If you are looking for an entertaining stay with much to do, Acadia National Park located in Bar Harbor, Maine, is the ideal choice. Ranging from rocky beaches to mountains, it’s the perfect place to go.
Days and hours of operation- To the visitor’s benefits, Acadia National Park is open 24/7, operating every hour of every day of the year. However, Park Loop Road, Cadillac Mountain Road, and all unpaved roads are closed during winter due to Maine’s unfortunate cold weather.
Parking- However, some roads are opened for parking during warm weather. Park Loop Road, Route 22, Cadillac Summit Road, and other places such as Echo Lake, Acadia Mountain, Sand Beach, etc. are available.
Park Passes- None of this would be useful if you weren’t to use it, right? If you’re looking to get into Acadia National Park and see the breathtaking sights it has to offer, you must purchase a park pass, and have it placed somewhere in your vehicle so the park officials can see it. Otherwise, you will get a ticket.
Where do I get my park pass?- You can purchase a park pass from May to October at a gift shop located in the park, online, or a contact station. Where are these located? Mules Cove Visitor Center, Sand Beach Entrance Station, Bar Harbor Village Green, Thompsan Island Information Center, Blackwoods Campground, Schoodic woods Campground, etc.
How much do park passes cost? Are there different kinds of passes?-
You can purchase a Weekly, Annual, or Lifetime pass. There are a variety of passes you can purchase. They include:
Private Vehicle– $30- Capacity- 15 people or less- Weekly pass
Motorcycle– $25- Weekly pass
Per Person (like a normal human with a normal car)– $15- 15 years old and younger are free
Acadia Annual Pass– $55- pass holder and their vehicle- 12 months
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series
*These passes are good for entrance to all federal recreation lands, including Acadia National Park
Interagency Annual Pass– $30- 12 months
Annual Senior Pass– $20- 62 years or older- Lifetime
Lifetime Senior Pass– $80- 62 years or older- Lifetime
Interagency Annual- Military Pass: $0
*This is a free pass for active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents, with valid documentation (CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Interagency Annual Volunteer Pass: $0 *This pass is for volunteers acquiring 250 service hours on a cumulative basis.
Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Pass: $0
*This is a free pass for U.S. 4th grade students. Please visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov for instructions on how to obtain the voucher required to exchange for the pass. This pass is valid for 12 months beginning September of the year the student begins 4th grade and valid until the following August.
What to wear– While visiting Acadia National Park, be sure to dress in the appropriate attire to accommodate the weather.
Summer- t-shirt, shorts or capris, and a hoodie or sweater for the evening
Fall– Leggings or jeans, sweatshirt, beanie, light jacket
Winter– Heavy coat, layers, gloves, beanie
Spring– t-shirt, shorts or capris, and a hoodie or sweater for the evening
Things to bring- I would recommend bringing some items for entertainment, and for your experience to be more enjoyable. My recommended items to bring are a bathing suit for the summer, a camera, a water bottle, hiking shoes/sneakers, lunch to eat, etc. If you aren’t fond of packing a lunch, you can order at a local restaurant such as Jordan Pond House, or Burning Tree Restaurant.
Must see/do– While there, be sure to take a drive up Cadillac Mountain, Hike the trails, go to Thunderhole, swim and hang out at Sand Beach, (the water is 50 degrees in the summer), explore tide pools, Drive up the 27-mile tour of the park on Park Loop Road, etc.
Amount of time needed– The average stay is 3-4 days, but if you are planning to go to the surrounding villages or Schoodic Peninsula section, it can be longer.
In conclusion, Acadia National Park is the ideal vacation choice. Ranging from rocky beaches to mountains, it’s the perfect place to go. Make sure to visit Acadia National Parks website for more information.