10 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Acadia

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Most people miss out on some of the most amazing views in Acadia, but that doesn’t have to be you! Check out this itinerary before you go.

6.  Beehive Trail

Cling to the cliffs while traversing Acadia’s most famous trail.  This hike will test your limits as you utilize iron rung handholds, footholds, and bridges to reach the mountaintop victoriously!

What You Need to Know

If there’s one hike in Acadia that’s on the top of everyone’s list of must-dos, it’s the Beehive!  But hikers beware — it’s definitely not for everybody.  If you have a fear of heights or have children with you, this hike may not be for you.  I do not take my kids with me on this one (they are young), and I feel it is the right choice for my comfort level.

This trail is 1.9 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 450 feet, mostly from the adventurous route required to reach the top.  As you head up the Beehive, the trail starts to feel more like you’re climbing the mountain rather than hiking it.  It is critical to be prepared with good hiking shoes that have traction so that you can be confident in your steps!  This is also not a trail you want to be hiking when the rocks are wet.

The views from this trail are spectacular and well worth the effort!  And let’s be honest, on this trail, most of the fun is in the journey, not in the destination.  Conquering fears and pushing limits is what this hike is all about!

After reaching the top, don’t go back down the way you came.  Instead, head down the backside of the mountain and hike to the Bowl.  After following the shoreline of the Bowl for a minute, take a left to stay on the Bowl Trail and circle back down to the trailhead.  Several trails intersect along this route, so I highly recommend carrying this map with you as you hike.

Getting Here

The Beehive Trail is located along the one-way Park Loop Road.  From the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, drive south on the Park Loop Road for 3 miles.  Turn left at the fork in the road, following the signs for Sand Beach (not Cadillac Mountain).  Drive for 5.5 more miles along the Park Loop Road one-way section.  You’ll pass through an entrance station, and then the parking area for Sand Beach will be on your left.  Park here, then walk across the street at the crosswalk to find the trailhead.

7. Sand Beach

Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes as you stroll along this sparkling beach!  Tucked in between Acadia’s iconic pink granite rocks, Sand Beach provides phenomenal views and an enjoyable way to relax during your vacation.

What You Need to Know

Sandy beaches in Acadia are a rarity!  Because of that, this relatively small beach is an incredibly popular place to dip your toes in the water.

Changing rooms are available in the parking area if you are interested in swimming — the water usually hovers around 55 degrees F, so it’s definitely a chilly swim!  And be advised that pets are not allowed on the beach from May 15 – Sept. 15.

The Beehive Trail and the Great Head Trail both start from this parking area, so there’s plenty to do here for everyone.

Getting Here

Sand Beach is located along the one-way Park Loop Road.  From the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, drive south on the Park Loop Road for 3 miles.  Turn left at the fork in the road, following the signs for Sand Beach (not Cadillac Mountain).  Drive for 5.5 more miles along the Park Loop Road one-way section.  You’ll pass through an entrance station, and then the parking area for Sand Beach will be on your left.

8. Jordan Pond

Pristine water, scenic mountains, and fascinating history make Jordan Pond arguably the most iconic spot in the park.  Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shoreline, then sit on the lawn and savor the warm, fluffy popovers that have been served up here since the 1890s!

What You Need to Know

What’s a popover, you might ask? It’s like a muffin but made out of an eggy batter.  While it bakes, the inside becomes hollow, and the outside is nice and crispy.  Popovers are traditionally served warm with jam and butter, and they are divine!  Afternoon tea on the lawn of the Jordan House is an Acadia tradition, and reservations are recommended by calling (207)276-3316.

Be sure to take the path around Jordan Pond while you’re here enjoying the popovers.  The whole trail is 3.3 miles roundtrip and fairly level, but even just a short walk along the shore is a good use of time.

As this is a public water source, no swimming is permitted.  You can canoe or kayak, though, if you are itching to enjoy the water!

Expect chaotic conditions in this area of the park.  If you’re hoping to avoid the traffic and the crowds, learn how with this itinerary.

Getting Here

Jordan Pond is located along the Park Loop Road.  From the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, drive south on the Park Loop Road for 7.6 miles until you reach the Jordan Pond House.  The path around the pond is located on the backside of the Jordan Pond House.

9.  Gorham Mountain Trail

This peak is not the highest in the park, nor the most well-known, but the hike to the top is fabulous!  Soak in the stunning scenery as you weave in and out of trees and rock ledges to reach the unforgettable scenic overlooks at the top.

What You Need to Know

The hike up Gorham Mountain is 1.8 miles roundtrip with 500 feet of elevation gain.  It’s a great family-friendly hike with excellent views!

About 0.2 miles up the trail, you’re given the option to stay straight on the Gorham Mountain Trail or to bear right to the Cadillac Cliffs Trail.  The Cadillac Cliffs Trail is more strenuous, but it takes you along beautiful dripping cliffs to the mouth of an ancient sea cave.  It then meets back up with the Gorham Mountain Trail to continue to the top of the peak.  I recommend taking the Cadillac Cliffs Trail up and then coming back down on the main trail.

Be sure to look for the pile of rocks and sign that marks the top of the mountain — you’ll want to turn around here.  The trail continues toward the Beehive and Sand Beach, so you don’t want to keep hiking unless you intend to complete a much longer loop.

Getting Here

The Gorham Mountain Trail is located along the one-way Park Loop Road.  From the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, drive south on the Park Loop Road for 3 miles.  Turn left at the fork in the road, following the signs for Sand Beach (not Cadillac Mountain).  Drive for 7 more miles along the Park Loop Road one-way section.  You’ll pass through an entrance station, a parking lot for Sand Beach, and a parking lot for Thunder Hole.  Just after the parking for Thunder Hole, look for the Gorham Mountain sign on your right.  This is the trailhead.

10. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

At the head of Bass Harbor stands a majestic lighthouse that has been in operation since 1858. Experience the power and beauty of this guiding light, perched high above the treacherous coastline, that has led many weary travelers home!

What You Need to Know

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is still used as a navigation aid today!  Because of that, tours of the inside of the buildings are not offered at this time.

From the parking area, you’ll find two short trails.  On the right side of the parking lot is a wide trail that leads down to the actual lighthouse and provides lovely views of the water.

On the left side of the parking lot (near the restrooms) is a smaller, more challenging trail that heads down the cliff to the famous viewpoint of the lighthouse with the rocky shoreline.  Take care if you use this trail — the rocks at the bottom can be slippery and dangerous from the pounding waves.

The parking lot is small, so bring your patience with you when you go.  The grounds are open from 9 a.m. to sunset.

Getting Here

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is located in the southwestern section of the park and is about a 30-minute drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.

From the Visitor Center, drive west on either the Crooked Road or the Eagle Lake Road to get to Highway 102 South.  Drive south on Highway 102, passing through the town of Southwest Harbor.  After driving for 11 miles, take a slight left when the road forks to follow Highway 102A toward Bass Harbor.  Continue driving for 2 miles until the road dead-ends at the lighthouse.

Have a phenomenal time in Acadia National Park.  Happy trails!

Click NEXT to see the Ultimate Guide to Acadia.

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