Acadia National Park
Only A Day
Acadia's compact size enables you to take in many of the park's highlights in one day. To make the most of your time, begin your day before 9 a.m. During the summer, the park is busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don't try to crowd too much into your day. See what you can, see it well, and make plans for a return trip.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center opens at 8 a.m. during the summer. A 15-minute show will acquaint you with the park's history and its mountains-meet-the-sea character. You can also pick up a free map and other park literature here.
Acadia's Park Loop Road is an ideal day trip. This 27-mile loop takes in much of the eastern half of Acadia, winding along the rocky coast past Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs. It then swings inland through the park's wooded interior, past Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake and past a series of mountain peaks. There are frequent turnouts where you can stop to admire the views. On a clear day, you can see Schoodic Point from Otter Cliffs. At the South Bubble turnout, look for the large boulder on the mountaintop that was left behind by a receding glacier.
If time and weather permit, park your car and sample some of Acadia on foot. Some short but scenic walks include the dramatic Ocean Path along Frenchman Bay, the hike up Gorham Mountain and the self-guiding nature walk on the shores of Jordan Pond. Stop by the Jordan Pond House for warm popovers and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The Park Loop Road culminates with the drive to the summit of 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain. From here, you'll be able to survey all of Acadia and the surrounding bays—a view that is especially spectacular at day's end, when the setting sun suffuses the landscape with its warm light.
To finish off your day in Acadia, spend your evening strolling among the shops and restaurants of one of Mount Desert Island's quaint communities. You can also take a sunset or moonlight sail on Frenchman Bay. Should you decide to stay the night, choose among the island's many inns, hotels and bed- and-breakfasts.
Acadia In Depth
News from the Parks
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
Redwood Park's Hofstra Gets National Award
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
When Traveling, Boingo is the Road Trip's Best Bet
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
Donor Partnership Crosses Borders To Nurture National Park Volunteer Program
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
