Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road
4.5
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A major national park in Maine where the attractions and sights are well known along the 20-mile Park Loop Road.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 3 miles
Attractions
72 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- ddillingerColorado Springs, Colorado731 contributionsFun road with beautiful sceneryWe took a couple of hours but you could make it a bit faster (fewer stops) or a whole lot longer. We were traveling with a big dog, so we passed on some stops, but the Visitor Center, Sands Beach, and Thunder Hole are must stops. You can buy a little $4 booklet at the VC that gives mileage markers and info and history about each stop.Visited June 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten June 7, 2021
- Mary BatesWest Kennebunk, Maine23 contributionsThings to check before gongWe haven’t been to Acadia for a few years, decided to revisit, but we’re not aware that in order to go Sand Beach or Cadillac Mountain you need to make a reservation for your vehicle. Of course this requirement is in effect till 10/18/2020. If you have an internet connection I would assume it would be an easy task, but you need an account needless to say, we did not get a reservation, so we took the Loop Road and enjoyed our trip thru the park. The cars that were lined up to travel up to Cadillac Mountain were backed up on the roads were the Park Rangers were checking the tickets. Hope everyone got up there before dark. Maybe next year things will go more smoothly. Also just for some information if you are disabled there is no way for you to go to the Ranger Station at Hull Cove to get a pass or help. The stairs are a killer.Visited October 2020Written October 9, 2020
- Steven LSyracuse, New York879 contributionsHIKERS AND BIKERSMy wife and I visited Acadia for the first time in years and were pleased to see the park is still in great shape. It was a kind of a reflection of these times as the road was filled with bikers as well as filled parking areas and multiple hikers. I imagine this appreciation of the outdoors is being repeated all over the country.Visited September 2020Written October 4, 2020
- Tom WNew Britain, Connecticut266 contributionsBeautifulBeautiful and worth the trip. We were here 4 years ago around the same time the park is MUCH more crowded this year, finding a parking space is like hitting the lottery and it was a Wednesday. Eating locations vary sparse, highly recommend bringing your own food in.Visited June 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten June 23, 2021
- William McCBoston, Massachusetts360 contributionsRewarding even in foul weatherWe happened to drive the park loop road on a foul-weather day with frequent heavy rains, and it was still worthwhile, especially for the views of spontaneous waterfalls cascading down the steep rock faces typical of the Mount Desert Island terrain. The road affords many convenient turnouts with helpful, and colorful, interpretive signs. The ever-changing scenery can be spellbinding in any season. An early start is recommended, as traffic builds over the course of the day, regardless of the weather. Moreover, remember that bad driving is as common in a national park as anywhere else. When in doubt, slow down, or even use pullouts to let tailgaters pass. You are here for the unhurried serenity, not to indulge the manic, thoughtless, or careless.Visited September 2022Written September 27, 2022
- NancySarasota, Florida75 contributionsA Beautiful Drive any time of DayThe Park Loop Road is one of the best scenic drives in the country and a fantastic way to see a good part of this beautiful park. To understand how to enjoy Acadia, you sort of need the history. Civic groups and wealthy people (Philanthropists) made the park possible by purchasing and donating the land to US Government. There is no other National Park like it. There are little pockets of the park that are easily missed if you stay on Park Loop Road. Take a good look at the map and, if you have time, get off the Loop Road and explore places like Schoodic Peninsula. We were fortunate to spend several days driving and exploring the Park and the Park Loop Road making stops along the way. In 2016, we were lucky to see the first place the sun rises in the US from the top of Cadillac Mountain, but it currently requires a permit, so we had to forgo that on this trip. It is worth getting up so early to see. We stopped and spent some time at Jordan Pond and although we have never had the Popovers at the Jordan Pond House, I've heard they are terrific...someday. Like most National Parks, it gets very crowded in the summer so you will need to be patient. There are more than 150 miles of trails for hiking, 45 miles of carriage roads for horseback riding thanks to John D. Rockefeller, Jr, stargazing, biking and so much more. With the Park Loop Road being only 27 miles long, you could see a lot of the park in an afternoon, just enough to make you want to come back.Visited June 2021Written May 31, 2022
