Admission Fees
Entry is free from Nov. 1-April 30. Between May 1-Oct. 31, there is a fee of $20 per car, good for seven days. An all-season pass is available for $40.
Nearest Major Airports
Bangor, about an hour away; Portland, just more than three hours; Boston, just more than five hours. The Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport is closest to the park and offers Colgan Air, an express carrier for US Airways that makes runs to and from Boston.
Budget Airlines to Shop
AirTran (Portland or Boston)
Nearby Cities with Budget Rooms
Ellsworth, 20 miles; Bangor, 46 miles.
Camping and Lodge Facilities
There are two campgrounds within the park: Blackwoods, which costs $20 from May 1-October 31, $10 during April and November, and is free from December 1-March 31; the Seawall campground is $20 when open (check for availability) but just $14 for walk-ins without a vehicle. Reservations are always recommended for campsites, and usually prove essential during the busy summer months.
Top Free Attractions in the Park
The 27-mile Park Loop Road is a must-do for visitors. It shows off the major forests and coastal scenery. The road is fully open from April to October, but small sections remain open all year. Be sure to check with park personnel during November-March for specifics.
Another important (and free) experience here is driving or hiking to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak along the east coast of the United States. At some 1,530 feet above sea level, the top of the mountain affords sweeping views of the landscape. Show up here before dawn and be among the first in America to see dawn break. and a first glimpse at the dawn each morning. Dense fog can close the mountain road any time of the year.
Parking and Ground Transportation
In season, Acadia has a free propane-powered bus service that operates between park destinations, local communities, and the Bar Harbor Airport. Look for the buses, which are paid for through entry fees, from June 23 to early October.
Driving Distance from Major Cities
Bangor, 47 miles; Portland, 175; Boston, 280 miles.
Other Attractions with which to Combine a Visit
In fall, many people combine foliage trips with a visit to the Maine coastline. For more information, visit Acadia National Park's official Web site.
