Nice drive up to one of the best views in the park. Getting sunrise tickets is extremely difficult. Sunset tickets are easier to grab. Really hard to hike to the top but it’s some great hiking on the way up! Definitely worth doing!

We missed the sunrise but that didn’t matter much! The first sunrise on eastern side of the U.S. from here is only a few months out of the year. The views from here are incredible! It’s breathtaking! You have to climb a bit on rocks to really get the full impact, be adventurous. There are walkways too for those afraid of heights. It’s best to have sneakers with some great grip, bring sunglasses and pack up the sunblock. The parking is kinda tight. There’s also restrooms and a store for drinks and goodies. Enjoy it!

This was the best hike during my 10 days in Acadia. I recommend submitting at golden hour and watching the sunset from such a great vantage point. I look forward to heading here again in future trips. Definitely recommend.

It’s truly a beautiful view from here! We visited off season so didn’t need reservations, but during the season (usually end of May through October) you need a separate permit to drive up to the summit. Seeing the sunrise from the top of Cadillac mountain is a beautiful (albeit cold) experience. In my opinion it was totally worth getting up at 4am for. If you end up doing that, bring a blanket and then head over into town for some great Maine breakfast.

The highest peak on the eastern seaboard of the United States was beautiful. I am more and more afraid of heights as I get older and this was a very doable experience. We drove to the top which required a $6 reservation in advance. We were able to book it the day before once we knew the weather was going to be good. The top of the mountain is relatively flat which allowed me to walk on most of the walkways and enjoy the views. There is a gift shop at the top of the mountain that has a special stamp for your National Park Passport but make sure they are open before you head up to the top so you are not disappointed if you miss it.

We got up early to view the sunrise. Very cold and windy but worth it. We went during the off season and had not problems and didn’t have to make a reservation. During the season you need to make a reservation. Great view of the area.

Cadillac Mountain: Breathtaking Acadia Cadillac Mountain, located in Acadia National Park in Maine, is a stunning destination that offers breathtaking views and a memorable outdoor experience. As the tallest peak on the East Coast of the United States, Cadillac Mountain attracts visitors from all over the world. Here's an amazing review of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia: Visiting Cadillac Mountain was an absolute highlight of my trip to Acadia National Park. The journey to the summit was an adventure in itself, with winding roads and scenic overlooks along the way. Once I reached the top, I was greeted with the most magnificent panoramic views I have ever witnessed. The sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is legendary, and it's easy to understand why. As the sun slowly rose above the horizon, the entire landscape was bathed in a golden hue, casting a magical glow over the mountains, forests, and lakes below. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight that words fail to capture adequately. The observation deck at the summit provided ample space for visitors to enjoy the view comfortably. I found myself lost in the beauty of the surrounding islands, the vast Atlantic Ocean, and the charming town of Bar Harbor in the distance. It was a serene and peaceful experience, and I felt like I was on top of the world. Three things that you should do on this mountain are 1. Watch a Sun Rise 2. Watch a Sun set 3. Stargaze

The weather was cloudy during our visit and the mountain top was crowded as can be expected for a popular destination. Online reservations are required in advance to enter the road to the summit to reduce overcrowding. Total cost per car is $6. Recommend booking at least 3 days in advance.

A mountain formed by a volcanic eruption in bar harbor, maine. A great spot to do star gazing, in the late evening you may see a few people with telescopes to explore planets. You can drive your car up there. It is windy and open are, be careful if you have kids along with you. You will also see people running the trail. Being at such elevation gives you a beautiful view of the areas around from top

Absolutely stunning! And a must do. Get up early and plan accordingly!! We were unable to make the appointment to drive up…all good. Set out alarms for Early and started the hike to the summit at 3am. Gave ourselves 2 hours of hiking in the pitch black! Take flash lights for everyone. And dress warm as when you reach the summit it will be early and cool and breezy! Such an amazing experience that I will never forget!

This is a great location and the 1st place sunlight hits the US in the morning. The mountain isn't all that high and there are numerous hiking trails to the summit and a road/parking area. Anyway the view is just amazing at the top. I will say that with the road it gets extremely busy and you need an Acadia National Park pass to access. Note that during the 'season', which starts May 25th through September you have to go online to reserve a day to drive to the summit to see the sunrise and there is an additional fee. It's very much worth the hassle to make the online reservation and the cost to see the sunrise if you can't or do not like hiking. I've done this twice (hiked once and drove once) so posted pictures of good i.e. clear skies and a rather disappointing cloudy day.

I love to drive up here in any weather. Been here 3 times just this year experiencing different weather. The 1st time i went was to watch the sunset, the second time was summer we went for a sunrise watch and in fall, 😅😅 we had zero visibility due to the incoming storm that day. But a must visit when in Acadia National Park.

Very beautiful panoramic view. We had reservations and went early in the morning. Very windy and it was cold but the views were lovely.

Lovely drive. Once you get to the summit there's ample room to explore. Walk the paths or explore the bedrock - just stay clear of the other areas. If you go during peak season make sure you have reservations!

Definitely worth the effort and time to get up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The views were absolutely incredible. There are several trails that you can take moderate intensity hikes. When we reached the summit, it was fogged in, but the fog cleared within 30 minutes and the results were fabulous revealing Beautiful views of Bar Harbor and the surrounding area of Acadia National Park. Don’t let bad weather slow you down. Remember reservations are mandatory, you pay six dollars per car regardless of how many people are inside.

A must-visit gem within Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain comes highly recommended. To secure your visit, make an advanced reservation through the NPS website, especially if you're planning to witness the sunrise, as these slots fill up quickly. We opted for a sunset view, which was truly spectacular. Regardless of the season, don't forget to bring a jacket as it can get quite chilly and windy at the summit. Parking is plentiful, and the panoramic views, encompassing Bar Harbor and the surrounding islands, are nothing short of spectacular. Be sure to add this to your itinerary and book your spot in advance for an unforgettable experience. IG: journey_man16

It is beautiful here, but don't go before May. The bathroom is not on the mountain. We searched for a long time to find a bathroom when we were hiking, but it was a bit difficult to describe. There is a small town about 20 minutes away from the scenic area, but because it's not the tourist season, many stores are not open for business. Many of them will only open for business on May 11th. If you go before this time, you need to prepare some snacks and enough hand sanitizer.

Cadillac Mountain, located in the Acadia National Park and probably one of the highest points of the east coast, is an incredible place to visit. There are many hiking trails to go up to the summit however we decided to drive and we weren't disappointed when we got there. The spectacular views are breathtaking. Wow!!! We had a beautiful sunny but windy day. I presume it's always windy at that height. There are also restrooms and a small gift shop at the top of the mountain. The air up there is so fresh and pure!! We really had a great time and I highly recommend it. Really worth the drive!!

You have to pre-purchase the ticket online. It is by vehicle size. The drive is amazing with several stops to view and take pics. The parking at the top is ample, and the views are worth it. You can walk out on the rock ledges for grea pics. The walks are fairly easy. The top is set up for people of all physical abilities. Great place to stay for hours. It's first place to see the sunrise on the east coast.

What a spectacular place, can be reached both by hiking and driving. Drive to the summit is of around 4 miles. Go for booking a slot for sunrise but if you can’t make it, plan the summit so that you can spend some time till sunset. Sunset on other side of the mountain is as beautiful as sunrise. Don’t miss if you’re visiting Acadia National Park

Nice views. It's unfortunate that there is a field of wind turbines in view from the overlook. Parking is limited, so make sure you reserve a spot online.

Awesome views, no crowds, & reservations not needed out of peak season. But cold, windy, & still some snow in the ditches at the end of April. We are definitely going to go back to explore more of it in a warmer summer month, probably next year.

Watching the Cadillac Mountain sunrise is a bucket list activity that does not disappoint! The view from the summit for the sunrise is jaw dropping and is by far the best place to see the sunrise on the East Coast! Make sure to book the Cadillac Mountain sunrise tickets months in advance and when you are up there find a private spot to be the first people to witness the sunset in America!

I've visited 27 National Parks. This one is closest to me. Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is a bucket list item. It DID NOT disappoint. It'll move you. Passes to see sunrise from this location book out months to even a year out. BUT, from October 15 to December 1, weather permitted, the sunrise is open to ALL. No pass is needed. We took advantage of our close proximity to cash in on this one in a million sunrise. I can't recommend enough if you have the opportunity to get up there and see it. Just dress warmly. I can not stress that enough.

Great excursion! Make sure you make a reservation online ahead of time, but it is so worth it. Restrooms at the top, and little gift shop, and a variety of trails for all skill levels.

It is always a treat to go up, always a surprise how our weather changes so quickly. A wonderful place to draw or paint , though there is often a bit of an audience that gathers.

We were not exactly the early birds, arriving at 11 am on Thursday (after 2 hours drive from Camden) Found a parking spot after a couple of circles around. Bought a private car pass for $30. You are supposed to display this pass while your car is parked. Then we started driving on the “Park loop” Nowhere to park along whatsoever. Not at the lake, not at the stables, nowhere. We basically just drove around the island, seeing nothing. The we got back to the parking lot, and had a short hike to the Witch Lake (to get to the hike/bike path, walk backwards along the bust stops) If not for the hike, I would give 1* Basically wasted the whole day.

The Acadia National Park is such a beautiful place. There is so much to do and so little time to do it. There is hiking, going to the beach, sightseeing, and so much more. I recommend going early because the parking lots fill up pretty quickly. I love the bus shuttle. It brings you all over the place! Be careful of the schedule and route. We got on the wrong one, and it drove us the opposite way. Thankfully, the bus driver was nice enough to bring us to our destination. She went way beyond her route, and we were so grateful. At the information center, you pay the fees, get the maps, and if you need extra information, there are rangers to help you. There is even a jr Rangers booklet for the children. Acadia National Park , I highly recommend it!

Staff was great and answered all my questions. There are 52 steps to get to the visitors center, so if you have a handicap placard or plate, use the back road to get up there. (There is a sign indicating the direction.) Cute little souvenir shop too.

Great visitor center for a great national park. The rangers are incredibly helpful about Acadia’s trails and other activities. You can find countless souvenirs and maps here. It is also a convenient hub for the free bus services throughout the island. Beware: you’ll have to climb over 50 steps to get to the center!

Beautiful visitor center on a hill surrounded by trees! A short hike to include 52 steps/stairs and you are the there. The folks there were all a delight.

Pretty nice place with lots of easily understood info and very helpful Rangers to answer questions. This place does get very busy so highly recommend coming early. Good place to stop for info on hiking as the roads and trailhead locations can be hard to find.

Great place to access the carriage road trails for free (i.e., without paying to get into the park) but also the place to get your park pass. Good free shuttle access to the rest of the park and Bar Harbor. In fact I would say it could often be a better alternative to park here rather than Bar Harbor, particularly if you are doing both Acadia NP and Bar Harbor.

Super, super busy with a tiny gift shop. If you don't need to go I'm for anything in particular, don't! It's 54 steps that you don't need unless you need the restroom or have questions. The staff are super helpful as are the people down by the Island Explorers routes. They also have a kiosk to get passes rather than going up to the actual center. I recommend doing this as you can then go put it back in your car.

The visitor center I thought was OK, but in need of a bit of tlc. The bathroom facilities at the visitor center is not sufficient for all the visitors. The park itself is really amazing and one could spend hours and hours there, walking cycling, driving around.

The visitor center is where you start your Acadia adventure. Buy your ticket and get a park pass to put in your windsheld. Cost between 20 and 30.00 unless you have a national park pass. Then go on the loop or walk the carrage trail that starts at the visitor center. Be sure to stop and see all the out of this world sites. It was cold and rainy when I was there but still stopped to look around. Make sure to do a junior ranger program. They are free for kids of all ages and you learn a lot.

