Part of the New England Hub • See also: Mt Washington Auto Road
Acadia National Park covers Mount Desert Island, Maine. Famous for Cadillac Mountain sunrise, 27-mile Park Loop Road, Jordan Pond House popovers, and Thunder Hole. This guide covers vehicle reservations, entrance fees, parking, hiking, and Bar Harbor vs Southwest Harbor.
Acadia National Park Fees & Passes 2026
Acadia National Park requires a vehicle or entrance pass from May through October, which can be purchased digitally or in person. The standard vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for 7 consecutive days. U.S. residents pay $80 for an Annual Pass, while non-U.S. residents pay $250. Non-U.S. residents (16+) without an annual pass must pay an additional $100 per person fee.
Pass Types & Pricing- Private Vehicle Pass: $35 (Valid for 7 days; admits a private, non-commercial vehicle with up to 15 passengers).
- Motorcycle Pass: $25 (Valid for 7 days; admits one motorcycle).
- Individual/Pedestrian Pass: $15 (Valid for 7 days; for visitors entering by foot, bicycle, or as a walk-in).
- U.S. Resident Annual Pass: $80.
- Non-U.S. Resident Annual Pass: $250.
- International Visitor Per-Person Fee: $100 per person (16 and older) for non-U.S. residents who do not hold an Annual Pass, charged in addition to the standard entrance fee.
- Online: You can purchase and download passes ahead of time via Recreation.gov.
- In-Person: Passes are sold at the Sand Beach Entrance Station, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds, the Bar Harbor Village Green, and the Thompson Island Information Center. The park is cashless, so all in-person purchases must be made with a credit card.
- America the Beautiful Pass Accepted? Yes. If you already have an active America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, it covers your standard entrance fee.
- International Perks: If you are a non-U.S. resident, holding this pass also waives the extra $100 per person international visitor fee.
- Exclusion: It does not cover the separate $6 vehicle reservation fee required for the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road.
- Your Acadia entrance pass required. No separate fee, but rangers check passes at Schoodic Woods Campground.
- Details: The peninsula is a federal fee area and part of Acadia National Park. You must display your 7-day vehicle pass or an America the Beautiful pass while parked there or staying at the Schoodic Woods Campground.
- Cost: It is completely fare-free. 2026 Dates: Spring service for the Schoodic, Loop Road, and Gateway Center routes starts early on May 20, 2026. All other major routes run from June 23 through October 12, 2026 (Indigenous Peoples' Day / Columbus Day).
- Note: Even though the shuttle is free, the National Park Service requires all passengers entering the park via the bus to hold a valid park entrance pass.
Cadillac Mountain Summit Road
- If you plan to drive the Cadillac Summit Road, you need a separate vehicle reservation in addition to your standard park entrance pass.
- Reservation Cost: $6 per vehicle.
- Availability: Required for vehicles driving to the summit between May 20 and October 25.
- How to book: Reservations must be made in advance on Recreation.gov. They are not sold at the park entrance.
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise: Vehicle Reservations Required
Vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road for sunrise and daytime access. The mountain features a 3.5-mile drive up to the 1,530-foot summit, which is the highest point on the Atlantic coast.
Cadillac Summit Road Rules & Reservations:- Reservation Season: Required from May 20 through October 25, 2026.
- Cost: Vehicle reservations are $6. (A separate Acadia National Park entrance pass is also required).
- Official Ticket Release Breakdown - 90 Days Out: 30% of both Sunrise and Daytime vehicle reservations are released on a rolling basis at 10:00 am ET. 2 Days Out: The remaining 70% are released at 10:00 am ET. This secondary window is specifically designed to accommodate shorter-notice travelers and spontaneous trips.
- Sunrise Window: $6 vehicle reservations are required for the sunrise period (typically running from 4:00 am to 6:30 am).
- Daytime Window: Daytime reservations cover the period from 6:30 am until sunset.
- Arrival Timing: The summit parking lots fill up 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise, and a timed-entry reservation does not guarantee a specific parking space.
- November - May: No reservations are required.
- Hiking & Biking: Reservations are not required for visitors accessing the summit via foot or bicycle.
Park Loop Road: 27-Mile Scenic Drive with Key Stops
Navigating Acadia’s Park Loop Road takes 2–4 hours for the 27-mile scenic drive. The best strategy is to park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and use the free Island Explorer shuttle to avoid congestion, or drive the one-way section clockwise from Sieur de Monts to Otter Cliff. The key stops along the route feature dramatic coastal views and tranquil ponds. Hulls Cove Visitor Center: Start here for park maps, restrooms, and pass purchases.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Location: 25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-3338
Website: Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Mile marker: ~ 0 mile.
