When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?

If you want fewer people, go in October, the quietest shoulder-season month. August is the busiest month on average, and February the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.

How much does it cost to visit Acadia National Park?

$35 / vehicle. Also: $100 nonresident fee (16+). An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park, and waives the nonresident fee.

What are some things to do in Acadia National Park?

The National Park Service lists 89 things to do in Acadia National Park, including Hike Homans Path, Hike Emery Path, Hike Kurt Diederichs Climb, Hike Compass Harbor Trail, Hike Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.

When did Acadia National Park become a national park?

Acadia National Park was established as a national park on February 26, 1919.

What is the closest national park to Acadia?

Shenandoah National Park, about 668 miles away in a straight line (roughly 16 hours' drive, estimated).

Maine · Est. 1919

Acadia National Park

Last verified October 1, 2026$35 / vehicleReservation needed in 2026

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. — nps.gov

While seated on a blanket on a patch of mountaintop granite, a man and woman clasp their arms around — Photo: NPS Photo by Kent Miller

State: Maine
Established: February 26, 1919
Size: 49,077 acres
2025 visits: 4,079,318
Busiest-park rank: #7 of 63
Entrance: $35 / vehicle

Best time to visit

When is Acadia quiet?

Acadia is busiest in August and quietest in February. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, October is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.

In 2025 the park logged 4,079,318 recreation visits, the #7 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.

Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Acadia open right now? →

Average visits by month

2021–2025 · NPS IRMA

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Quietest: FebruaryBusiest: August

Fees & passes

What it costs to visit Acadia

Private vehicle$35

Motorcycle$30

Per person (on foot / bike)$20

Nonresident fee, per person 16+$100

Acadia annual pass$70

From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026. Fees on nps.gov

Visiting several parks this year? The pass calculator shows whether the America the Beautiful pass pays off.

Reservations · 2026

Book ahead

Vehicle reservation to drive Cadillac Summit Road (sunrise or daytime). Nowhere else in the park.

May 20 – Oct 25, 2026 · $6 per vehicle, plus the park entrance pass

“Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from Wed May 20 through Sun Oct 25, 2026.”

Book on Recreation.gov nps.gov (updated November 25, 2025)

Every park that needs a reservation in 2026 →

Things to do

Things to do in Acadia

The National Park Service lists 89 things to do in Acadia National Park, from quick stops to full-day outings. The shortest come first.

All activities →

Hike Homans Path15-30 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Homans Path is a memorial path at Sieur de Monts. It is a .3 mile steep ascent with impressive examples of intricate rock work. It is one of the routes to reach Schiff Path, and eventually the summit of Dorr Mountain.
Pets OK
Hike Emery Path20-45 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Emery Path is a steep .5 mile memorial path at Sieur de Monts leading up towards Schiff Path and Dorr Mountain.
Pets OK
Hike Kurt Diederichs Climb20-30 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Kurt Diederichs Climb is a memorial path at Sieur de Monts. It is a .4 mile steep ascent with many granite steps. It is one of the routes to reach Schiff Path, and eventually the summit of Dorr Mountain.
Pets OK
Hike Compass Harbor Trail30-45 Minutes · All year
Explore a historic site near Bar Harbor and enjoy a dramatic shoreline with views of Frenchman Bay and Ironbound Island.
Pets OK
Hike Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop30-60 Minutes · All year
This forested path continues to a boardwalk with multiple interpretive signs and benches. It opens up to a meadow before looping back on an old fire road. Views of Dorr Mountain are interspersed in this walk along a…
Pets OK
Hike Schiff Path30-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Schiff Path is a popular, relatively steep trail and acts as a connector between Sieur de Monts and the summit of Dorr Mountain. It is one of the memorial trails built between 1924 and 1930.
Pets OK
Hike Ship Harbor Trail30-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Ship Harbor Trail is a 1.3 mile figure-8 loop near Seawall. Great for families and birders, and a variety of habitats can be seen along the shore.
Pets OK
Hike Wonderland Trail30-60 Minutes · All year
This 1.4 out and back trail on an old gravel fire road is family-friendly and provides direct access to the coastline with birding opportunities.
Pets OK

