Acadia National Park Itinerary and Checklist

by Michael Quine April 27, 2023

Acadia National Park Itinerary and Checklist

1-Day Itinerary:

  • Start your day early by watching the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast.
  • After breakfast, head over to Jordan Pond for a scenic hike around the lake.
  • Take a break for lunch at the Jordan Pond House, where you can indulge in their famous popovers and tea.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the park's carriage roads on foot or by bicycle.
  • End your day with a sunset hike up to the top of Penobscot Mountain for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

*Alternate Challenge: Climb the 7 tallest peaks in one day!!

3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Start your day early with a sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain.
  • After breakfast, head over to the Sieur de Monts Nature Center for an informative introduction to the park's history and ecology.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Wild Gardens of Acadia and the nearby trails.
Day 2:
  • Spend the day exploring the park's coastline, with stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, stopping at the many overlooks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 3:
  • Start your day with a morning hike up to the top of Dorr Mountain for panoramic views of the park.
  • After lunch, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the park's lakes and ponds.
  • End your day with a sunset hike up the Beehive Trail for a thrilling climb with spectacular views.

5-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Start your day with a sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain.
  • Spend the rest of the day exploring the carriage roads and hiking trails around the park.
Day 2:
  • Spend the day exploring the park's coastline, with stops at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, stopping at the many overlooks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 3:
  • Start your day with a morning hike up to the top of Dorr Mountain for panoramic views of the park.
  • After lunch, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the park's lakes and ponds.
Day 4:
  • Spend the day hiking the park's more remote trails, such as the Precipice Trail or the Jordan Cliffs Trail.
  • Take a break for lunch at the Jordan Pond House.
Day 5:
  • Start your day with a sunrise hike up Penobscot Mountain.
  • Spend the rest of the day exploring the park's natural and cultural history, with visits to the Abbe Museum and the Asticou Azalea Garden.

***Once you finish you journey through Acadia National Park, don't forget to grab your Acadia National Park Walkabout Collection National Park Series collectible challenge coin. 

 

Acadia National Park Checklist - Free Download (Click here)

Checklist for a visit to Acadia National Park




Michael Quine
Michael Quine

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