Parking: Yes
Visitor complex with maps, souvenirs & ranger-led activities, plus direct access to carriage roads.
Sieur de Monts
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 3
Parking: Offers a large parking area.
Walking Distance: Features a short walk to the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
Photo Tip: Capture the macro reflections in the spring-fed pool using early morning soft light.
Sand Beach
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 9
Parking: Moderate parking lot (often fills by 9 AM).
Walking Distance: The walk is a short 0.1-mile stroll to the water.
Photo Tip: Shoot in the early morning to capture the pink granite cliffs contrasting with the white sand.
Thunder Hole
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 10
Parking: Limited roadside or small lot parking
Walking Distance: A 0.1-mile walk on the Ocean Path.
Photo Tip: Visit 1–2 hours before high tide for the biggest waves; use a fast shutter speed to freeze the crashing spray.
Otter Cliff
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 11
Parking: Small turnout parking directly on the road.
Walking Distance: Very short walk.
Photo Tip: Mid-afternoon provides the best direct sunlight on the face of the 110-foot vertical cliffs.
Jordan Pond
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 13
Parking: Large parking lot at the Jordan Pond House.
Walking Distance: Walk 0.1 miles down to the water's edge or tackle the 3.2-mile flat loop trail.
Photo Tip: Early evening or golden hour provides stunning, glassy reflections of "The Bubbles"
Bubble Rock
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 14
Parking: Park at the Bubble Pond or Bubbles Divide lots.
Walking Distance: The walk is a challenging 1-mile round trip uphill.
Photo Tip: Shoot wide-angle to emphasize the gravity-defying boulder balanced on the edge.
Eagle Lake
Location: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Mile marker: ~ Mile 15
Parking: Pull-out parking
Walking Distance: Short 0.1-mile walk.
Photo Tip: Late afternoon works best to catch the sun setting over the surrounding mountains and casting shadows on the water.
Park Loop Road: 27-Mile Scenic Drive Interactive Map
Click Box on top left to display list.
Navigating Acadia’s Park Loop Road takes 2–4 hours for the 27-mile scenic drive. The best strategy is to park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and use the free Island Explorer shuttle. Zoom for directions.
Jordan Pond House: Popovers & Jordan Pond Path
Jordan Pond House Restaurant — Since 1893
Operating since the 1890s, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant is an iconic, historic dining destination world-famous for serving freshly baked popovers with strawberry jam and afternoon tea on a scenic lawn overlooking Jordan Pond and "The Bubbles" mountains.
Menu Highlights:- Famous Popovers: Served warm with butter and Maine-made strawberry jam.
- Maine Seafood: Notable options include local Lobster Stew and Lobster & Crab Cakes.
- Signature Drinks: Famous blueberry lemonade and custom-blended hot teas.
- Dietary Options: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices.
- Full-Service Restaurant: Offers indoor seating and a large outdoor terrace/lawn.
- Grab-and-Go Café: A second-floor quick-service area for snacks, drinks, and popovers if you want to skip the wait.
- Retail Shop: The Jordan Pond Retail Store sits adjacent, selling local artisan gifts, apparel, and jarred jams.
- Connectivity: Free guest Wi-Fi is available, which is highly useful since cellular reception in this part of Acadia is minimal.
- Reservations: Highly recommended and bookable via the Jordan Pond House Resy Page. They fill up months in advance, but the restaurant reserves significant room for walk-ins.
- Wait Times: Times can range from 20 minutes to over 2 hours during peak lunch hours (11:30 AM to 2:00 PM).
- Parking: The dedicated parking lots fill up extremely fast and can be a "madhouse" midday. It is best to arrive before 10:30 AM or after 3:30 PM if driving.
- Alternative Transport: Avoid parking stress by taking the free Island Explorer Shuttle (Route 5 from Bar Harbor) or riding a bike along the connected Rockefeller Carriage Roads.
The official Jordan Pond House Website states that its first proprietor, Nellie McIntire, began baking and serving her famous popovers and tea
on the lawn in 1893. However, historical wayside markers by the National Park Service document that while the building became a humble
restaurant in 1884, Thomas and Nellie McIntire took over and added the tea and popover tradition to the menu in 1895.
Jordan Pond Path — 3.3 Mile Loop
The Jordan Pond Path is a heavily trafficked 3.3-mile loop trail circling the shoreline of Acadia's deepest and clearest lake. Starting directly behind the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, this trail offers views of the glacially carved valley and the twin peaks known as "The Bubbles".