- LovesPhotoOpsHoover, Alabama1,044 contributionsGet a park map, stop as often as you canThis is the most crowded section of Acadia National Park, so be sure you also see the western side (aka “quiet side” of Mt. Desert Island, and the Schoodic Peninsula to the east of Mt. Desert Island, both less visited than the Park Loop Road. We started at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to get a park map. Then we stopped at Schooner Head Overlook (can see Egg Rock Lighthouse in distance); Sand Beach (pretty but crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you want to swim); Thunder Hole (pretty but crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you arrive at the peak time for the waves); Otter Point (beautiful); Fabbri (pretty); Little Hunters Beach Overlook (pretty view from above, did not stop at the beach itself); Jordan Pond (walked a bit on the pond trail, closing time for restaurant); and the north end of Eagle Lake. The highlight for us was Otter Point. Eagle Lake and the beaver pond near it were very pretty in the late afternoon light. See my separate reviews of these stops for more details on each one. Along the Park Loop Road, we saw a doe and two new fawns crossing the road on their unsteady legs, and a porcupine feeding beside the road (both amazing sights). So keep your eyes out for wildlife.Visited June 2022Written July 4, 2022
- Cac1234Germantown, New York2,085 contributionsBest Way to See the ParkDriving Park Loop Raod is the best way to get acquainted with Acadia. The best time to drive the more than 20 mile loop is just after sunrise when the park is not crowded. Then one may stop just about anywhere along the way to see the sites, take in the gorgeous views, and find a parking spot.Visited June 2022Written June 20, 2022
- Jason C150 contributionsDo the loop!This loop takes you through only a portion of Acadia NP. There are more things to see like the lighthouse and other hikes not on the loop. The loop takes you through forests, seeing mountains as well as the seacoast (both rocky and sandy - yes they have a rare sandy beach). We visited just as they were opening the state up after CV19, so it wasn't crowded - although I could see it being crazy crowded with traffic and challenges parking in a "normal" season. Stop along the way and see the various sights that are easy walks and consider getting adventurous and hiking some of the trails. Beehive was my wife's favorite trail of all the trails we've hiked around the country.Visited June 2020Written June 30, 2020
- Andrew Z243 contributionsWell worthy to take that loop ...This was our first trip there, and I wish we had more time to spend it. But, now we know and someday we will come back there. The Park gets crowded regardless Covid-19. I can only imagine how it looked like before. You need at least 3-4 hours, just to brush off some points. It is not a bad idea to drive around first gets some impression what you like to do and then stop at certain spots and explore them more. The Sand Beach is very busy, unless you like to spend some time on a beach or swim, I would skip it. However, there is very nice – not too easy walk along coastline from the Sand Beach to Otter Pont. Watch out for bicyclist.Visited August 2020Written August 29, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,613 reviews
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1,268
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64
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2
Tom W
New Britain, CT266 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Beautiful and worth the trip. We were here 4 years ago around the same time the park is MUCH more crowded this year, finding a parking space is like hitting the lottery and it was a Wednesday. Eating locations vary sparse, highly recommend bringing your own food in.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William McC
Boston, MA360 contributions
Sep 2022
We happened to drive the park loop road on a foul-weather day with frequent heavy rains, and it was still worthwhile, especially for the views of spontaneous waterfalls cascading down the steep rock faces typical of the Mount Desert Island terrain. The road affords many convenient turnouts with helpful, and colorful, interpretive signs. The ever-changing scenery can be spellbinding in any season. An early start is recommended, as traffic builds over the course of the day, regardless of the weather. Moreover, remember that bad driving is as common in a national park as anywhere else. When in doubt, slow down, or even use pullouts to let tailgaters pass. You are here for the unhurried serenity, not to indulge the manic, thoughtless, or careless.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy
Sarasota, FL75 contributions
Jun 2021
The Park Loop Road is one of the best scenic drives in the country and a fantastic way to see a good part of this beautiful park. To understand how to enjoy Acadia, you sort of need the history. Civic groups and wealthy people (Philanthropists) made the park possible by purchasing and donating the land to US Government. There is no other National Park like it. There are little pockets of the park that are easily missed if you stay on Park Loop Road. Take a good look at the map and, if you have time, get off the Loop Road and explore places like Schoodic Peninsula.
