Along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park blends granite peaks, quiet forests, saltwater shores, and crashing waves into one of the most striking landscapes in the northeastern United States. The park spans Mount Desert Island and several surrounding islands, creating a world where mountains rise directly from the sea and ocean mist settles over pine-covered ridges. Cadillac Mountain stands as one of the park’s most iconic features, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic and some of the first sunlight to touch the country each morning. From rocky beaches to peaceful ponds, Acadia is a place shaped by both land and ocean.
Acadia’s history is deeply connected to conservation and community. In the early twentieth century, local residents and philanthropists worked together to protect Mount Desert Island from development, ultimately leading to the establishment of the park in 1916. Their dedication created one of the first national parks east of the Mississippi River and preserved a landscape that continues to inspire artists, scientists, and visitors today. Winding carriage roads, designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., still cross the island and offer a peaceful way to explore its forests and hills.
The park is a haven for outdoor adventure and wildlife. More than one hundred miles of hiking trails lead through spruce forests, across granite ridges, and along dramatic cliffs. Tide pools along the shoreline reveal starfish, crabs, and anemones, while the park’s forests shelter deer, foxes, and countless bird species. Visitors can bike the historic carriage roads, paddle across clear lakes, or watch waves break against Thunder Hole during high tide. Every season brings new beauty, from the vibrant colors of fall to the quiet charm of snowy winter mornings.
Conservation at Acadia National Park focuses on protecting its fragile coastal ecosystems, maintaining historic trails and roadways, and monitoring the effects of climate change on its plants and wildlife. The National Park Service works closely with local partners and research organizations to study shifting habitats, rising sea levels, and increased visitation. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and treat both land and shoreline with respect. Acadia remains a powerful reminder of what can be protected when a community comes together to preserve the natural world.
Our Experience
This was a park we drove into at night so it was treat to wake up and see it's sunlit beauty! Acadia had such a different landscape than anything we had seen in other states with the rocky beaches and mountainous landscape. It was a bit of a challenge, starting at sea level, but we summited Cadillac Mountain and had an amazing view of the ocean and islands.