Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond is a very popular visitor attraction located on Park Loop Road. Located here is the Jordan Pond House, which is most popular for its popovers. Centered around the pond are several hiking trails including the Jordan Cliffs Loop, Bubbles Nubble Loop, The Bubbles, Pemetic Mountain Loop, Jordan Pond Path, and more.
The pond is accessible either by car on the two way section of Park Loop Road or by the Island Explorer Loop Road or Jordan Pond routes (4 or 5) which stop right outside the Jordan Pond House. Due to the popularity of this location, parking can be hard to find. There are two parking lots available to access the location: Jordan Pond House Parking lot and overflow parking. Restrooms are located around the back of the entrance area.
Hours until June 26th: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hours from June 26th to September 4th: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sand Beach
Sand Beach is one of the most popular visitor attractions at Acadia National Park and the only sand beach in the park. Temperatures of the ocean water range from 50-60°F. Around the beach are several hiking paths including the Ocean Path, the Beehive Trail, and Great Head Trail.
The beach is accessible either by car just beyond the park entrance stations at the beginning of the coastal portion of Park Loop Road or by the Island Explorer Sand Beach or Loop Road routes (3 or 4) which stop right at the Sand Beach parking lot. Parking lots are available as well as restrooms and changing rooms. Parking is also permitted in the right lane of Park Loop Road. Due to the popularity of Sand Beach and its surrounding attractions, parking can be hard to find, so taking the Island Explorer is highly encouraged.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a natural inlet formed in the rocks by the ocean. Thundering occurs as waves roll into a small cavern just beneath the surface of the water, causing the air to rush out of the cavern, creating a bang. For optimal thundering, a nor’easter or hurricane is required, however, the area has a beautiful view of the shoreline and fun rocks to walk around on good weather days. The optimal time to visit during these days is half-tide which occurs midway between low-tide and high-tide. There are stairs leading down to Thunder Hole, but be cautious as the stairs are often slippery.
Thunder Hole is accessible either by car just beyond the park entrance stations at the middle of the coastal portion of Park Loop Road or by the Island Explorer Sand Beach or Loop Road routes (3 or 4) which stop right at the Thunder Hole parking lot. A medium parking lot is available as well as restrooms and a gift shop. Parking is also permitted in the right lane of Park Loop Road. Due to the popularity of Thunder Hole and its surrounding attractions, parking can be hard to find, so taking the Island Explorer is highly encouraged.
WARNING: When a storm is off the coast, waves and wind can create dangerous conditions at Thunder Hole. Waves can splash over the walkway and cause rocks to become slippery.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Sieur de Monts Nature Center
The Sieur de Monts Nature Center serves as a park visitor center and an educational resource for Acadia National Park visitors. There are a variety of attractions on the property including free admission to the Wild Gardens, the Abbe Museum at the Wild Gardens, Sieur de Monts Springs, and access to a variety of hiking trails including Jesup Path, Hemlock Trail, Emery Path, Kebo Mountain Trail, and more.
The Nature Center is accessible either by car by the Sieur de Monts park Entrance off Route 3 or by the Island Explorer Sand Beach or Blackwoods routes (3 or 10) which stop right at the Sieur de Monts Nature Center parking lot. A parking lot is located at the Nature Center as well as restrooms.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Address: Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is one of the three Maine lighthouses managed by Acadia National Park located in Tremont, Maine. The lighthouse stands 56 feet above the water and can be observed via a paved walkway or a short trail with stairs and rocks to be climbed on to get the perfect view. Though it is about a 30 minute drive from the Park Loop Road attractions, it is definitely worth the trip!
The lighthouse is accessible either by car off Route 102A or by the Island Explorer Tremont route (11) which stops at the Bass Harbor Campground (about a 2 minute walk from the lighthouse). The parking lot is small and no road parking is allowed, so expect traffic at peak times. Restrooms are located in the parking lot.
Make sure to bring appropriate shoes if you intend to climb on the rocks and wear clothing meant for the weather. There is a noticeable ocean breeze at this part of the island, so it is always a good idea to wear layers.
Hours: 9:00 AM to Sunset (about 7:00 PM)
Echo Lake Beach
Echo Lake is a freshwater lake located in Southwest Harbor and is open for park visitors to swim from May 15th through September 15th. The water is shallow at the beach with water temperatures warmer than those of the ocean water. At times there may be a turtle nesting area of the beach blocked off, please be cautious of these areas.
The lake is accessible either by car off Route 102 or by the Island Explorer Southwest Harbor route (7) which stops right at the Echo Lake parking lot. There is a large parking lot at Echo Lake which also services a few trails in the area and is often very busy. Restrooms and changing rooms are located near the beach.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Schoodic Point
Schoodic Point is a popular destination on the southern tip of the Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor, Maine. The point provides views of the ocean and Cadillac Mountain to the west. It is also one of the best places to observe diabase dikes, large dark basalt that forced itself through the original granite.
Schoodic Point is accessible either by car about 45 miles on coastal roads from Bar Harbor or by ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and then taking the Island Explorer Schoodic route (8) which stops right at the Schoodic Point parking lot.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk