10 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
A roundup of the best hikes in Acadia National Park by region. With most being moderate to easy hikes of two to six miles, you can fit a few into a weekend.
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Moon Acadia National Park
Seaside Towns, Fall Foliage, Cycling & Paddling
Description
Explore the pine-lined mountain trails, serene ponds, and rugged island coasts of Maine's stunning Acadia National Park with Moon. Inside you'll find:
- Flexible itineraries for every season, from the best of Acadia in one day to a two-week road trip, designed for day hikers, campers, families, outdoor adventurers, and more
- The best hikes in Acadia: Detailed descriptions, mileage and elevation gains, and difficulty ratings
- Experience the outdoors: Embark on a whale-watching excursion to spot humpbacks, minke whales, porpoises, and puffins. Climb the pink granite steps to Huguenot Head or hike along the secluded rocky shore of Isle de Haut. Sea kayak at sunset, take a leisurely bike ride through fiery fall foliage, or cross-country ski along miles of carriage trails. Take a swim in Echo Lake, summit Cadillac Mountain, and marvel at the tide roaring through Thunder Hole
- Explore around Acadia: Munch on a hot popover with tea, feast on freshly caught lobster, and sip a cold beer at a local microbrewery. Shop for antiques and local artisan goods or wander through the galleries in downtown Bar Harbor. Discover Maine's rich history, admire the coastline from atop a towering lighthouse, and take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road
- How to get there: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, fees, reservations, and tours
- Where to stay in and outside the park, from forested campgrounds to historic inns
- Planning tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout
- Expert insight from born-and-bred Mainer Hilary Nangle
- Helpful background on Acadia's wildlife, terrain, culture, and history
Find your adventure in Acadia National Park with Moon.
Exploring the rest of Maine? Try Moon Maine or Moon Coastal Maine.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Get to Know Acadia
Plan a 2-Week Road Trip to Acadia National Park
This 15-day road trip itinerary covers all sections of Acadia National Park in Maine and includes hiking, kayaking, touring artists' studios, and more.
Three-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary
Ready to hit the Park Loop Road running? You can pack the highlights into three days or spend up to five to experience the park more fully with hikes, bike rides, boat trips, or ranger-led programs. If you have more time, include the Schoodic section of the park and Isle au Haut in your itinerary. For easiest access to the park, base yourself in Bar Harbor; even better, stay at one of Acadia National Park's campgrounds.