Acadia National Park – Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain & Island Explorer (Plan Your Visit)

Click the above map icon to view a Google Map of Acadia National Park - here are the top ten most interesting facts about Acadia National Park:;

• Oldest National Park East of the Mississippi: Established in 1916 as Sieur de Monts National Monument, it was renamed Lafayette National Park in 1919, and became Acadia National Park in 1929, making it the first national park established east of the Mississippi River.
• Home to Cadillac Mountain, a Sunrise Landmark: Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet, is the highest point along the Atlantic coast in the United States, and famously the first place in the U.S. to witness the sunrise from early October through early March.
• Unique Carriage Roads: The park features over 45 miles of picturesque carriage roads financed and designed by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., purposely built without motorized traffic, ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scenic walks.
• Thunder Hole Phenomenon: Acadia's "Thunder Hole" is a naturally carved inlet where waves crash into a cave-like formation, creating a thunderous roar and dramatic sprays of seawater.
• Spectacular Autumn Foliage: Known as one of America's best locations to view brilliant fall foliage, the park's vibrant colors peak in early to mid-October, attracting photographers and visitors from around the world.
• Rich Biodiversity: Acadia is home to diverse ecosystems, including spruce-fir forests, rocky shorelines, lakes, mountains, and wetlands, supporting hundreds of bird species, moose, bears, seals, whales, and peregrine falcons.
• Glacially Sculpted Landscape: The park's dramatic terrain—rugged granite peaks, U-shaped valleys, fjord-like Somes Sound, and exposed granite cliffs—was sculpted by glaciers during the last Ice Age, approximately 15,000 years ago.
• Jordan Pond and its Famous Popovers: Jordan Pond, with crystal-clear waters, is a highlight of Acadia, famous for its stunning views of the rounded mountains ("Bubbles") and the Jordan Pond House, which has served its renowned tea and fresh-baked popovers since the late 1800s.
• Night Sky Preservation: Acadia is an International Dark Sky Park, recognized for efforts to minimize light pollution, offering breathtaking stargazing opportunities including clear views of the Milky Way.
• Significant Native American Heritage: Acadia sits on ancestral lands of the Wabanaki peoples, who have lived in the region for over 12,000 years, and whose cultural traditions and histories deeply enrich the park’s heritage.

Image #1 (left side) provides a stunning view of Eagle Lake, captured from our tour bus as it climbed the winding road leading up to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. The tranquil waters of Eagle Lake are beautifully framed by dense forests, creating a picturesque scene emblematic of the region's natural beauty.

Image #2 (right side) offers a panoramic view from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, looking outward toward the expansive Atlantic Ocean stretching far into the horizon. Although the visibility was somewhat limited by haze on the day of our visit, the elevation still afforded impressive views. On clearer days, this vantage point provides spectacular and uninterrupted vistas, making it an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Acadia National Park.

Image # 1 (left side) is a view from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, looking down at Bar Harbor in the distance. The little island on the right is "Sutton Island" and the larger island to the left is "Little Cranberry Island".

Image # 2 (right side) is one of our "selfies" before re-boarding the Tour Bus.

The coastline geography & composition varies, but in this area, it was all granite with cliffs. Image # 1 (left side) is the area just above Thunder Hole.

Image # 2 (right side) shows Thunder Hole and it's small cave, which has been carved out by the ocean waves. At certain tide levels, when the waves surge into the hole strongly, it makes a "booming noise" that acquired the name "Thunder Hole".

This picturesque cove lies just immediately north of the famous Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park, where dramatic granite cliffs rise prominently from the sea. Such striking geological formations, characterized by rugged, weathered granite shaped over thousands of years by ocean waves and glacial activity, dominate the landscape along this stunning stretch of coastline. The cliffs, displaying varied shades of gray, pink, and rust, vividly illustrate the area's glacial past and geological diversity. Visitors exploring the shoreline will find this dramatic interplay between land and sea repeated frequently, offering endless opportunities for photography and appreciation of Acadia’s distinctive natural beauty.

While Celeste is taking pictures, my brother in law and I are comparing notes on the tour. We've come to an agreement that this area is not only amazing, but beautiful as well.

Thunder Hole is famous for the deep, booming sound it produces when waves crash into its narrow inlet. As the tide rises and the sea surges into the cavern below, air and water are forced out with a powerful roar, resembling thunder. The sound can range from a soft gurgling to a resounding clap, depending on the intensity of the waves and the tide level. When the ocean is rough, the noise becomes even more dramatic, echoing off the surrounding cliffs. The combination of the rushing water and the thunderous boom creates a sensory experience that is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, embodying the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean.