We were fortunate to spend several days driving and exploring the Park and the Park Loop Road making stops along the way. In 2016, we were lucky to see the first place the sun rises in the US from the top of Cadillac Mountain, but it currently requires a permit, so we had to forgo that on this trip. It is worth getting up so early to see. We stopped and spent some time at Jordan Pond and although we have never had the Popovers at the Jordan Pond House, I've heard they are terrific...someday. Like most National Parks, it gets very crowded in the summer so you will need to be patient. There are more than 150 miles of trails for hiking, 45 miles of carriage roads for horseback riding thanks to John D. Rockefeller, Jr, stargazing, biking and so much more. With the Park Loop Road being only 27 miles long, you could see a lot of the park in an afternoon, just enough to make you want to come back.
We were fortunate to spend several days driving and exploring the Park and the Park Loop Road making stops along the way. In 2016, we were lucky to see the first place the sun rises in the US from the top of Cadillac Mountain, but it currently requires a permit, so we had to forgo that on this trip. It is worth getting up so early to see. We stopped and spent some time at Jordan Pond and although we have never had the Popovers at the Jordan Pond House, I've heard they are terrific...someday. Like most National Parks, it gets very crowded in the summer so you will need to be patient. There are more than 150 miles of trails for hiking, 45 miles of carriage roads for horseback riding thanks to John D. Rockefeller, Jr, stargazing, biking and so much more. With the Park Loop Road being only 27 miles long, you could see a lot of the park in an afternoon, just enough to make you want to come back.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,044 contributions
Jun 2022
This is the most crowded section of Acadia National Park, so be sure you also see the western side (aka “quiet side” of Mt. Desert Island, and the Schoodic Peninsula to the east of Mt. Desert Island, both less visited than the Park Loop Road.
We started at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to get a park map. Then we stopped at Schooner Head Overlook (can see Egg Rock Lighthouse in distance); Sand Beach (pretty but crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you want to swim); Thunder Hole (pretty but crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you arrive at the peak time for the waves); Otter Point (beautiful); Fabbri (pretty); Little Hunters Beach Overlook (pretty view from above, did not stop at the beach itself); Jordan Pond (walked a bit on the pond trail, closing time for restaurant); and the north end of Eagle Lake. The highlight for us was Otter Point. Eagle Lake and the beaver pond near it were very pretty in the late afternoon light. See my separate reviews of these stops for more details on each one.
Along the Park Loop Road, we saw a doe and two new fawns crossing the road on their unsteady legs, and a porcupine feeding beside the road (both amazing sights). So keep your eyes out for wildlife.
We started at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to get a park map. Then we stopped at Schooner Head Overlook (can see Egg Rock Lighthouse in distance); Sand Beach (pretty but crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you want to swim); Thunder Hole (pretty but crowded, not worth fighting for parking unless you arrive at the peak time for the waves); Otter Point (beautiful); Fabbri (pretty); Little Hunters Beach Overlook (pretty view from above, did not stop at the beach itself); Jordan Pond (walked a bit on the pond trail, closing time for restaurant); and the north end of Eagle Lake. The highlight for us was Otter Point. Eagle Lake and the beaver pond near it were very pretty in the late afternoon light. See my separate reviews of these stops for more details on each one.
