29 Jun Itinerary for Acadia National Park in One Day

Acadia National Park is the only national park in the entire northeast of the United States. Moreover, it holds the highest point on the east coast of the US at the Cadillac Mountain Summit. Still not convinced you should plan a visit? Well, it also has a myriad of relaxing walks, daring hikes, panoramic overlooks, coastal views, water activities, and more. I will detail below how to make the best possible trip to Acadia National Park in one day. While some people can devote an entire weekend to the park, others might have more restricted schedules.

Contents:

1) General Information on Acadia

2) Cadillac Mountain Sunrise + Summit Loop

3) Beehive Trail

4) Ocean Path Trail (Sand Beach + Overlooks + Thunder Hole)

5) Jordan Pond House

6) Bubble Rock Trail

7) Bar Harbor

1) General Information on Acadia

Acadia National Park is located primarily on Mt. Desert Island in eastern Maine. However, please keep in mind that the park is also partially located on the Schoodic Peninsula as well as the Isle au Haut. Nevertheless, the itinerary below only includes attractions on Mt. Desert Island due to the time restriction of one day.

It is a bit of a unique national park due to the fact there are towns, neighborhoods, etc. on Mt. Desert Island all around the park. You can be driving through the park one minute and then driving through a residential neighborhood the next.

Opening Hours for Acadia

The park is open to visitors all day, every day. You thus do not have to worry about getting to the park late at night if you have a campground reservation. We worried a bit about this because we did not research it in advance. Nevertheless, you can simply drive right through the campground entrance station when it is closed.

Entrance Fee for Acadia

The entrance fee for Acadia is $35 per private vehicle. Please see the Acadia nps.gov page for more information on daily as well as annual pass types. When driving around the park, you will notice that you can access some attractions without passing through an entrance station and showing your park pass. Due to the fact Acadia is spread out around the island and somewhat intertwined with residential areas, there are a few specific entrance stations. For example, you will need to pass through an entrance station to access Cadillac Mountain Road as well as Sand Beach.

Lodging near Acadia

If you would like to stay the night in or near Acadia National Park, you have a few options. First, you can choose to book a site at a campground. I recommend you stay at Blackwoods Campground based on this itinerary. It is the closest campground to the attractions listed below.

We stayed at Blackwoods Campground during our visit to Acadia National Park and camped inside of our car since we did not have a tent at the time. We had no complaints about the campground, and there was even a building with hot showers available for a small fee just down the road. However, please note that the showers only accept quarters as payment. There is an ATM as well as a change machine on site.

Second, you can choose to be a bit more comfortable and book a stay at a hotel in Bar Harbor. For a more luxurious experience, book a room at the Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B or the Hampton Inn Bar Harbor. On the other hand, book a room at the Island Place or the Bell Isle Motel if you need to stick to a budget.

Itinerary Suggestions for Acadia National Park in One Day

I have a few additional tips if you are planning to visit Acadia National Park in only one day. First, I recommend that you stay on Mt. Desert Island and do not visit the Schoodic Peninsula or Isle au Haut. The majority of the park lies within Mt. Desert Island, and thus it holds the most popular attractions. Moreover, a greater time commitment is required to visit the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. I would only recommend visiting one or both of those two locations if you have at least an entire weekend within the park.

Second, I recommend you plan to bring snacks and/or breakfast. This itinerary includes waking up at approximately 3:30am for sunrise (if you visit in the summer months). You thus will be craving breakfast before any of the nearby coffees shops or restaurants open.

Third, I always recommend planning for more time than you think you need. For example, if an average hiker can complete a hike within one hour, I still recommend you plan for at least one and a half hours in your itinerary. A myriad of things could go wrong, such as missing the parking lot, taking a wrong turn on the trail, etc. On the other hand, you might just want more time at the top to appreciate the view.

Adjustments (If Needed) for Acadia National Park in One Day

It is quite possible you will not be able to do everything on the itinerary below, especially if you also plan to drive to and from Acadia National Park in one day. If that is the case, I recommend you cut out the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. Instead, you can plan to do a shorter visit to the mountain at some point during the day.