Very busy. Parking is tight-even with scores of spaces. We typically bike from here past Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond to the Jordan Pond house for lunch (easy 7-8 mile ride).

Get there early or you might have trouble finding a place to park. You can catch the bus there that takes you around the island. There is a few stairs to climb to get to the visitor center to get a park pass and to the gift shop. Everything moved pretty smoothly at both places. Even though alot of the park is dog friendly they are not allowed in the visitor center.

The park rangers were very friendly and provided helpful recommendations when we asked about what trails to hike! There is a nice carriage trail that starts in this parking lot with a 5.2 mile loop for biking or walking.

This visitor center in Acadia is really beautiful. The maps and junior Ranger books are free. It information is nicely displayed along the visitor center. We enjoyed the place a lot.

So beautiful but very busy! Hard to find some quiet spots on the trail. Also hard to find parking during busy summer days. Nice easy stroll, though.

If you can somehow manage the crowds perhaps during a super early hike then it’s worth it. There’s no need for filters when taking pictures. This place a natural beauty. Great views of the Bubbles as well. You can walk along the Jordan Pond trail loop which is roughly 3.5 miles. It’s a pretty easy trail compared to most others on the island.

Incredibly beautiful and serene! Of all the hikes in Acadia, Jordan Pond is perhaps the most unique of all. It’s relatively flat with a few areas of rocks. The entrance about 5 minutes into the path has a great spot to take photos with the bubble mountains in the background. I really loved the elevated walking path and could feel like my soul was at peace while traversing through that part of nature. The tranquil sound of the lake quiets my mind and calms my heart. Finding parking during peak hours will be very difficult. Come either very early in the morning before 8AM or in the afternoon after 3PM. By then there should be parking spots available by the Jordan Pond House.

Beautiful hike around awesome scenery! There are pretty boulders, bridges & streams to walk over! Definitely wear hiking boots as areas can be very muddy! Get to the parking lot early because by 1pm the parking gets crazy with people fighting over spots!

A great trail! Walks around the pond and is very beautiful. Took us about two hours including stopping for pictures

Photographer's Paradise! Beautiful views all the way around! One side of the trail around the pond is crushed gravel while the other side is more like a boardwalk with a small section of rocks to maneuver through.

Beautiful pond located close to the park’s only restaurant, a nice gift shop, and, of course, the wilderness of Acadia. Appreciate the conservation work being done to protect plant life along the banks via raised, wooden beams. The Jordan Pond Loop is 3 miles and rocky in one small section, but overall very accessible to all!

This was an amazing hike that started to the left and about halfway we took a detour up the divide and checked out bubble rock then came down the south side to finish our hike around Jordan pond. Jordan pond was an easy hike. The Bubble path had some increasingly difficult parts that really challenged your skills. The views were with every step.

Jordan Pond is a gem within Acadia National Park, offering stunning views that are hard to beat. The crystal-clear water reflecting the sky creates a picture-perfect scene that's straight out of a postcard. It's definitely a highlight worth experiencing when visiting Acadia.

Jordan Pond is located in Arcadia National Park. It is a lake, in the middle of the national park, surrounded by beautiful colorful forests when you come here for Indian Summer. Be prepared that the trails at Arcadia National Park are very crowded for Indian Summer and you may not be able to get a parking spot. I recommend that you take advantage of the Charles Service included in the entrance fee, which uses gas-powered buses. These buses stop at all the major locations and you can get off and back on as you please.

We've been here twice, and this trail is just perfect. It's safe and family-friendly. It's not great for the elderly or if you have bad knees.

This is one of the best trails we have ever been on. We started out by going to the right side of the pond. The first half of the trail was all an easy walk in a well maintained path. After some cute bridges, you start the second half of the trail with about a half mile of rock scrabbling. It made a fun variant to the trail but, you definitely want sturdy shoes for this part. Then you are rewarded with one of the coolest wood paths I've ever seen. Very scenic all the way around and with the visit.

Beautiful lake and path trail around the lake. It took us almost 3 hours to complete. Suggest go in the morning at least before 10am to get a parking more easily.

Jordan Pond is gorgeous with great hiking trails around it! I just wish you could swim in it

We went when the swells were low so the "thunder" in Thunder Hole wasn't thundering. However, stopping here to watch the ocean try to overtake the rocks with a continuous salvo of waves was just as mesmerizing and impressive. Just taking deep breaths of the crisp cool air and listening to the sounds was a meditative experience. Pictures and videos do absolutely no justice to the expansive, awe inspiring beauty of this place!

Very beautiful rocky coast, you can see it all along the highway for a couple of miles. The sea wave hit the rock and cost splash, this scenery is amazing. This point should originally require ticket, but I just reach here in some special festival and it is free, so lucky!

A must visit place when in Acadia National Park. Hear the sea roar or shour i say Thunder 😅. The best spot to have a picnic and take natures beauty when in Maine. Fresh ocean breeze and just nature itself. A parking lot is located right across the Thunderhole so you can conveniently park and have a short walk across and hear the thunder☺

It was a lot of fun. Nice hike down and pretty neat to see the hole in action. It was thunderous. We enjoyed going to see it and the area around is all gorgeous! Nice spot to stop at during your ride around the loop.

Cool spot to see a great work of nature. Has some cool rocks to hike on around the area. Make sure to go 2 hours before high tide so that you hear the thundering sound

A spontaneous road trip to Acadia Mountains in the fall. Went to thunder hole near sunset time, unfortunately the tides were low so it wasn’t in its full glory with the intense waves snd thunder noise. However the view was absolutely breathtaking. It was simply amazing to just bask in the scenery and watch the skies turn colors as the sun was setting, despite the extremely cold temperatures. Definitely will be coming back during warmer season for this beauty.

Acadia is by far one of my favorite National Parks! Thunder Hole was absolutely thunderous and I'm so glad they blocked off the walkway bc the Atlantic is no joke this time of year. The rocks are icy AND the waves were hitting hard!