Along the Park Loop Road, we saw a doe and two new fawns crossing the road on their unsteady legs, and a porcupine feeding beside the road (both amazing sights). So keep your eyes out for wildlife.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cac1234
Germantown, NY2,085 contributions
Jun 2022
Driving Park Loop Raod is the best way to get acquainted with Acadia. The best time to drive the more than 20 mile loop is just after sunrise when the park is not crowded. Then one may stop just about anywhere along the way to see the sites, take in the gorgeous views, and find a parking spot.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason C
Littleton, New Hampshire150 contributions
Jun 2020
This loop takes you through only a portion of Acadia NP. There are more things to see like the lighthouse and other hikes not on the loop. The loop takes you through forests, seeing mountains as well as the seacoast (both rocky and sandy - yes they have a rare sandy beach). We visited just as they were opening the state up after CV19, so it wasn't crowded - although I could see it being crazy crowded with traffic and challenges parking in a "normal" season. Stop along the way and see the various sights that are easy walks and consider getting adventurous and hiking some of the trails. Beehive was my wife's favorite trail of all the trails we've hiked around the country.
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Z
New York243 contributions
Aug 2020
This was our first trip there, and I wish we had more time to spend it. But, now we know and someday we will come back there. The Park gets crowded regardless Covid-19. I can only imagine how it looked like before. You need at least 3-4 hours, just to brush off some points. It is not a bad idea to drive around first gets some impression what you like to do and then stop at certain spots and explore them more. The Sand Beach is very busy, unless you like to spend some time on a beach or swim, I would skip it. However, there is very nice – not too easy walk along coastline from the Sand Beach to Otter Pont. Watch out for bicyclist.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fishbeck
Katy, TX69 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We had downloaded an app that narrated the Park Loop as we drove the 27 miles. We did enjoy the narration however do not try and drive the Park Loop at 10 am. It turns into parking loop and Cara and people are everywhere. If you like crowds you’ll love it. However, thunder hole, Jordan’ s Pond house, sand beach, and all the other places you wish to see you are the mercy of being blessed with open parking. Way to crowded for our our taste. Went back around 4:30 and got right into Jordan’s Pond House with tons of parking available. Want to enjoy the park wait until the afternoon when crowds then out.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
Shelburne, VT705 contributions
Aug 2020
A wonderful way to get an overview of Acadia and a "feel for the park". We did this on our first day to orient ourselves to Acadia and would recommend this as the introduction. Be sure to go the Visitor Center for suggestions as to hikes and the carriage roads for walking and biking.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA1,876 contributions
Sep 2021
As the name implies, the Park Loop Road takes you around the park, where you can stop at many of the highlights. In several places the road is one way and you can park to the side of the right most lane. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was quite crowded with cars parked bumper to bumper along the main stretch of the loop. Be sure, when you park, that you park entirely on the road and not off to the far right, on the grass. We parked to the far right, with our tires on the grass when we first arrived, and came back to find a parking warning on our car. I walked up and down the road a bit and found that every car that had the warning, had tires on the grass, whereas the cars that didn’t, were fully on the road. Also, if you are visiting when it is crowded, if you see a spot on the road more/less close to what you want to see, then take it. When we were there, every parking area was full, and if you pass up spots on the side of the road and find no parking elsewhere, you can’t just turn around and look again – you need to drive all the way around the loop again. The loop may not seem long, but it is, if the park is crowded, and you need to wait in a long line of cars entering the park at one point in the loop.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road557502
4 contributions
Does the Loop Road provide an exit if one does not want to drive to the top of the mountain?
redeco
Warren, MA9,459 contributions
Right...you can drive around the Loop Road without going up to the top of the mountain. Lovely drive.
Randall
MLucat
Lake Katrine, NY2 contributions
Camping Spots? In or near Acadia
Which are the most beautiful camping spots to look at?
Family of 4 with two teenagers...
Thank!