Acadia’s big three are Cadillac Mountain, the Park Loop Road, and the Island Explorer shuttle. Plan parking early in peak season, and check current conditions before you go.

• Cadillac Mountain vehicle reservations (May–Oct): Required to drive the summit road in season. In 2025 it’s May 21–Oct 26, released 90 days out (30%) and 2 days out (70%). Pedestrians/bikes don’t need them; this road is not served by the shuttle.
• Island Explorer (fare-free shuttle): Runs seasonally around Mount Desert Island/Schoodic; great when lots fill. Schedules live at ExploreAcadia; NPS has an overview page.
• Park Loop Road (27 miles): The scenic drive linking Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and more. Start at Hulls Cove Visitor Center; watch for one-way segments.
• Parking & crowds: Expect congestion June–mid-October; some right-lane parking is allowed on the one-way section—only in signed areas, all wheels off pavement.
• Conditions & weather: Mountain weather can differ from Bar Harbor—check park alerts and forecast before you go.
• Fees & passes: Park pass required year-round; Cadillac vehicle reservation is an extra $6 when in season.

Plan Your Visit Travel Resources — Maps, Parking & Passes

• Weather & what to expect (NPS)
• Acadia National Park — Official (NPS)
• Park & area maps (NPS)
• Alerts & current conditions (NPS)
• Entrance fees & passes (NPS)
• Island Explorer (free shuttle)
• Park Loop Road overview (NPS)

Where to Stay & Eat Travel Resources — Maps, Parking & Passes

• Restaurants & cafés (map)
• Hotels in Bar Harbor (map)
• Bar Harbor Chamber (official)

More Info Travel Resources — Maps, Parking & Passes

• Jordan Pond House (NPS place)
• Acadia on Google Maps

Plan Your Trip – Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S., so timing and preparation matter. If you want to see a Cadillac Mountain sunrise, you’ll need a vehicle reservation during peak season (late May through October). Parking lots at popular trailheads like Jordan Pond and Sand Beach fill quickly, so arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Summer and early fall are the busiest times, while late spring and October offer fewer crowds and crisp New England scenery. Always check the park’s official site for current conditions, closures, and reservation requirements before your trip.

Consider a Visit to Schoodic Peninsula

For a more peaceful and less crowded Acadia National Park experience, featuring stunning granite headlands, wild forests, and coastal views similar to the popular Mount Desert Island section but with a unique sense of seclusion. You can hike and bike along serene carriage roads, explore the rugged coastline, visit the Schoodic Institute to learn about the local ecosystem, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and scenic drive through charming villages.

Acadia Travel Resources — Maps, Parking, Reservations & Shuttle

• Trail Maps, Conditions & Closures (Forest Service)
• Weather & what to expect (NPS)
• Maine road conditions (511)
• Our Acadia National Park Photo Gallery
• Our YouTube Channel
• Acadia National Park — Wikipedia overview
• Restaurants near Acadia (Google Maps)
• Places to stay near Acadia (Google Maps)
• Acadia National Park reviews (Google Reviews)
• Park & Trail Maps (NPS)
• Park Loop Road — route & stops (NPS)
• Parking guidance (NPS)
• Alerts & Current Conditions (NPS)
• Cadillac Summit vehicle reservations (NPS)
• Book Cadillac Summit reservations (Recreation.gov)
• Island Explorer shuttle overview (NPS)
• Island Explorer route finder (official)

Bar Harbor has been one of our favorite places to visit in Maine for quite a while. The beautiful harbor, beautiful beaches & forests, and great seafood around every corner - what is not to like?

Click here to go to our Bar Harbor, ME Page

Sand Beach sits between a rocky shore area and the mountains. It’s quite surprising to see a sand beach here rather than a rocky one. In fact, the beach reminded us of Makena beach on the Hawaiian island of Maui which is also located between a rocky shoreline and the mountains. Great head trail is a trail that you can take to climb above the beach and capture some beautiful views.

Click here to go to our Sand Beach, ME Page

Schoodic Point, a remarkable yet often overlooked area of Acadia National Park, is situated on the ruggedly beautiful Schoodic Peninsula. Although it lies just a little over four miles from Bar Harbor as the crow flies, reaching it by car involves a scenic 45.4-mile drive, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds typically found in Acadia during peak summer months.

Click here to go to our Schoodic Peninsula, ME Page

• Hiking in Acadia National Park from All Trails
• Our Image Gallery for Acadia National Park
• Wikipedia Article for Acadia National Park
• Google Images set for Acadia National Park
• Google Reviews for Acadia National Park