5* more for the surrounding area than Thunder Hole itself! I'd give the attraction itself a 4. It's an easy hike down to the viewpoint, then you've got to wait a few minutes for a good crash - but it definitely lives up to its name! If you arrive at low tide, you'll have tons of rocks and tide pools to climb over in the areas past the main site. Some excellent views of the coastline are visible as you walk out, and you may hear some loud roars from Thunder Hole. It seemed the really good ones occurred every 10-15 minutes, and often had 2-3 in a row.

A fun place to go for everyone, especially the family. If you walk along the path near the rails be prepared to be socked wet. You’ve been warned ;) There is a place for everyone to see if you just want to walk on the rocks surrounding the area. Parking can be difficult to find, but just park when you can on the side of the road and walk along side it. There is a walking path on the shore side. At first I was confused by the tickets sale on this Google maps listing, but I can confirm this is free to enter and visit. Do not buy any any tickets.

I really enjoyed this location. It's quite touristy, yes, but sitting on the cliffside is so calming and the thunder hole, with the right amount of water really does make a booming sound (it doesn't really sound that great on video without a mic). Don't make the mistake we made and take the wrong trail because you're following other people 😅. The true entrance has a paved walkway and stairway with guardrails and education boards. If you don't see those, you're in the wrong place. This is a great place to relax and maybe even have a picnic. Oh, and parking can be a bit rough, either get there early or go later in the day!

Keep in mind, there is little to no parking for this lookout. We parked at sand beach and hiked with our dog up to these locations. Weather permitting decides how close you can get to Thunder Hole. The seas were rough but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We started early on our hike so we missed the crowds at thunder hole. Always best to start early because the crowds come in first thing in the morning.

Beautiful place, when we went there was a woman sitting a little bit lower on the rocks reading and to be honest if I ever moved near the area that's exactly what I would do all the time! It is much less trafficked at dusk and a very peaceful place to sit. We never went during the hours where you could hear the loud noises but it was breathtaking none the less!

Very impressive both visually and audibly. Access is very well done for people. A higher platform can be reached with wheelchairs, not the lower platform. I went at low tide, but it’s probably even more impressive (and humid :) ) at high tide or during the equinox tides.

A beautiful area! Definitely shoot for a couple of hours before high tide. I was impressed with the natural splendor of the spot but the Thunder Hole itself was a little underwhelming an hour before high tide. Many articles and guides I read said to shoot for 1-2 hours before the time comes in, and based on our trip I'd def recommend you shoot for the 2-hour mark rather than the one! Good views at sunrise tho!

This is a popular attraction. There were lots of tourists lined up to see/hear this hole blow between 2-3 pm when the tide is coming in. Lovely but not worth the wait. Maybe you'll have better luck.

We visited Acadia Natl Park when we lived there yesrs ago around 1985. It was so different from our coastal beaches in south Texas but the whole loop around Mount Desert Isle is beautiful. Thunder Hole and seeing the sea lions were definitely the highlights.

Amazing beach. It’ll be crowded and the water will be freezing but a beautiful view and some of the best waves. Fun climbing spot on the right as well. Parking will be a nightmare so have patience when heading in or prepare for a longer walk.

Sand Beach in Acadia National Park showcases a breathtaking natural beauty that leaves visitors in awe. The views are simply stunning, with clear waters and a picturesque landscape that captivates the senses. The beach offers an opportunity to observe the rhythmic tide swells, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of rocks, pine trees, and distant islands. The rugged yet serene atmosphere blends harmoniously, creating a truly magnificent setting. The transparency of the water allows for an immersive experience to view or leisurely wade. The clear waters enhance the sense of tranquility and add to the overall allure of the beach. Visiting Sand Beach provides a genuine connection to the wonders of nature. The dynamic shoreline, adorned with rocks and framed by majestic pine trees, offers a serene escape from the everyday world. In conclusion, Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is a haven of natural beauty. The stunning views, clear waters, and captivating landscape create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're marveling at the tide swells, exploring the rocky surroundings, or simply basking in the splendor of nature, this beach offers a truly remarkable visit

Sand Beach in Acadia National Park is a slice of coastal paradise. Nestled between rocky cliffs, this picturesque stretch of shoreline boasts soft golden sands and clear turquoise waters. Make it a must-visit destination within Acadia.

Lovely, relaxing beach! Be sure to check out Great Head Trail which is accessible from the end of the beach.

Best combination of white sand, beautiful rock formations and pine trees!! ❤️ we went in August and it’s crowded and water is freezzziinnggg! We enjoyed it nevertheless! The parking lot is full so we have to find parking in the side of the street, even the street is so full we have to park like a mile away, the views were beautiful and not so bad of a trek. So you can combine nature hike then end in the beach 🏖

Raw beauty. This is how nature should be. Here inside Acadia you'll get to stick your toes inside one of the most gorgeous beaches. Gorgeous blue waves of the Atlantic in front of you and the rolling deep pines of Acadia all around you are a sight you'll never forget. While standing on the beach you'll be surrounded by sea, mountains, and sky- feel small yet? Just wait...you haven't even reached the summit of Cadillac yet

Visited after closing, very serene and great place to meditate. Fyi, there is very limited cell service, no road lights and GPS is extremely spotty. If you visit, I suggest before dark

Absolutely gorgeous spot and so worth visiting in the off season. It’s so pleasant walking on the sand listening to the waves and there’s tons of hiking trails that you can explore. Definitely one of the highlights of the park.

Short hike to the bottom. Changing facilities, Would recommend a wet suit if swimming. Water is Quite frigid!

Only beach in acadia national forest. Great place to enjoy the warm sun and cold waters of the atlantic. The sand here is unique because 70% of it is ground sea shells. Small beach and usually pretty crowded. It has a overlookpoint on the right for which you need to get through some rocks. Getting a place to park can be a challenge during busy weekends. The parking lot is usually full and people park along the park loop road as well and walk down to the beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms here as well. Must visit spot in acadia.