Trail Specifications:- Distance: 3.3-mile (5.3 km) complete loop.
- Time: Takes roughly 1 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace.
- Elevation Gain: Only 59 feet, mostly flat.
- Difficulty: Rated Easy to Moderate due to stark differences between the two halves of the pond. Tackle the trail in a counter-clockwise direction to navigate the trickier terrain first.
- The Eastern Half (Easy): This side features a smooth, wide path made of packed dirt and crushed gravel. It is highly accessible for families, seniors, and casual walkers.
- The Western Half (Moderate): This side is much more rugged. It requires traversing an open rockslide area filled with large boulders, followed by a long section of narrow, shoulder-width elevated wooden plank boardwalks.
- Jordan Pond is a public drinking water supply. Swimming, wading, and paddleboarding are strictly prohibited for both humans and pets at all times.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the trail but must remain on a maximum 6-foot leash. Note that the narrow wooden boardwalks on the west side can be tough to navigate with a large dog if the trail is crowded.
- Slippery Conditions: The wooden planks on the western side can become incredibly slick when wet or icy.
- Intersections: The path seamlessly connects to several other major hikes if you want to extend your day, including the steep climb up the Bubbles Divide Trail to see Bubble Rock, and the historic Rockefeller Carriage Roads.
Thunder Hole: When to See It Blast
Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park roars and splashes at its loudest 1 to 2 hours before high tide, especially during ocean storms. However, the lower viewing boardwalk and deck are frequently closed, and waves easily sweep over the ledges, making the area extremely hazardous and the site of recurring, sometimes fatal, accidents.
When to Visit- Ideal Timing: To see and hear the "blast" of water (which can shoot up to 40 feet in the air), plan your visit for 2 hours before high tide.
- Tide Charts: Because the times change daily, you must check local Tide Predictions for Bar Harbor before heading out.
- Storms: The phenomenon is at its absolute loudest during ocean storms or when rough seas push into the region.
- Deadly Sneaker Waves: Rogue or "sneaker" waves frequently sweep over the surrounding granite ledges and boardwalks, dragging unprepared visitors into the frigid Atlantic.
- Slick Surfaces: The rocks and lower decks are covered in wet seaweed and sea spray, leading to dangerous slips and falls.
- People Injured Yearly: Ranging from severe broken bones and head trauma to tragic drownings, cliff falls and wave sweeps happen in this exact area.
- Obey Closures: Always stay behind the protective railings. During rough weather or high tide, National Park Service rangers often close the lower stone stairs—never cross these barriers.
Bar Harbor vs Southwest Harbor: Where to Stay
Both towns are on Mount Desert Island, but the vibe is completely different. Bar Harbor is the tourist hub. Southwest Harbor is where locals go. Here’s the breakdown:
| Feature | Bar Harbor | Southwest Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe & Crowds | Tourist hub. Walkable downtown, cruise ships May-Oct, packed sidewalks. Can feel like Times Square in July. | Quieter, working harbor town. Locals, artists, fishing boats. Restaurants don’t need reservations on weeknights. |
| Hotels & Lodging | 200+ hotels, inns, B&Bs. Most expensive on MDI. Waterfront books 6+ months out. Examples: Bar Harbor Inn, West Street Hotel, Balance Rock Inn. | 30-40 inns + cottages. Cheaper. More availability. Examples: Claremont Hotel, Harbour Cottage Inn, Lindenwood Inn. |
| Restaurants | 50+ restaurants. Lobster, fine dining, tourist traps. Expect waits 1-2 hours June-Sept. Geddy’s, Stewman’s, Side Street Cafe. | 15-20 restaurants. Better lobster pound value. Locals go to Beal’s Lobster Pier, Charlotte’s Legendary, Red Sky. |
| Park Loop Road Access | East entrance to Park Loop Road. 5 min to Sieur de Monts, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole. Best for first-time visitors doing the loop. | West side of island. 25 min to Bar Harbor entrance. Better for Bass Harbor Head Light, Ship Harbor Trail, Wonderland. Closer to Seawall. |
| Parking | Nightmare 10am-8pm May-Oct. Metered street parking $2/hr. Garage fills by 9am. Walk or use Island Explorer shuttle. | Free street parking. Always spots even in August. No meters, no garage needed. |
| Best For | First-time visitors, no car, want nightlife/shopping, cruise ship passengers, Park Loop Road clockwise. | Repeat visitors, want quiet, better restaurant value, Schoodic Peninsula day trip, west side hikes, avoid crowds. |
| Day Trip Access | 15 min to Sieur de Monts. 45 min to Schoodic Peninsula. Ferry to Winter Harbor/Cranberry Isles. | 10 min to Bass Harbor Head Light. 15 min to Seawall. 35 min to Schoodic. Ferry to Swans Island. |
Bottom line: Stay in Bar Harbor if it’s your first trip and you want to walk to everything. Stay in Southwest Harbor if you’ve done Acadia before and want lobster for $25 instead of $45.
