Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s mid-coast near Bar Harbor, protects 49,075 acres of diverse landscapes, including granite domes, glacial valleys, cobble beaches, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, Cadillac Mountain. The park spans about half of Mount Desert Island, part of Isle au Haut, the Schoodic Peninsula, and 16 smaller islands.
The area’s rich ecosystems include forests, wetlands, meadows, lakes, streams, and coastlines, supporting diverse plant and animal species. A historic carriage road system, funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offers scenic routes through the park’s stunning terrain.
Acadia’s human history dates back over 10,000 years, beginning with the Wabanaki people. European settlers arrived in the 17th century, and the 19th century brought summer visitors and conservation efforts led by figures like George B. Dorr. Initially designated Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916, the park became Lafayette National Park in 1919 and was renamed Acadia in 1929, becoming the first national park east of the Mississippi and the only one in the Northeastern U.S.
Acadia National Park Location
The mid-section of the Maine coast, southwest of Bar Harbor
Get an entrance pass
Pass | Price |
---|---|
Standard pass | $20.00–$35.00 |
Annual pass | $70.00 |
America the beautiful pass | FREE–$80.00 |
Here are some beautiful pictures of Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, showcases distinct seasonal variations:
- Summer: Temperatures range from 45–90°F (7–30°C), offering mild to warm weather.
- Fall: A cooler range of 30–70°F (-1–21°C), with foliage changes creating stunning views. The first frost typically occurs in mid-October.
- Winter: Cold conditions dominate, with temperatures between 14–35°F (-10–2°C). Snowfall usually begins in November and lasts through April, averaging 73 inches (185 cm) annually.
- Spring: Gradual warming brings temperatures back to 30–70°F (-1–21°C), with melting snow and blooming flora.
Visitor Center opening Time:
- Sunday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Monday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Tuesday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Wednesday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Thursday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Friday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Saturday8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Acadia National Park is famous for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, granite peaks, diverse wildlife, and the scenic Park Loop Road. It is also one of the first places to see the sunrise in the U.S.
Acadia National Park was officially established on February 26, 1919, as Lafayette National Park. It was renamed Acadia in 1929.
The park is most popular in summer and fall (June to October). Fall is especially famous for its vibrant foliage.