Sand Beach is a picturesque gem nestled within the stunning Acadia National Park in Maine. This beautiful coastal destination offers a unique and refreshing beach experience that stands out from other beaches in the region. Here's a review of Sand Beach in Acadia: My visit to Sand Beach in Acadia National Park was an absolute delight. As soon as I set foot on the beach, I was captivated by its natural beauty. The contrast between the vibrant blue ocean, the smooth white sand, and the lush greenery surrounding the area was simply breathtaking. What sets Sand Beach apart from other beaches is its distinctive location. Enclosed by rocky cliffs on either side, the beach creates a tranquil and intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you've discovered a hidden paradise. The towering cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, adding to the overall charm and uniqueness of the beach. One of the aspects that I appreciated about Sand Beach was its cleanliness and well-maintained condition. The National Park Service does an excellent job of keeping the beach pristine and ensuring that visitors have a pleasant experience. The sand was soft and inviting, and the water was crystal clear, inviting me to take a dip and cool off.

It was a beautiful sandy beach. Water was clear with some seaweed but it was really cold. I stayed in the water for less than 5 minutes. Even my kids swam in it for less than 10 minutes. They enjoyed playing in the sand instead. There are a few stalls for changing, and on the side of these stalls, there is a faucet to rinse the sand.

Pretty nice “sandy” beach created by crushed shells. If it wasn’t for the freezing water temps you’d think you were in Florida on a hot sunny day. Stopped here a couple times during our week in Acadia. There’s changing stations, bathrooms, and water spigot to wash off when you’re done. The beach is usually packed meaning no parking is available nearby.

We started our exploration of the park here. Be aware, many others do too! So we set out shortly after sunrise and were the first at the beach. As we left, many cars began arriving allowing us to always be a step ahead of the crowd this day. Got to stay a while and enjoy the Maine fog before the sun burned it off. Colors in the fall are absolutely mind blowing. Plenty of parking and dog friendly!

A nice sandy beach with great views of the ocean as well as Beehive Mountain. Even though there's a decent amount of foot traffic, the beach is big enough that there's a spot for everyone. There's a good amount of parking, but the parking lot was full by 9:30 am so make sure you get there sooner rather than later!

The beach is beautiful. Less crowded and clean. We visited the beach when hiking the Great Head Trail Loop. The hike was great too with amazing views.

We started our park loop road at 830 in the morning to avoid crowds and it was our first stop. Sand Beach is one of the first major stops along Park Loop Road. This is a scenic beach that is known for its white-sand shoreline and turquoise water. what a clean, soothing, and beautiful beach it is. fall color, hills in the backdrop of turquoise water making it so photogenic. there are 10-20 stairs to go to the beach, I did not see a wheelchair ramp though. there are some walking trails (Which we did not go to). Walk the Great Head Trail or cross Park Loop Road and hike the thrilling Beehive Trail. There are also restrooms and water fill-up stations in the parking lot for visitors. Parking: as it was morning time, we easily got parking. or you can park here and walk to Thunder hole and Otter Cliff but its 2 miles up and down.

Like the sign said water is wicked cold even in July / August but the beach is splendid and beautiful. The sand is golden and the water is clear. Our kids loved the beach to play and to swim. There is a little shower outside which was very helpful. Restrooms are also available in the parking lots.

Our favorite spot to visit on MDI. Each time we go, there’s something different to explore. Beautiful views, highly recommend visiting

Beautiful hike. There are some scrambles that can be challenging to novice hikers, but the views are absolutely worth it. Highly recommend a pair of hiking poles, especially for your downward journey.

Easy trail done in a few hours. Great views especially during the summer

Easy hike at the bottom, non-technical rock scramble at the top. Beautiful views the entire way. Almost no crowds. Highly recommend

Beautiful trails and amazing scenery.

Lovely walk 6.1 miles around Eagle Lake

Make sure you have a Park Pass! Though you don’t go through the state park huts, your car will still be looked at in the area if a permit is not displayed. Carriage Road provides beautiful water and Mountain views all around Eagle Lake. This is a perfect loop for bicycles, joggers, or a walk with the family. Enjoy the scenery; as well as the water lilies, ducks, frogs, deer, and fish.

You would miss half of the Acadia's beauty if you did not travel on carriage roads by either bike or horse carriage. The roads are superb for bike riding. They are hilly as you can expect with all those mountains in the park, but the slopes are not steep. They are designed for carriages.

Whoa. Just beautiful place where you can see drinking water in its natural environs. Only tycoons would build it but we are glad for the remnants of their idyll. Conservation has disallowed motors thankfully and so a peaceful walk/bike is enjoyed. Ebikes under 20mph are now allowed so you can venture further. Restroom at the parking area was a nice addition. We had a lovely walk with the dog and the fresh air is piney. I could stay here forever. Best of.

Great trail and although it does get into lengthy inclines along the route, don’t let that stop you from doing it. Simply walk your bike if you get too tired. Numerous points to stop and admire nature along the way - so please slow down and do that. We started our trail from the Duck Brook bridge and came as far as this Aunt Betty pond. Then hit back towards Bar Harbor - spent around 4 hours doing this. Kids enjoyed it but got very tired. Rent your bikes from Bar Harbor Bike shop on Cottage Rd.

Great for what it is...well groomed and wide trail. Perfect for an "easy" day of walking or biking without car traffic. Multiple input points and it intersects with many of the other Acadia trails.

Best bike ride I’ve ever been on! Smooth gravel surface. Plenty wide. Shaded. Incredible views. And electric bike is very helpful and helps you enjoy the scenery more.

Awesome, quick but difficult hike off of Jordan Pond. Brought my 2 small pups and had to put them up on several ledges one at a time. Other than that, one of the best views in Acadia. Looking out over the pond into the ocean is truly incredible!

