Acadia
50 mi SE of Bangor, ME
1919
Established:
Size:
40,975 acres
Visitors:
2,669,034 in 2020
Summary
Acadia National Park, situated in Maine, offers a vast outdoor space for various activities. Its landscape includes tall mountains, lakes, and rocky beaches. Visitors engage in hiking, biking, and swimming amidst nature's beauty. Cadillac Mountain, the park's highest peak, provides stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Trails meander through forests and along the coastline, catering to adventurers. Acadia's diverse wildlife includes deer, foxes, and marine life like whales. Birdwatching opportunities abound, with species ranging from chickadees to bald eagles. Acadia National Park provides an educational experience in nature, offering opportunities for exploration and discovery amidst its scenic vistas and diverse wildlife.
Wildlife
Acadia National Park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, ranging from mammals like deer and foxes to marine creatures such as whales. Its varied ecosystems support an array of bird species, including the iconic bald eagle. Visitors can witness these animals in their natural habitats, whether along the rugged coastline or within the park's dense forests. From birdwatching to observing marine life, Acadia offers ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to connect with nature and appreciate its inhabitants.
Sounds of the Park
Things to Do
In the winter, visitors can snowshoe, snowmobile, or cross-country ski on the various paths the park provides, or go ice fishing on frozen ponds. In the summer, visitors can hike, kayak, climb, or camp at one of the park's campsites.
When to Visit
Acadia National Park has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is plentiful year round. Crowds tend to be highest in mid-summer and lowest in the winter. For the best balance between warm weather and manageable crowds, you can visit in the late spring to early summer (May-early June) or late summer to early fall (September).
Ties to Stephen Mather
Acadia National Park was established in 1919, when Stephen Mather was the director of the National Park Service. The park was renamed from "Lafayette" to "Acadia" in January 1929, only eleven days after Mather left office. Acadia is home to a Stephen Mather plaque, located at the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Fun Fact
Every September, the park hosts the annual Acadia Night Sky Festival, attracting stargazers, researches, artists, and more.