Acadia National Park Activities

Ranger-Led

From late May to early October, Acadia's park rangers offer a variety of programs to suit every interest and activity level. Programs include walks, talks, hikes, narrated boat cruises, bike rides, and more.

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Hiking

Acadia National Park contains more than 120 miles of historic hiking trails. Many of these trails were established by local village improvement societies in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today many of the historic features, such as stonework, are still visible.

The best day hiking in the Eastern U.S. Walking the miles of trails is one of the best ways to experience the park. Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island on a number of different hikes of various environment, length, and difficulty. These trails are stunning, with high ocean views, accessible tree lines, steep precipices, stone bridges, etc. To help you pick the right trail, here is a trail difficulty sheet prepared by the NPS.

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Climbing

Acadia National Park offers a variety of fine climbs on small cliffs created during the last continental glaciation. Most of these cliffs are composed of solid coarse-grained pink granite. The longest routes are three pitches. Otter Cliffs and Great Head provide a spectacular setting for sea cliff climbing not commonly available elsewhere in the U.S.

Safety

Climbers assume responsibility for personal safety. On some routes local climbers maintain fixed protection or rappel stations. As always, evaluate them before using. At Otter Cliffs, the park maintains fixed anchors on top that must be used instead of trees to belay several climbs. Evaluate these anchors as well, and notify the park immediately of safety concerns. Climbers at Great Head and Otter Cliffs should know tides and weather forecasts; climbing at these areas is more difficult and dangerous at high tide or in heavy seas. Climb within your limits.

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Cycling

Portions of the paved motor roads and 45 miles of historic carriage roads are suitable for bicycling.

The Park Loop Road offers scenic views, but it is winding and narrow and may be congested with vehicles. The road up Cadillac Mountain is very steep and can be dangerous. Bicyclists should use caution when riding on any park road.

Winding through the heart of the park, the carriage roads have crushed rock surfaces perfect for bicycling. Cyclists share the carriage roads with horses and pedestrians. Bicycling is not permitted on hiking trails or on privately owned carriage roads. A carriage road map (pdf - 644kb) is available.

Before heading out, cyclists should familiarize themselves with carriage road courtesy and safety:

• Bicyclists yield to all users on the carriage roads. Everyone yields to horses, which can be startled by sudden movements.
• Slow down! Speeding can be hazardous.
• Be prepared to stop. Sudden stops are dangerous on loose gravel.
• Stay to the right. Give a clear warning before passing on the left.
• Move to the side when stopped.
• Wear a helmet and carry water (at least 20 ounces, and more on warm days).
• Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in.

Available Bicycle Rentals

• Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop, 141 Cottage St, 207 288-3886. Offering recreational rentals for $19 full-day, $14 half-day. High-performance rentals are $24 full-day, $19 half-day. Full-suspension rentals are $32 full-day. Road bike rentals are $24 full-day.
• Acadia Bike, 48 Cottage St, 800 526-8615. Bike rentals, group tours, new and used bikes for sale.

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Bird watching

Acadia is a great place to birdwatch, with many species calling the park home. Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great blue herons, cranes, ducks, geese, chickadees, woodpeckers, owls, orioles and blue jays can be seen in the park, just to name a few of the most common. For an extensive checklist and more info on birdwatching opportunities in Acadia, see the NPS's birdwatching page.

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Cross-country skiing

As winter arrives, the carriage roads and some hiking trails become popular with cross-country skiers.

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Fishing

Visit Acadia National Park's site on regulations, species, etc.

While ocean fishing is open to all, fishing in freshwater lakes and ponds requires a Maine state fishing license. Licenses are required for residents 16 and up and non-residents 12 and up, and can be purchased at town offices and a few local shops.

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Island Cruise

Island Cruises, Phone: 207 244-5785, Email: info@bassharborcruises.com. Mid-may to mid Sep.

Ride the Maine State Ferry

Maine State Ferry, Go to Swan's Island or Frenchboro.

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Paddling

The last glacier of 18,000 years ago carved out the incredible and beautiful terrain of the park, leaving behind some of the cleanest lakes and ponds in the country.

• Coastal Kayaking Tours, 48 Cottage St., 207 288-9605, 800 526-8615.

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Swimming

• Sand Beach
• Echo Lake beach

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Whale watching

Take a trip to see some of the world's largest mammal, as they migrate, play and feed just off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.

• Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., 1 West Street, Bar Harbor, 888-533-WALE.