Awesome views! There are multiple options for this climb. Parking at the bubble parking lot (not supported by the Island Explorer bus). The walk has elevation, stairs in places, potentially muddy. Requires some persistence but this is not a bad walk to get to the Bubble Rock and the great views. Another option: start from the Jordan Pond trail. Steep climb, a lock of climbing and elevation. Higher difficulty for sure. Also getting to the top was very difficult. From the parking lot, you could walk onto the height with less stress. Try either but recommend parking at the bubble parking lot if you can. More fun for family.

We hiked these trails on a day it rained in the morning, rocks were a little slipper but not bad. If you park at the beginning of the trail, you’ll have an easy hike going up South Bubble. If you park down by Jordan’s Pond access and walk the pond path to the bottom of South Bubble, be prepared to do a little cliff face scaling. It was fun but definitely a little instance for about 100 feet. Beautiful view overall.

Recommend taking an early morning hike (attempt to get to all trail heads before 8:30am when the visitor center opens) combining the south bubble, bubble divide down to Jordan Pond and then heading back up to the parking lot. Excellent views, some challenging portions and a lovely stroll around the lake to finish.

Rock is GIANT. Great trail, and once you get to the rock you can take a path straight from the top to the Jordan pond, instead of going back down then to the pond. The rock is giant! Amazing it’s still there.p

Cool rock hanging on the edge near the top of the south bubble. Can get here from the bubble divide trail or the Jordan pond trail. Manageable climbs to get up to the north and south bubbles. We thought the north bubble had better views. The boulder field going down from the bubble divide to the Jordan pond trail is pretty steep so take your time. Parking can be very painful if you do not arrive early.

Bubble Rock was incredible despite the fog being too thick to see the view. It's pretty much all inclined on the way up which is nice for the walk back 😂 It was a little strenuous but still fairly easy. If you're like me you just have to take it at your own pace. Had a nice time hanging up at the top for a while with friends.

If you’re looking for an incredible (but lesser-known) trail, consider hiking to Bubble Rocks. This trail goes to two separate viewpoints called South Bubble and North Bubble that overlook Jordan Pond from up top. In addition to being a wonderful viewpoint, South Bubble also has a famous tourist attraction: Bubble Rock (aka. Balanced Rock). a large boulder that was carried by glaciers (yes! you read it right) and deposited at the seemingly precarious edge of a cliff. it is considered to be the best-known boulder in the entire state of Maine The hike from the Bubbles parking lot to Bubble Rock is a short family-friendly adventure. Bubble Rock and the 768-foot peak of South Bubble can be reached via the Bubbles Divide Trail and Bubbles Trail. The Bubbles trailhead and the parking lot are located on Park Loop Road, just over a mile south of Bubble Pond and about 1.5 miles north of Jordan Pond House. Just beyond the side trail to Bubble Rock, are wonderful views of Jordan Pond, Pemetic Mountain, Penobscot Mountain, as well as the ocean off Seal Harbor.

This is a memorable trail. Beautiful with a great view. The hike is very challenging. There is rock scrambling involved, and it is not just trails. Actually, it is mostly rock scrambling, the trails are limited. We brought a teather rope for safety with the 3 year old, and there were definitely places we had to lift him because he couldn't climb. My 6 year old was able to do all the climbing himself. This trail is very solar exposed. Be prepared with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Parking is an issue at this trail, so arrive early.

Awesome hike for our group! We knocked it out pretty fast and we’re able to hit some sister peaks around. Has a typical loop that is very very steep (we’re talking steps on steps, and 2-3 foot gaps and boulders) on one side and much more relaxed on the other side! Once at the top the view is incredible and overlooks Jordan Pond, and the Park Loop Road!

Not a difficult hike - I was exhausted since we went to bed late the night before and I wasn’t up to eating breakfast. We walked this trail and it was so beautiful/tranquil. There were some steep areas but it was one foot in front of the other…really enjoyable.

This is a perfect hike to do with the family. Tons of rocks and nooks and crannies for the little ones. Not to strenuous. A lot of fun.

Definitely a moderate hike. Had to use hands multiple times! Great views just before the summit! Overall hike took us just shy of 3 hours. Hiking boots are a must! Rocks are slippery when wet and there’s mud! Definitely worth it if you have the time, but be mindful of slippery weather conditions!

so it was way down from road level and I did not feel like going down, but most of the pictures you will see in bar harbor stores. - it's from here. it is a wonderful viewpoint that overlooks the coastline and consists of interesting granite rocks. The parking lot for the Otter Cliff Overlook is quite small but it’s not as busy of an attraction as some of the other highlights at Acadia National Park.

We were lucky and got a parking spot here. We walked along the cliff area, and it was beautiful. You can walk here from Thunder Hole as well. Just get on the Ocean Path.

Wow. Stunning views and you can see otters running around. Ot is amazing experience in the Acadia. It is must visit place in Acadia to enjoy the nature's beauty.

Excellent sunset climbing (with an interested audience looking on). Various difficulties to choose from and if you are a first time climber or interested in climbing with a guide, check out the climbing store in Bar Harbour.

A very nice cliff with great ocean views, thankfully a decent amount of parking and as you pass through, there’s a nice breeze and the sun shines through. A perfect place to calm down and catch your breath while the rest of the park takes it away. A must visit!

Absolutely spectacular. Best ocean views other east coast hands down!

So, this is a 5 star because it’s super beautiful but there’s a but - the actual lighthouse is super small and what you see in this picture is basically the whole thing. Once you park (and depending on the time you go, it may take you up to 30 minutes to have a parking space) you’ll go down some stairs and then you’re at the rocks where I was able to take this picture. Even with Covid, it was full and it felt like some people were seated for a while in the “perfect spot” to see the sunset - which means it’s almost impossible to take a nice picture. Super pleasant atmosphere but pretty crowded and we were expecting more after driving almost an hour around the island.

A great place to rock climb for a day or so. Without a guide book it’s hard to decipher the routes since you are above them, but we got some help from others around. The spot is crowded but we didn’t wait long for any particular routes. It was a surreal experience to climb right above the ocean.

