Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Acadia National Park
Q:Where is Acadia National Park located?
A:Acadia is located on Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine. The park is 264 miles from Boston and 50 miles from Bangor, Maine.
Q:How much does it cost to visit the park?
A:
Private Vehicle: $30 valid for 7 days
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants.
Motorcycle: $25 valid for 7 days
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle.
Per Person: $15 valid for 7 days
Admits one individual with no car (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge.
Q: Is there in-park lodging at Acadia National Park?
A:Lodging for the park is available at several fine locations just outside the entrance.
Q:What is there to do in Acadia?
A:There are many miles of shoreline to explore, 125 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities. Two beaches offer salt water or fresh water in which to swim. A variety of ranger-led programs will introduce you to Acadia's diverse natural and cultural history.
Q:Are pets allowed in the park?
A:Pets must be leashed and attended or otherwise physically restrained at all times. Pets are allowed in all park locations except Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach, Isle au Haut campground, ladder trails, public buildings, and lakes that are public drinking water supplies. Service dogs or sight-guiding dogs may accompany their owner to all park locations unless the area is closed to all visitors.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration?
A:Minimalist (3 Days)
Drives/sightseeing: 1 Day
Guided Tours: ½ Day
Museums/Cultural Centers: ½ Day
Adventure Activities: 1 Day
Adventurist (4-5 Days)
Drives/sightseeing: 1 Day
Guided Tours: 1 Day
Museums/History/Culture: 1 Day
Adventure Activities: 1-2 Days
Notes: Acadia is a land teeming with scenic beauty and abundant with wildlife of all kinds. There are two unforgettable scenic drives that you should not miss while you are in the park: The Park Loop Road and the Heart of Acadia Loop. Each of these drives will take a good half day to experience, so you should set aside an entire day just for exploring the park by vehicle, (or two half days). Off-road there are many more opportunities for getting a closer and more personal look into Acadia's beauty, including many hiking trails which vary in length and difficulty. You will also find lots of options for bicycling, boating, fishing, horseback riding and more! The hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain is a hike that should not be missed. For a real treat get started early before the sun rises and you will be one of the first people in the United States to see the sun peak over the horizon line. A great place to get away from the crowds, get back to nature and see lots of interesting wildlife. Carriage Roads is another “can't miss” opportunity - a 57 mile network of motor-free roads built in and around the park, financed by John D Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940. Of course Acadia is also wonderfully rich in history and you will want to plan plenty of time for visiting her many historical landmarks and museums.
