makes Acadia so unique, and so exciting, is the large number of trails with ladders and metal rungs.

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