Donna E
Coopersburg, PA205 contributions
We did not camp so I'm not sure where to find a campsite. I know there are quite a few right outside the park but not sure about inside the park
Hgtravl
Marlton, NJ1,629 contributions
Can you do this in early Nov??
redeco
Warren, MA9,459 contributions
Here's what the website says:
Operating Hours/Seasons. Acadia National Park is open all year long. ... The Park Visitor Center, museums, picnic areas, Seawall Campground, and many of the roads close during the winter. The road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, as well as most of the Park Loop Road, closes from December 1 through April 14.
So, it looks like November is ok.
Randall
Karl-2013
Johns Creek, GA7 contributions
Is there a digital download or USB version available?
ppettyHtown
Houston, TX282 contributions
Of what exactly are you referring? Hi to the National Parks website to check.
Deborah E
8 contributions
How much time do you need to do the loop with stops?
Ron C
Taunton, MA97 contributions
3-4 hours is a good number, depending of course on any short trips off road or meeting fun and interesting folks! There are seasonal times in the Summer where the traffic gets tough and May or September is always a target for my travels.
Steven S
Minneapolis, MN1,010 contributions
Would it be better to pay for a tour or drive loop road yourself in June? I heard there can be a lot of traffic. We will be there June 12 this year which is a Wednesday.
Seth M
Barre, VT225 contributions
There can be a lot of traffic, but I imagine that it wouldn't be so bad in early June. Even if there is traffic I suggest driving the road yourself. There are so many places to stop and pull over that people are able to do their own thing. That not only allows you to personalize your stops, it also means there is an ebb and flow in the traffic. I also think it gives you a better idea of where things are at so you can choose destinations you want to return to. We did the Park Loop Road on the first day of our stay and that really helped us get a feel for the place and help us understand the maps and relative locations of places as well.
Netter333
Atlanta, GA4 contributions
Are there any opportunities to see a Lighthouse from these trails that are on the "Park Loop Road"?
Seth M
Barre, VT225 contributions
There weren’t any lighthouses visible from the trails I went on. There is a nice lighthouse on the southern part of the western half (quiet side) portion of the island. I also think there are some boat tours you can take to access lighthouse views.
125amylovestotravel
Ann Arbor, MI2 contributions
Beth, how did your fourth grader get you in free? I have a fourth grader and we are soon traveling to Maine. Thank you
highest_expectations
Towson, MD13 contributions
We are heading there in a week, have fun! I just tried to post the link, but trip advisor won't allow it. Type in Every Kid in a Park and it will get you there. All you will do is print off a pass and it will cover your entire family. You either carry the pass with you, or stick it on your dashboard.
Boli X
2 contributions
Is the only entrance of the Park Loop Road at the visitor center near Bar Harbor? We will stay near northeast harbor and hope to enter the road from around Jordan Pond. Thx!
smithez
Oxford, PA36 contributions
No, you can access loop road from several spots on the island. Jordan Pond is off of Park Loop Rd.
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Claim your listingPark Loop Road - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Park Loop Road
- We recommend booking Park Loop Road tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Park Loop Road tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Park Loop Road:
- 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Somes Sound (From $750.00)
- 3 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit & Park Loop Road (From $650.00)
- 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Cadillac Summit, Somes Sound & Lobster Pound (From $900.00)
- Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour (From $14.99)
- Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour (From $24.99)
- Hotels near Park Loop Road:
- (0.74 mi) Blackwoods Campground
- (5.22 mi) Sand Bar Cottage
- (4.91 mi) Atlantean Cottage
- (5.06 mi) Maples Inn
- (5.24 mi) Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B
- Restaurants near Park Loop Road:
- (0.84 mi) Burning Tree
- (5.05 mi) Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen
- (5.15 mi) The Stadium
- (4.97 mi) Cafe This Way
- (0.84 mi) Otter Creek Market
Park Loop Road Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,268 |
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Very Good Reviews | 270 |
Park Loop Road Photos | 977 |