They may tell you it is difficult but it really isn't, it's only a 2 mile one-way loop with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain to get to the top of Mt Champlain. The only challenge is that it is a lot of elevation for the short distance, take breaks.There are iron rungs pretty much everywhere there is a possibility of falling. It is a beautiful trail though, definitely worth trying. On a sunny day, a sunrise here would be beautiful.

Has to be one of the best national park hikes out there! Great views along the entire trail, and so rewarding once you make it to the top. The way down is much easier, and still beautiful.

Such an awesome trail!! I would not consider this a hike, rather it is a climb. The first half is mostly bolder climbing, you're literally using your hands to climb. The second half there are a lot of rungs and ladders. If you are afraid of heights, this is not for you, but if you're feeling adventurous and are in good health, this is an absolute must do in Acadia. At the top you can go to the right or left, we went to the right because it is a shorter trail and it brings you back to loop Road.

Amazing but quite hard trail especially if it’s raining. Make sure you’re in shape as once you start, the way back is even harder unless you reach the top and take an alternative trail.

The best hiking trail in Acadia National Park! Highly recommend hitting the trail very early in the day as it can get quite crowded. When we went in September 2022, sunrise was around 6:45am and we were in the parking lot by 7am. Surprisingly the lot was already full but there wasn't any cars parked on the loop road yet. We quickly hit the empty trail and was able to experience the hike and ladders at our own pace. The ladder section was 0.9 long and took close to an hour to complete. We stopped often and enjoyed the view and took pics. I always felt safe while and the rock ledges so as long as you are careful then you should not have any issues. Going down we took the Champlain Northridge Trail to the Orange & Black Path - we highly recommend NOT going back down the ladders as it can be pretty scary. Please do it as a loop! This will also be safer as there's not a lot of space to allow people to come up when you are going down.

Beware of the non-technical rock climb. This trail will make your heart race and the views as you climb are breath taking. Do not recommend if it is your first hike.

Phenomenal hike but not possible for out of shape people. Lots of great views along the way. Ladder climbs, cliff scaling, bouldering. One of the best hikes in Acadia in my opinion!

Must-do hike in Acadia National Park if you are the adventurous type. This is considered as a non-technical climbing route and you will have to grab onto iron rungs and climb rocks. Would recommend arriving early as the trail can get packed during the day and finding parking near the trail head may be a challenge. We arrived a bit later in the morning, but we were still able park on the right side of Park Loop road near the trail head outside the parking area. I'm not quite sure if this would be allowed year round. Once you reach the peak, I'd recommend taking a different route going down so as not to meet the hikers going up. The trail is quite narrow and it would be better to avoid two-way traffic while up there. You can take the Orange and Black path going down, which is a bit longer but less steep than Precipice. You will get to see some nice views there as well while going down from the peak. From that path there are two ways to exit: (1) Head down to the road and walk back to the trail head or (2) Continue on the trail going back to the lower section of the Precipice trail. Choose (1) if your legs are tired and would prefer to walk on a flat road. The walk might be boring though. Choose (2) if you still to hike on a trail. It's less steep than Precipice but there are ascending and descending sections here. You will end up back in the Precipice trail but will only need to complete a smaller portion of it to get back to the trail head. Consider getting a trail map (either paper or app), but Google Maps should be sufficient to see the different trails.

This is an awesome hike! Reading about it gets you a little nervous because you read about how its dangerous and everything but I think they go overboard with it. Anyone with hiking experience can do this. It is steep, but there are a ton of handles and anchors placed around that you never feel like you aren't secure. You'll want to start before 8a so you can get a parking spot and the route won't be jammed with people

Beautiful hike. 45 min round trip with a few stops to take in the beautiful views. Mosquitoes were bad bit that’s expected early summer.

Gorgeous overlook. Immensely worth it with a shorter and more flat loop trail of dirt/gravel/rock. Park off of Schooner and take the trail left. I suggest taking the perimeter trail the whole way. You’ll hit a footpath with a spectacular view of the coastline (pictured) and then of course the actual overlook as you continue on your journey. This was my favorite non-challenging trail. If you continue on you’ll also hit the sand beach area is you go down the steps. This was a less touristy/packed way to access that area. After that, it’s a super short walk back to the car. Of course you could take the trail right from the beginning, do the beach first and access the same stuff. Maybe even just go to the beach and back.

Great hike to enjoy and check out the cliffs. I recommend coming here for the sunset!

Amazingly scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and a great dwarf pine forest at the top. Fun rocks to hike on and great forest trails.

Absolutely beautiful. Half the trail is along the coast, so get constant views of the ocean. I did this late in the day, so there was hardly anyone on the trail. Mid-day, I could see this getting very busy and being significantly less fun. It's a very short hike, but fulfilling. I consider myself a somewhat experienced hiker, and while I thought the trail was easy, I wouldn't consider it easy for someone that never hikes and decides to give it a go on vacation. With that said, it's worth the minimal rock scrambling to see the views.

Stunning views. There are a few rocks that aren't too bad to climb to get to the views near the beach. Once you get past the rocks that have to be climbed it's an easy walk with great views in several spots.

Excellent views with many hidden overlooks. The trail is a moderate trail with some rocky terrain, but the hidden views are the thing to find along this trail. Most people should not have an issue negotiating the terrain.

We started our hiking adventure for the day at Great Head. The trails are well marked with blue paint on rocks and trees, though the path is pretty clear. The views are beautiful, a few parts of the hike are a little tricky (climbing down rocks), but easily done in tennis shoes. Worth the effort!

Great hike for kids! We played in the ocean and then finish the hike, saw lots of birds, and even bullfrogs near the summit! Lots of dogs on the beach, even though it said no pets.