If you have two days to spend in Acadia National Park, I would recommend splitting the attractions between the two days in the following manner. Day 1 includes (1) Beehive Trail (2) Ocean Path Trail (3) Bar Harbor. Day 2 includes (1) Cadillac Mountain Sunrise (2) Bubble Rock Trail (3) Jordan Pond House (4) Ship Harbor Trail (5) Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. You will notice the two day itinerary only includes the two additional attractions of Ship Harbor Trail and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.

Summit of Bubble Rock

2) Cadillac Mountain Sunrise + Summit Loop

First, let us start our itinerary for one day in Acadia National Park with viewing the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. If you know of any attraction in Acadia, it is most likely this one. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in the US on the eastern seaboard. For that reason, it is one of the first spots to view the sunrise in the US.

Drive three miles (~4.8 kilometers) up Cadillac Summit Road to the top of Cadillac Mountain where you can watch the sunrise. Then take a stroll around the 0.3 mile (~0.5 kilometer) Cadillac Summit Trail that loops around the mountaintop.

Unfortunately when we visited, we saw nothing but clouds, fog, and mist during sunrise. Nevertheless, I would still wake up at 3:30am again for even just a slight chance to see the sunrise from this spot.

Parking

There is a large parking lot at the top of the mountain. Due to its size and the fact you need a timed entry permit to drive up (during the summer months), you should not have any trouble finding a parking spot.

No park shuttles drive up to the summit, so you will need to find your own transportation.

Estimated Time Needed

First, plan for 30 minutes (or more as needed) to drive to the entrance to Cadillac Mountain and then to the top of Cadillac Summit Road.

Second, I recommend you plan for approximately two and a half hours for the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain. Why so much time? You will want to arrive before the sun actually rises so that you do not miss it. Additionally, a lot of people stay and watch the sunrise for 30 minutes or even an hour. The whole event is quite beautiful and you woke up incredibly early, so take advantage of every minute you have. Moreover, there is a short 0.3 mile (~0.5 kilometer) trail around the top of Cadillac Mountain. Walk around it so you can appreciate the views of Acadia from every angle.

When you have to wake up will truly depend on the time of year you visit. However, most people tend to visit Acadia during the summer months. If you visit during the months of June through August, plan to wake up around 3:30am. The sunrise will officially be around 4:45am or 5:00am.

Therefore, an estimated schedule is to wake up at 3:30am to drive up Cadillac Mountain, arrive at the top of the mountain at 4:00am, and then start heading down the mountain at 6:30am.

Vehicle Reservations

Please see the Cadillac Mountain nps.gov page for updated information.

Vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road from the end of May through the end of October. Please note that this is different from an entrance pass for Acadia. You will thus need an entrance pass + a vehicle reservation to drive up Cadillac Summit Road.

Generally, 30% of vehicle reservations become available 90 days in advance at 10am eastern. The remaining 70% of reservations then become available two days in advance at 10am eastern. Keep in mind that the sunrise reservations are more competitive than the daytime reservations. Therefore, I recommend you be ready at 10am eastern exactly to obtain one.

The vehicle reservation costs $6. The sunrise vehicle reservation has a 90-minute entry window while the daytime vehicle reservations have 30-minute entry windows. You can purchase a vehicle reservation here.

Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

3) Beehive Trail – Acadia National Park in One Day

Second, continue the one day itinerary in Acadia National Park with a morning hike on the Beehive Trail. It is a 1.5 mile (~2.4 kilometer) loop trail with approximately 500 feet (~152 meters) in elevation gain.

However, please note that this trail might not be the best option for those with a fear of heights. There are sections of the trail where the path is only a couple of feet wide before the (steep) cliff edge. Moreover, you will need to utilize iron rungs as ladders at a few points to hoist yourself up the trail where it is almost vertical. These iron rungs are sometimes located right by the cliff edge.

Parking

To access the Beehive Trailhead, park at the Sand Beach Parking Lot. This lot provides access to Sand Beach, the Ocean Path Trailhead, and the Beehive Trailhead.

After you park, simply walk back down Park Loop Road from the way you came for about a minute. Then cross the road at the crosswalk and start the Beehive Trail from the left hand side of the road.

On the other hand, you can choose to ditch the car and utilize the park shuttle.

Estimated Time Needed

First, plan for 25 minutes to drive from Cadillac Mountain to the Beehive Trail.

