Route Overview
Experience Maine's crown jewel: sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads, rocky coastlines, and harbor towns. Build in reservations, tide timing, and shuttle logistics for a smooth 3 days.
Itinerary
Cadillac Mountain Sunrise
Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. The short, paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, interpretive waysides, restrooms, and gift shop are located at the summit. In the summer, reservations are required to drive to the summit.
First place to see sunrise in the US (October-March). Reserve a vehicle pass in advance and arrive 30-45 minutes early. Summit views over Frenchman Bay and islands.
Reservations required for sunrise in peak season (typically May-Oct). Book at recreation.gov. Bring warm layers and a headlamp.
Jordan Pond House Breakfast
Jordan Pond House is located on the picturesque southern end of Jordan Pond. It has been a scenic, recreational, and dining destination since the nineteenth century.
Famous popovers and tea overlooking Jordan Pond with the Bubbles mountains behind.
Opens at 11am for lunch - for breakfast, bring your own and enjoy the lawn. Parking fills by mid-morning in summer.
Jordan Pond Path
The trail follows the shore of Jordan Pond, providing iconic views of steep, glacially sculpted mountains and the glacially carved valley that is now Jordan Pond.
3.3-mile loop around crystal-clear Jordan Pond with views of the Bubbles. Mostly flat with some boardwalk sections.
Go clockwise for best views. Eastern shore has boggy spots - waterproof shoes help. Start before 10am for easier parking.
South Bubble Summit
Stop Two on the Acadia Geocache Tour.
1.6-mile roundtrip to the summit with the famous Bubble Rock balanced on the edge. Views over Jordan Pond.
Short but steep in places. Allow ~10 minutes of driving from Jordan Pond. Avoid when wet - rocks are slick.
Lunch in Bar Harbor
Walk the charming downtown. Fresh lobster rolls, chowder, and blueberry everything!
Park once and walk. Expect lines at lunch; Side Street Cafe and Thurston's are favorites.
Sand Beach & Great Head Trail
Sand Beach, the largest sandy beach in Acadia, is a popular destination on Park Loop Road.
Rare sand beach in Maine (water is cold). 1.4-mile Great Head loop has ocean views and rocky coastline.
Beach parking fills by late morning. Use the Island Explorer shuttle in summer. Great Head offers solitude away from beach crowds.
Thunder Hole
A description of Thunder Hole including accessibility information, amenities, and general orientation.
Ocean waves crash into a narrow inlet creating thunder-like booms. Best 1-2 hours before high tide.
Check tide charts before you go. Calm water = quiet; high surf = spectacular (and wet - stand back!).
Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is located in Tremont, Maine, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island.
Most photographed lighthouse in Maine. Sunset light on the white tower against blue ocean.
45-60 min drive from Bar Harbor. Arrive 45+ minutes early for parking and photo position. Steps down to rocks are steep.
Precipice Trail (Seasonal)
Rising over 1,000 feet in 0.9 miles, the Precipice Trail requires physical and mental strength. It is a rugged, non-technical climb with open cliff faces and iron rungs, and reaches the summit of Champlain Mountain.
Acadia's most thrilling hike - iron rungs and ladders up sheer cliffs. Closed in spring for peregrine falcons.
Choose this OR Beehive, not both. Not for fear of heights. Check seasonal closures and start early for parking.
Beehive Trail (Alternative)
This is a 1.4 mile loop trail that ascends a 450 ft cliff face. Exposed cliffs, iron rungs, and granite staircases climb this trail revealing scenic ocean views.
Similar ladder experience to Precipice but shorter. 1.6 miles roundtrip with iron rungs and cliff exposure.
Best alternative when Precipice is closed. Views over Sand Beach. Start early to avoid lines.
Carriage Roads Biking
45 miles of car-free crushed stone roads built by Rockefeller. Rent bikes in Bar Harbor.
Reserve bikes in advance in summer. The Eagle Lake loop is ~6 miles and scenic; Day Mountain loop is more challenging.
Picnic Lunch at Eagle Lake
Pack a picnic and enjoy views over the lake from carriage road benches.
Pick up sandwiches in Bar Harbor before your bike ride. No services at Eagle Lake.
Park Loop Road Scenic Drive
27-mile one-way loop hitting all major coastal highlights. Stop at overlooks along the way.
Plan 2-3 hours with stops. One-way between Sand Beach and Otter Cliff; shuttle service helps avoid backtracking.
Otter Cliff
An accessible description and transcript of the Otter Cliff Parking Lot in Acadia National Park. (February 2025)
Highest cliff on the Atlantic coast north of Brazil. Rock climbers often visible.
Windy and exposed; keep a safe distance from the edge. Great sunset spot if you can't make Bass Harbor.
Lobster Dinner in Bar Harbor
End the day with a classic Maine lobster dinner. Geddy's, Stewman's, or Thurston's Lobster Pound.
Thurston's in Bernard is a more local feel. Reservations recommended in peak season.
Gorham Mountain Trail
The Gorham Mountain Loop is 3.5 miles featuring mountains and a rocky coastline with panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the outlying islands.
1.8-mile roundtrip with coastal views and the Cadillac Cliffs side trail (adds 0.4 mi).
Less crowded than Beehive. Arrive early for parking and consider connecting to Ocean Path.
Schoodic Peninsula
This 7.5 mile network of hiking trails leads across the peninsula, from Winter Harbor in the north through spruce-fir forests, pine woodlands, and a shrubland, terminating on the southern end at Blueberry Hill. Enjoy views from the Anvil and Schoodic Head, as well as some challenging steep climbs from the East Trail.
The quiet side of Acadia - separate peninsula with far fewer crowds. 6-mile one-way loop road.
Allow 1-1.5 hours drive from Bar Harbor. Pack food and water; limited services. Schoodic Point has dramatic wave action.
Cadillac Mountain Sunset
Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. The short, paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, interpretive waysides, restrooms, and gift shop are located at the summit. In the summer, reservations are required to drive to the summit.
End your trip with sunset from the highest point on the eastern seaboard. 360-degree views.
Sunset reservations required in peak season. Arrive 45 minutes early; stay for alpenglow after sunset.
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3
Days
18
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
May-October. Fall foliage peaks mid-October.
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