It was a great hike. With some sections that are challenging for a dog and young kids but with some help they can do it. It was raining but not hard so the hike was still enjoyable

This was the first hike we completed in Acadia National Park. It offers a moderately difficult trail with impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sand Beach. The trailhead was a little difficult to find on the east side of Sand Beach but luckily a few people lounging on the sand pointed us in the right direction.

The “beach” is small, but definitely looks like an amazing place to swim and great place for pics. As others have mentioned, there are bathrooms, changing rooms and a water fountain nearby. The trail can be tough! In some parts it’s not paved and it’s just random rocks you’re stepping on (hoping not to twist an ankle). The ladders are a cool/unique touch. But the views are worth it!

So happy we went here to swim. We went mid afternoon on a Tuesday and it wasn’t too crowded. They have restrooms, changing rooms, water to wash off your feet, and grass and sand to sit on. Only one picnic table by the beach. The water was so clear and surprisingly warm. It wasn’t even 80 when we went swimming but it felt perfect, not too cold at all. The views of the cliffs and trees while swimming are divine. I felt so refreshed after swimming here. Definitely the best lake swim I’ve ever had.

Beach is fine, really does not feel like a national park. You can hear the road and it's very crowded.

Good facilities but a tough walk for some down to the beach. But that is to be expected for a spot in such hilly terrain. Both steps and a paved walkway down. Changing rooms and a nice shallow water beach. Even late September water was not too chilly.

Good place to take the family for swimming if you want warmer water than the ocean. It has a nice small sandy beach for the kids to play on and shade to sit in over to the side. There are also changing rooms and restrooms for your convenience. It is part of Acadia National Park so you just have to display your Park pass on your dashboard. There is also a really good hiking trail from this parking lot that goes up Beech mountain. It is similar to Bee hive but less crowded.

Quiet small beach with breath-taking views. Good for kids and adults. You can swim in the lake as well!

One of the few lakes in Acadia where you can swim. The water is shallow and not as cold in September. The views are magnificent. There are some trees on one side of the lake that provide some shade if the sun feels too hot.

Great little beach and warm lake water. It's perfect if you want to swim and the sea is too cold (which is probably always the case). Very few spots of shade so bring your umbrella on hot sunny days!

From Bar Harbor, it takes over 30 minutes to drive here. Along the way, you will pass Echo Lake. it's not that popular so less of a crowd. in the fall, I did not see anyone here except us... yeah, in summer, it could be fun...there is a small beach, changing rooms, and calm water (its lake). Fall colors were very pretty, with reflection in the lake making it more beautiful. Secluded but great! Parking: Ample parking there-no issues with that.

Beautiful beach with clear water. There are bathrooms and changing tables available and lots of parking. Couple picnic tables at the beach. The sign says you can see loons, water lilies, painted turtles, and frogs here.

Incredibly refreshing and clear water lake. Water was pretty cold but felt amazing on a hot sunny day. The have changing stalls and showers on site.

It's a small but nice beach. Apparently swimming is allowed but there are no life guards. Nice way to spend a couple of hours. When I went there, it wasn't crowded at all and plenty of parking was available. Must visit if you are close to Southwest harbor. For the folks living in Bar Harbor, it's about 20 mins drive.

This is the only place win Acadia where you are allowed to swim because this lakes water is not used for drinking. Water was too cold in mid June. Lake is beautiful and calm. Its in quiet side of Acadia. There’s a picnic table right in front of lake.

Short and moderately easy loop hike with a total distance of just over a mile. I would recommend going clockwise, so that you can enjoy spectacular views over Long Pond on the descent. Beware: there are some difficult rocky stretches to traverse and bees on the way!

We were on the hunt for a less travelled trail and summit while visiting Mount Desert Island since this was our second time visiting and this one was much quieter. The view from the tower was also pretty spectacular. Depending on which way you decide to go up and descend can make for a good hike either way.

I can't think of any hike in Acadia that gets less than 5 stars. Beech mountain trail is no exception. Nice short loop trail with great scenic views.

Great hike to the top, little rocky so be careful but great views.

Beautiful hike! None of the views in the park compare!

Hiked Beech Mountain on a foggy, misty day. It was quiet and peaceful. Went with two kids, ages 2 1/2 and 6. The 6 yr old enjoyed scrambling up the rocks. The two year old was mostly carried in a backpack but she got up to climb in some spots. This is a nice, easy hike. I’d definitely come back on a clear day to see the views.

We hiked the cliff walk, easy hike with great views!

This gets missed some how. Nice and quite place with lot of pebble rocks

Loved this beach! No sand, just beautiful round pebbles and stones. We had a blast exploring and tossing the bouncy rocks. Sounds silly, but they are fun to throw.

Cute little pit stop in Acadia with colorful rocks.

This place was great. The views were awesome and it was very peaceful !! Only thing that was tough was the parking but well worth it if you can find a spot.

Fantastic, come here and listen to the waves polish the cobbles, climb the cliffs and watch the birds. Enjoy the lack of crowds and watch the fog burn off in the mid day sun while lobstermen haul in traps. This was our favorite place in the park and it's a hidden gem. We will return only wish we had more time here. It's a short walk from the road down wood stairs to the beach so it's easy access and a must see.

Great little stone beach, wear shoes as the rocks are hard. It's a short staircase down to the beach and there is no parking lot so park on the road but the beach itself is worth it.

Beautiful quiet gem along the park loop road in Acadia National Park. A total nature playground for myself and my son. Please honor Leave No Trace Ethics and please do not remove rocks from the beach. Peaceful, beautiful, and great place to let imagination roam wild. Highly recommend and we definitely will return again. Check out the video on this location on our channel on YouTube.

Amazing little beach. Access by long stairs. The sound of the pebbles rolling in the waves is so weirdly beautiful. Water is a little chilly for swimming. No restrooms or changing areas.

Loved the sound of the waves hitting the pebbles. Very quiet pit stop.

We just loved this TRULY hidden beach. In high season with crowds everywhere, we had this beach to ourselves for much of our two hours there. It's all smooth rock. We brought chairs. Listening to the waves was just perfect.