Second, I recommend you plan for approximately two hours on the Beehive Trail. While an average hiker can complete the trail in around one hour to one and a half hours, it is always a good idea to have some buffer time.

Therefore, an estimated schedule is to drive to the Beehive Trail at 6:30am, arrive at the parking lot at 7:00am, and then finish the trail around 9:00am.

Another Option: Precipice Trail

If you want to up the adventure, then you can decide to hike the Precipice Trail. Please keep in mind that the Precipice Trail is even more daring and dangerous. The trail is a 2.1 mile (~3.4 kilometer) loop with just over 1,000 feet (~304 meters) in elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in around two hours. It is recommended to complete the Beehive Trail first before attempting the Precipice Trail. The trail requires you to scramble over boulders, climb on iron rung ladders, and more.

Iron Rungs on Beehive Trail

4) Ocean Path Trail (Sand Beach + Overlooks + Thunder Hole)

Third, opt for the more relaxing Ocean Path Trail after completing the more daring Beehive Trail. It is a 4.5 mile (~7.2 kilometer) out and back trail with around 375 feet (~114 meters) in elevation gain. It is thus considered to be an easy trail.

The trail passes by some of Acadia National Park’s most popular attractions. For example, it starts at Sand Beach and then passes by Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff Overlook before ending at Otter Point Overlook. Be sure to visit Thunder Hole approximately one to two hours before high tide for the best chance to hear “thunder” from the waves.

If you are looking for another easy trail within the park, then I recommend also adding the Ship Harbor Trail to your itinerary.

Two Options: Walking or Driving

You have two options for the trail. First, you can walk along the Ocean Path Trail and pass by all of the attractions as you go along. However, please keep in mind that if you walk all the way to Otter Point, you will then need to walk back to your car at Sand Beach.

Second, you can drive along Park Loop Road and stop to see individual attractions. The Ocean Path Trail runs almost parallel to the Park Loop Road for its entirety. Moreover, there are parking lots along the road dedicated to Thunder Hole and the overlooks.

No matter which option you choose, I recommend you make it a priority to visit at least Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Point Overlook.

Parking

To access the Ocean Path Trailhead, park at the Sand Beach parking lot. This lot also provides access to the Beehive Trailhead. After parking, make your way down to Sand Beach to see the first attraction along the trail. Then head west to continue along the Ocean Path Trail.

If you choose to drive, your first stop will still be at the Sand Beach parking lot. Then stop at the parking lots dedicated to the other attractions, such as Thunder Hole and Otter Point Overlook, along the way.

On the other hand, you can choose to ditch the car and utilize the park shuttle. The shuttle stops at all of the main attractions along the Ocean Path Trail.

Estimated Time Needed

First, you do not have to account for any driving time (if you are hiking) since the parking lot for the Ocean Path Trail is the same as that for the Beehive Trail. Even if you decide to drive, you do not have to plan for any additional time. The time you save due to not hiking from place to place will more than make up for the time needed to drive from place to place.

Second, I recommend you plan for approximately two and a half hours on the Ocean Path Trail. The average hiker can complete the trail in about two hours. You might need a bit less time if you decide to drive instead of walk, but then you can just spend extra time at the destinations.

Therefore, an estimated schedule is to begin the Ocean Path Trail around 9:00am and then finish the trail around 11:30am.

Thunder Hole

5) Jordan Pond House – Acadia National Park in One Day

Fourth, continue your one day itinerary in Acadia National Park at Jordan Pond. The Jordan Pond House is often people’s favorite place to stop within the park for a quick snack or even a whole meal. It is well-known for its tea as well as popovers and jam. While eating, you can enjoy views of Jordan Pond and the nearby mountains.

The Jordan Pond House Restaurant is generally open from 11:00am to 5:00pm daily.

Parking

There is a large parking lot just to the left of the Jordan Pond House. If this lot is full, you can simply drive a minute down the road and park in the Jordan Pond lot.

On the other hand, you can choose to ditch the car and utilize the park shuttle.

Estimated Time Needed

First, plan for 20 minutes to drive from the Ocean Path Trailhead to Jordan Pond House.

Second, I recommend you plan approximately one hour for a visit to the Pond House. This will offer you enough time to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the views of nearby Jordan Pond.

