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 276.5 miles from Boston and 43.3 miles from Bangor, Maine.
Q:What are the entrance fees at Acadia National Park?
A:
Vehicle: $35.00 for 7 Days
Motorcycles: $30.00 for 7 Days
Individuals: $20.00 for 7 Days
Q: Is there in-park lodging at Acadia National Park?
A:No, there are only camping options within the park. Lodging for the park is available at several fine locations just outside the entrance.
Q:What is there to do in Acadia National Park?
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 Acadia National Park?
A:You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets. 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 at Acadia National Park?
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.
Q:What is the weather like at Acadia National Park?
A:Spring
Temperatures range from 30–70°F, and fog is common. Black flies are common in late May and June. March, April, and May can be wet and soggy.
Summer
Daytime: 45-90 F (7-32 C)
Ocean temperature: 50-60 F (10-16 C)
Lake temperatures: 55-70 F (13-21 C)
Daytime temperatures range from 45–90°F, but the water at Sand Beach is usually in the 50–60°F range. Fog is common, and it can be drizzly or sunny. July and August are the most crowded months.
Fall
30-70 F (-1-21 C) Temperatures in the 70s during the day drop to the 30s or 40s at night. Mid-October is considered the best time to see the fall foliage.
Winter
14-35 F (-10-2 C) Temperatures range from the mid-30s to below zero, and the park averages 61 inches of snow per year. Ice storms are common, and a large portion of Park Loop Road closes. Winter is the least expensive time to visit, but it's also the most limiting.
For the latest weather information, call 207-667-8910 or 207-288-3338.
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service at Acadia National Park?
A:
Cellular service is very limited in Acadia National Park, and no cell service is available along, most park trails, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs (Ocean Drive). No public WiFi is available at the park.
Q:Is Acadia National Park ADA accessible?
A:
Yes, for additional restrictions and requirements, please visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov.
Yes, the Entrance Station along the Park Loop Road at Schooner Head Road is open year-round for information and sales of all Entrance Passes. From Dec 1 to April 14, the Park Loop Road (including Cadillac Mountain) is closed to vehicles, with the exception of Jordan Pond Road in Seal Harbor offering access to the Jordan Pond parking lot, and between Schooner Head Road and Otter Cliff Road in Bar Harbor.
Q:Are permits required to climb within Acadia?
A:
Yes, if you are climbing Otter Cliffs during the reservation season, which runs from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Q:Is there horse horseback riding or Carriage rides available within the park?
A:
Yes, you can either go on a carriage ride with Wildwood Stables or on your own horse.
Q:Do you need a license to fish in Acadia?
A:
Yes, if you are 16 years or older, you do need to purchase a valid Maine Fishing License.
Q:Does Acadia National Park have a lighthouse?
A:
Yes, Acadia National Park manages three lighthouses: Bass Harbor Head Light Station, Baker Island Head Light Station, and Bear Island Head Light Station.
