Acadia National Park

🌊

Rogue waves

Top hazard

🎫

$6/vehicle

Cadillac Rd permit

🏕

3 areas

Campgrounds

💵

$35

7-day fee

🌅

Oct–Mar

First US sunrise

📷

1 live

Camera

⚠️Ocean & Rogue Wave SafetyThunder Hole risk▾

🌊 NPS is direct about this: "do not turn your back on the ocean" — rogue waves have killed visitors at Thunder Hole and swept people off oceanside ledges even in calm weather, most notably a 2009 incident that killed a 7-year-old near Thunder Hole. Rising tides can also cut off return routes along the shore. Stay well back from wet rocks and posted edges, and never climb over railings for a better view. Falls from granite cliffs are the park's other major hazard. NPS safety info ↗

Quick Stats

Established1919

Cadillac Mountain1,530 ft

Local Tidal Range~12 ft

Park Loop Road~27 mi

🪧Park Entrance & Fees$35 · Cadillac Rd permit▾

🎫 Cadillac Summit Road requires a separate vehicle reservation, May 20 – Oct 25, 2026 — a $6/vehicle fee on top of the park entrance pass, booked via Recreation.gov. Choose a Sunrise ticket (a 90-minute entry window, roughly 4:00–7:30 AM depending on the month) or a Daytime ticket (30-minute windows, ~6 AM–8 PM). 30% of slots release 90 days out, 70% release 2 days out, both at 10 AM ET. NPS reservation details ↗

Main Access Usually Open

Mount Desert Island, via ME-3 from Ellsworth

Hulls Cove Visitor Center is the main gateway near Bar Harbor. Park Loop Road connects most of the island's key sights.

💡 The free Island Explorer shuttle (propane-powered, fare-free) runs seasonally and can save you from parking headaches in peak season.

NPS directions ↗

Schoodic Peninsula Usually Open

Mainland section, via ME-186 near Winter Harbor

The quieter, mainland part of the park — no bridge or ferry needed, but a longer drive around Frenchman Bay from Bar Harbor.

NPS directions ↗

Entry Fees · 7-day pass

Vehicle$35

Motorcycle$30

Individual / Foot / Bike$20

Acadia Annual Pass$70/yr

Cashless park · non-US residents 16+ pay an additional $100/person

🌊Bar Island Tide CrossingLive tide data▾

🚶 A gravel sandbar connects downtown Bar Harbor to Bar Island — but it's underwater except at low tide. Safe crossing window is roughly 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after low tide. Linger too long and you're stuck: NPS's own guidance is to hire a water taxi or wait up to 9 hours for the bar to reappear. NPS Bar Island info ↗

Bar Harbor Tide Station

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NOAA Station 8413320 ↗

🏕Campground Availability3 areas▾

Blackwoods Reservation Only ▾

LocationMount Desert Island, east side

SizeThe park's largest campground

Booking90% released 6 months out (1st of month, 10am ET), 10% released 14 days out

Book on Recreation.gov ↗

Seawall Reservation Only ▾

LocationMount Desert Island, quieter west side

BookingSame 90%/10% release schedule as Blackwoods

Book on Recreation.gov ↗

Schoodic Woods Reservation Only ▾

LocationSchoodic Peninsula (mainland)

NotesThe only campground on the mainland section; no RVs/trailers over 21 ft beyond the day-use area

Book on Recreation.gov ↗

📍Landmarks & Trails7 stops▾

Park Loop Road4 stops▾

Cadillac MountainFirst US sunrise Oct 7–Mar 6 only (not summer) · 1,530 ft summit · Summit Road permit required1,530 ft

Thunder HoleWave-driven inlet, spray up to 40 ft · rogue wave risk even when calm~15 min

Sand BeachRare sand beach on this granite coastline; cold water year-round~30 min

Jordan Pond HouseFamous popovers on the lawn, a tradition dating to 1893~1 hr

Trails2 stops▾

Precipice TrailExposed iron-rung climbing route · seasonally closed for peregrine falcon nesting (typically ~March–summer)Check status

Beehive TrailShort but exposed iron-rung scramble with big views~1.5 hrs

Schoodic Peninsula1 stop▾

Schoodic Point & Loop RoadQuieter mainland section, granite shoreline, far fewer crowdsHalf day

🌙Stargazing & Night SkyNot certified▾

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Acadia does not hold a confirmed International Dark Sky designation, but its island setting away from mainland light domes still offers strong stargazing, especially from Cadillac Mountain and Sand Beach on clear nights. The park runs active ranger-led night-sky programs. NPS night sky info ↗

📷Live Camera Feed

Refreshing in 60s

Park Contact Information

📞 Phone: (207) 288-3338 · Mailing Address: PO Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 · Official NPS contact page ↗