Some trips change your plans. Others change your life. For us, Acadia National Park did both.
It was only the second national park we’d ever visited, but it left a mark so deep that within six months, we left our corporate jobs to pursue a year of travel and adventure. That leap eventually led to our second act as travel content creators—helping others plan meaningful journeys of their own.
Acadia didn’t just impress us with its scenery. It stirred something in our souls. As we hiked coastal trails with the scent of ocean salt and spruce in the air, Julie turned to me and said, “I’ve never seen you this happy.” She was right. And we’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R14e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeSo, is Acadia overrated? Not even close. Here are seven reasons we can’t wait to return.
1. Coastal Scenery That Stops You in Your Tracks
Sea and sky collide with rocky shores.Acadia’s rocky shoreline is unlike anything we’d seen before. Waves crash against granite cliffs, sea spray dances in the wind, and tide pools teem with life. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from a quiet cove or standing in awe at Thunder Hole, the park’s coastal beauty is raw, rugged, and unforgettable.
2. Cadillac Mountain: First Light in the U.S.
Cadillac Mountain provides sweeping views.At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast—and the first place to see sunrise for part of the year. We braved strong winds at the summit, barely able to walk in a straight line, but the panoramic views melted our troubles away. Even without sunrise, the summit offers sweeping vistas of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the surrounding islands.
3. A Trail for Every Traveler
Jordan Pond Path treats hikers to varied terrain and spectacular views.Acadia’s trail system is a dream. You’ll find everything from gentle lake loops to adrenaline-pumping cliffside scrambles. One of our favorite hikes was around Jordan Pond, where the still water mirrored the surrounding peaks. It was quiet, calming, and soul-soothing in a way that’s hard to put into words.
4. Carriage Roads: A Ride Through History
Leaf covered roads and serenity await in Acadia.AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe We didn’t get to explore the Carriage Roads on our first visit, but they’re at the top of our list for next time. These 45 miles of crushed-stone paths—originally commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr.—wind through forests, over stone bridges, and past scenic overlooks. They’re perfect for biking, walking, or even a horse-drawn carriage ride.
5. Wildlife Encounters That Stick With You
Puffins nest near Acadia.On our very first day, just outside the park, a bald eagle swooped down beside our car—a thrilling welcome to the wild. Acadia is one of the premier national parks for birding, with over 300 species spotted in and around the park. From warblers and peregrine falcons to puffins on nearby cruises, the birdlife is spectacular.
6. Bar Harbor: A Coastal Town with Character
Small town charm abounds in Bar Harbor.The gateway town of Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. With its quaint shops, cozy cafés, and harbor views, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the trails. If you love lobster, you’ll be in heaven. If you’re like me and have a shellfish allergy, don’t worry—blueberry everything awaits.
7. Popovers, Tea, and the Fragrance of Adventure
Clear waters and skies along Jordan Pond.No visit to Acadia is complete without a stop at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. We sat on the lawn, sipping tea and devouring warm popovers with butter and jam. It was simple, delicious, and somehow felt like a rite of passage.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1se4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2se4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeEven now, I can still recall the fragrance of salt air and spruce, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the feeling that something big was about to change. And it did.
Planning Your Own Acadia Adventure?
If you’re wondering how many days to spend, what to pack, or where to stay, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Acadia National Park trip planning guide for tips, itineraries, and insider insights.
Yahoo CreatorScott McConkeyCreator of Miles with McConkeyScott McConkey is a travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides trip ideas and travel guides. His wife, Julie creates travel videos. They hope to inspire you to travel more.Follow
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