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Acadia National ParkA man hauls a lobster trap into his boat by hand in 1894.
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Acadia National Park
Places To Go
 
A white lighthouse sits high on a cliff over the ocean.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

This list is only a sampling of places to visit in the park. There are many more destinations and activities, which are listed elsewhere on this site. Many facilities and roads are closed during the winter; for more information, visit Operating Hours and Seasons.

 

Cadillac Mountain
At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is not only the tallest mountain in the park, but also the tallest mountain along the eastern coast of the United States. Rising high above the town of Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain offers magnificent views of the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. Explore the summit of this granite mountain along a .3-mile trail, which includes wayside exhibits about natural and human history. Portions of this trail are accessible to wheelchair users.

Cadillac Mountain is accessible via a winding, narrow, 3.5-mile road. The road is closed from December 1 through April 14 and whenever weather conditions (e.g., dense fog or ice) require.

Park Loop Road
The 27-mile Park Loop Road system offers outstanding views of the park's ocean shoreline, coastal forests, and mountain silhouettes. This historic road system is open from April 15 through November 30, weather permitting (small portions remain open all year).

Sieur de Monts Spring Area
The Sieur de Monts Spring area is the heart of the park. Facilities include the Nature Center, the Abbe Museum, and Wild Gardens of Acadia. Set out on one of many historic hiking trails that begin in the area.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island. Currently a private residence for the commander of the local Coast Guard unit, the lighthouse has short trails on either side that provide spectacular views. The lighthouse is located along Route 102A in Bass Harbor, on the west side of Mount Desert Island.

Islesford Historical Museum
Visit the maritime past at the Islesford Historical Museum on Little Cranberry Island. Exhibits tell the story of the Town of Cranberry Isles and its people through ship models, dolls and toys, photographs, and tools.

Portion of map shows Little Cranberry Island.
Trying to find your way?
Download the park map and other maps of interest.
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Island Explorer bus stop sign.
Ride the fare-free Island Explorer
From June 23 to Columbus Day, Island Explorer buses take you across Mount Desert Island.
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The Islesford Historical Museum sits right on the water.
Check out Acadia's indoor activities
Learn more about the park at the Islesford Historical Museum and Nature Center.
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A man boards the Island Explorer bus.  

Did You Know?
Since 1999, propane-powered Island Explorer buses have carried more than two million passengers in Acadia National Park, eliminating more than 685,000 automobile trips and preventing 6,444 tons of greenhouse gases. The fare-free buses are supported by your entrance fees.
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Last Updated: April 30, 2007 at 16:20 EST