Acadia Hiking: Beehive, Precipice & Ocean Path
Acadia National Park's famous cliffside trails—the Beehive and Precipice—offer thrilling "via ferrata" style climbing but require extreme caution. While the gentle Ocean Path remains open year-round, you must check the official National Park website to ensure the vertical ladder routes aren't restricted. Reviewing essential current trail conditions and restrictions before you go is key to a safe and enjoyable trip:
Beehive Loop Trail:
- A 1.4-mile exposed climb featuring iron rungs and steep drops. It takes about 1-3 hours to complete and is strictly closed to all pets.
Precipice Trail:
- Acadia's most demanding non-technical climb features sheer drops and ladders. It is subject to seasonal closures from early spring (March) through mid-August to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
Ocean Path:
- An easy 4-mile out-and-back trail starting near Sand Beach and taking you past Thunder Hole to Otter Point.
1-Day Acadia Itinerary: Sunrise to Sunset
This high-impact 1-day itinerary covers Acadia's highlights, driving the one-way Park Loop Road counterclockwise to seamlessly connect the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain to the sunset at Bass Harbor, minimizing backtracking across Mount Desert Island.
- 4:00 AM | Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
- The Experience: Experience the first sunrise in the U.S. (during specific months) from the highest peak on the Eastern seaboard.
- Action Item: You must have a pre-purchased Cadillac Summit Road - Sunrise Reservation. (30% are released 90 days ahead; 70% are released 2 days prior at 10:00 AM ET on Recreation.gov).
- Morning | Park Loop Road (Counterclockwise)
- The Highlights: After descending, begin the 27-mile scenic drive counterclockwise. Head past the Sieur de Monts area and cruise toward the coast-hugging eastern section.
- Key Stops: Stop at Schooner Head Overlook for coastal views, then walk down to Sand Beach and listen to the surging waves at Thunder Hole. Finish the morning with a breathtaking view at Otter Cliff.
- Midday | Jordan Pond House
- The Experience: Stop at the historic Jordan Pond House for a classic lunch featuring their famous popovers and jam.
- Loop Walk: Afterward, stretch your legs with the easy 3.3-mile Jordan Pond Path, which offers stunning views of the pristine water and "the Bubbles" mountains.
- Tip: Lines can be long, so consider putting your name down on the waitlist or opting for a walk-up table during off-peak hours (before 11:30 AM or after 4:00 PM).
- Afternoon | Sand Beach or Hike
- Relax or Explore: Spend the early afternoon relaxing on the unique, shell-fragment sands of Sand Beach (the only ocean beach in the park).
- Hikes: If you are feeling adventurous, tackle the nearby Great Head Trail or take on the thrilling ladder-and-rung climb up the Beehive Trail (be aware of height/safety considerations).
- Sunset | Bass Harbor Head Light
- The Experience: Drive across the "quiet side" of the island (Mount Desert Island) toward the Bass Harbor area to catch the sunset.
- The View: The Bass Harbor Head Light provides a picturesque, rocky coastline setting to watch the sun go down.
Acadia National Park vs Mt Washington: Which First
| Feature | Acadia National Park | Mt Washington Auto Road |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Elevation | 1,530 ft Cadillac Mountain | 6,288 ft highest in Northeast |
| Entry Cost 2026 | $35 vehicle 7-day + $6 Cadillac reservation | $45 car + driver, $15 per adult |
| Reservations | Required for Cadillac sunrise/daytime May-Oct | None, but closes for weather >50mph winds |
| Drive Difficulty | Paved, 2 lanes, 35 mph, guardrails | 12% grade, no guardrails, 1000 ft drops |
| Time Needed | 1-3 days. Park Loop 2-4 hours | 3 hours drive + summit |
| Best For | Families, ocean views, easy hikes, lobster | Bucket list, extreme weather, no kids |
More Exciting Adventures!
Mt Washington? It’s 2.5 hours to Bar Harbor via NH-16 to ME-302. Mt Washington