Show all 89 things to do

Tidepooling at Bar Island30-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Bar Island Trail45-90 Minutes · All year
Pets OK
Drive Park Loop Road1-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Bald Peak and Parkman Mountain Loop1-2 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Beachcroft Path1-2 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop1-2 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Beech Mountain Trail1-2 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Beehive Loop1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Bubbles60-90 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Bubbles Nubble Loop1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Cadillac Summit Loop1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Reservation/permitPets OK
Hike Dorr Mountain South Ridge Loop1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Flying Mountain Loop1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Gorham Mountain Loop1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Great Head with Island Explorer Bus1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Jordan Pond Loop with Island Explorer Bus1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Jordan Pond Path1-3 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Kebo Brook Trail to Kebo Mountain1-2 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Ocean Path Trail with Island Explorer Bus1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Perpendicular and Razorback Loop1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Sieur de Monts to Jesup Path with Island Explorer Bus1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Village Green to Sieur de Monts with Island Explorer Bus1-1 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Drive Cadillac Mountain2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Reservation/permitFeePets OK
Hike Beech Cliff Trail with Island Explorer Bus2-4 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Cadillac North Ridge Trail2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Cadillac South Ridge Trail2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Giant Slide Loop2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Gorge Path2-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Gorge/Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Loop with Island Explorer Bus2-4 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Great Head Trail2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Hadlock Ponds Loop2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Norumbega Mountain Loop2-3 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Ocean Path Trail2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Pemetic Mountain Loop2-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike Pemetic South Ridge2-3 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Pemetic Summit with Island Explorer Bus2-4 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Precipice Loop2-3 Hours · Spring, Fall
Hike Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach Trek with Island Explorer2-4 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop2-4 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike the Acadia Mountain Loop with Island Explorer Bus2-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Western Mountain Loop2-3 Hours · All year
Pets OK
Hike Jordan Cliffs Loop3-4 Hours · Spring, Fall
Hike Double Bubble Nubble Loop with Island Explorer4-5 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Bike Carriage RoadsAll year
Pets OK
Birding "with" the Champlain SocietySpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Birding at Otter PointAll year
Pets OK
Birding at the PrecipiceSpring, Summer
Pets OK
Birding at Thompson IslandAll year
Pets OK
Birding Cadillac MountainSpring, Summer, Fall
Reservation/permitPets OK
Birding Isle au HautSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Birding Jordan PondSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Birding Schoodic PeninsulaAll year
Pets OK
Birding SeawallAll year
Pets OK
Birding Sieur de Monts SpringsSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Birding the Carriage RoadsSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Birding the Western MountainsSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Birding Wonderland and Ship HarborAll year
Pets OK
Explore Historic Carroll HomesteadSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Go Earthcaching At AcadiaSpring, Summer, Fall
Reservation/permitFeePets OK
Hike Carriage RoadsAll year
Pets OK
Hike Sargent and Penobscot Mountains from JPH with Island Explorer BusSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Hike Schoodic Peninsula TrailsAll year
Pets OK
Oldfarm Video TourAll year
Pets OK
Paddle Eagle Lake
Pets OK
Paddle Echo Lake
Pets OK
Paddle Jordan Pond
Pets OK
Paddle Long Pond
Pets OK
Picnic at Jordan PondAll year
Pets OK
Stargazing at Jordan PondSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Stargazing at Sand BeachSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Stargazing at SeawallSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Stargazing Ocean PathSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Stargazing on Cadillac Mountain (Vehicle Access Limited)Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Swim Echo Lake BeachSummer
Pets OK
Swim Lake WoodSummer
Pets OK
Swim Sand BeachSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Tidepooling at Ship HarborSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Tidepooling at the Schoodic PeninsulaSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Tidepooling at WonderlandSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Tour de WildlifeSpring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Waysides at Schoodic Woods Ranger StationAll year
Pets OK

From the National Park Service (checked October 1, 2026). Each title opens its nps.gov page with current conditions.

By activity

The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.

Weather

Weather at Acadia

Located on Mount Desert Island in Maine, Acadia experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from 45-90F (7-30C). Fall temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C). Typically the first frost is in mid-October and first snowfall begins in November and can continue through April with an average accumulation of 73 inches (185 cm).

Winter temperatures range from 14-35F (-10 - 2C). Spring temperatures range from 30-70F (-1-21C).

From the National Park Service.

Getting there

Getting to Acadia

From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.

25 Visitor Center Road, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 · Directions on nps.gov

Nearby

National parks near Acadia

Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.

Closest big cities: Boston (200 mi) · New York City (388 mi) · Philadelphia (465 mi)

Acadia is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.

Two small, booth-like buildings are positioned across a roadway. Park rangers are seated at open win — Photo: NPS Photo by Kent Miller

Visitors wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas crowd along a metal railing above a steep rocky inl — Photo: NPS Photo by Kent Miller

FAQ

Acadia, quickly

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park?: If you want fewer people, go in October, the quietest shoulder-season month. August is the busiest month on average, and February the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
How much does it cost to visit Acadia National Park?: $35 / vehicle. Also: $100 nonresident fee (16+). An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park, and waives the nonresident fee.
Do you need a reservation for Acadia National Park in 2026?: Yes, for some visits: Vehicle reservation to drive Cadillac Summit Road (sunrise or daytime). Nowhere else in the park. May 20 – Oct 25, 2026 Cost: $6 per vehicle, plus the park entrance pass. (checked on nps.gov, October 1, 2026).
What are some things to do in Acadia National Park?: The National Park Service lists 89 things to do in Acadia National Park, including Hike Homans Path, Hike Emery Path, Hike Kurt Diederichs Climb, Hike Compass Harbor Trail, Hike Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.
When did Acadia National Park become a national park?: Acadia National Park was established as a national park on February 26, 1919.
What is the closest national park to Acadia?: Shenandoah National Park, about 668 miles away in a straight line (roughly 16 hours' drive, estimated).

Sources · 3

1.Acadia National Park — official site · National Park Service
2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
3.Acadia National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)

About this page

Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/acad.

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Acadia National Park