Therefore, an estimated schedule is to drive to the Jordan Pond House at 11:30am, arrive at the parking lot at 11:50am, and then head out around 1:00pm.

Jordan Pond

6) Bubble Rock Trail

After filling up on tea and popovers, head out on your next hike to see Bubble Rock. One of the best hikes to the rock is the South Bubble Trail, which  is a 1.4 mile (~2.3 kilometer) loop with around 500 feet (~152 meters) in elevation gain. Due to the elevation gain in less than one mile, it is considered to be a moderate trail. You will stumble upon Bubble Rock, which is a large rock on the edge of the cliff, in about the middle of the trail. You will be amazed that the rock is still there and has not fallen off yet. Oh, and did I mention there are panoramic views of Jordan Pond?

Furthermore, you can extend this trail if you wish to spend a bit more time here. For example, you can begin your hike from the Jordan Pond Trailhead to walk alongside the pond for around one mile (~1.6 kilometers). Additionally, you can hike north to the North Bubble Summit for more panoramic views of the area.

Parking

There is a decent sized parking lot right next to the Bubbles Divide Trailhead. You can access a few different trails from this lot, including the South Bubble Trail to Bubble Rock.

The parking lot is not too large, so you might have to search for a spot if you arrive during a sunny, weekend afternoon in July or August.

On the other hand, you can choose to ditch the car and utilize the park shuttle.

Estimated Time Needed

First, plan for 5 minutes to drive from the Jordan Pond House to the Bubbles Divide Trailhead.

Second, I recommend you plan approximately one and a half hours to hike the South Bubble Trail. An average hiker can complete the trail in around one hour, but you might want to spend a bit of extra time appreciating the views at the top.

Therefore, an estimated schedule is to drive to the Bubbles Divide Trailhead at 1:00pm, arrive at the parking lot at 1:05pm, and then head out around 2:30pm.

Bubble Rock

7) Bar Harbor – Acadia National Park in One Day

Do not miss out on visiting the town of Bar Harbor when you plan your visit to Acadia National Park in one day. If I had to describe the town in two words, they would be “charming” and “vibrant”. Bar Harbor is full of shops, restaurants, coastal views, parks, and more.

During your visit, there are a few things you should not miss out on. First, find a restaurant that serves lobster rolls. We got a lobster roll, lobster bisque, and clam chowder at Peekytoe Provisions. I would 10000% go back again. Second, head to Choco-Latte if you need some coffee to keep you going throughout the day. They also have some amazing bagels with cream cheese.

Third, walk around the main street of town and peruse the shops. A lot of the shops will carry Bar Harbor as well as Acadia National Park merchandise. We bought a few gifts for our family as well as a postcard for ourselves.

Fourth, walk out to Bar Island during low tide. It is important to note that the land bridge to the island is only available about one and a half hours before low tide to one and a half hours after low tide. The land bridge is completely submerged outside of those times as the water level rises. It is quite a cool experience to walk on a land bridge (aka sand and rocks) that only exists during low tide. However, be sure to not stay too long on the island that you get stuck there during high tide.

Parking

There is plenty of parking along the streets of Bar Harbor. However, parking can be a bit more difficult on weekends in July or August. If you have trouble finding a spot along the main street in town, I recommend you drive a couple blocks away into a side street that is less crowded. Additionally, parking along the streets does cost money, though only a few dollars for a few hours.

On the other hand, you can choose to ditch the car and utilize the park shuttle.

Estimated Time Needed

First, plan for 15 minutes to drive from the Bubbles Divide Trailhead to Bar Harbor.

Second, I recommend you plan approximately three hours to explore the town of Bar Harbor. This will give you enough time to grab a meal, peruse some shops, and even walk out to Bar Island.

Therefore, an estimated schedule is to drive to Bar Harbor at 2:30pm, arrive there at 3:15pm, and then head out around 6:15pm. However, you can stay here as long as you want since this is the last stop of the day! You might be a bit tired from waking up so early in the morning, though, so feel free to make it an early night.

Land Bridge to Bar Island

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Do not miss out on this waterfall near Rangeley Lake State Park: Smalls Falls in Rangeley, Maine.

Also, be sure to check out my favorite waterfall in Maine: The Cataracts: Set of Three Waterfalls.