Acadia National Park
add photos9 Reviews for Acadia National Park
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51 family found this helpful
"One of our favorite places on earth"
We come here every summer and our kids love it. We do park ranger programs for their age, we go on hikes, we have picnics, visit Jordan Pond House, and run into the waves at Sand Beach. I don't think I see my kids any happier than I do here, in this place. It's beautiful!
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"I wish I could Stay Here Forever"
I have been blessed enough to visit Acadia National Park on two separate occasions. Interestingly enough, the weather was quite different each time, but I enjoyed the park nonetheless. Once it was sunny and warm, and the other time it was foggy and misting, but the experience was equally incredible. The ocean scenery is stunning, and one could sit and listen to the waves crashing against the rocks for hours. This is a beautiful place that I cannot wait to visit again.
'11
0 families found this helpful
"Naturally Breathtaking"
All of Acadia National park is simply breathtaking. I can't say more than WOW! Be sure to wear your sunscreen though and wear comfy shoes, and don't forget to hydrate. If you and your family love outdoor activities this is a must-experience destination. Canoeing, hiking, biking, you name it! Even if you don't consider yourself "outdoorsy" you have to make the trek up Cadillac Mountain, even if you don't get out of the car once you reach the top, the views on the journey are simply amazing. If you do decide to hop out at the top, which I strongly recommend you do, don't forget to grab the camera! Before our daughter was born my husband and I would head up there to sit for hours in silence. The views are breathtaking and you can really hear yourself think. This last year we took our 1&1/2 year old up there and she walked all over. The paths are easy to navigate, you could probably use a stroller if necessary, but I recommend a backpack/front carrier instead. There are a few steps, and some areas are quite steep, but I did the whole path in flip flops without a problem.
Bathroom facilities are available, and there was a changing table but it was in such an awkward place I just did what I needed to do in the backseat of the car.
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"Nature's Gem"
This National Park is a must see in your lifetime. I truely believe Acadia and the surrounding coast line of Maine may be the most beautiful place on earth.
Be sure to take a drive around the Park Loop Road and pull over at all the little turnoffs to experience the amazing views. For easy walks check out the carriage roads. Pick up a trail map and there are trails from easy to difficult, perfect for everyone to find something at their experience level. Every hike rewards you with stunning views of nature.
Need some refreshement? Be sure to stop at the Jordan Pond House for popovers. Lunch was delish. Need to cool off? Take a swim in Echo Lake.
Be sure to stop in the visitors center and find out about the Ranger programs. They are offered throughout various locations in the park. Some are drop-in and free while others need to pre-register and pay a small fee. The Park Rangers are friendly, informative and very helpful, don't be afraid to ask them for any advice on exploring the park!
Watch carefully for no parking locations. We witnessed several cars being ticketed.
Visit my profile for detailed reviews on various locations throughout the park!
1 family found this helpful
"Fantastic!"
On Mount Desert Island - so much to do. We stayed in Bar Harbor but you can stay in the park if you camp out in 2 different areas. There is something for everyone- we are not hikers- took the driving loop route and went one day in the fog and the next day in the sun and it was amazing both days. There is a restaurant that has been serving popovers for years out on the lawn by Jordan Pond and we walked partially around the pond under the shade of the pines. Just beautiful! There is thunder hole that was a highlight. Also Cadillac mountain and there are wild blueberries growing. There is Sandy Beach and a place to change. The park has carriage paths for bikers and horses. I can't wait to return!
0 families found this helpful
"Great Family Park"
Wonderful National Park, biking and hiking on the carriage roads was awesome - no cars or traffic and often you see the horse drawn carriages.. A national park is great by definition - but this one has the ocean too! You can't beat it. Beautiful, peaceful and full of history and wildlife great for the kids.
2 families found this helpful
"Something for Everyone"
The hiking is varied (from short and easy to long and more difficult) so it is good for all ages. The views are amazing regardless of your hike desitnation. Thunder Hole is family hike destination for us. Besides the hiking there is a Light House, Echo Lake (which has warmer water for swimming) and the Sand Beach for swimming (if you can take the cold water because even on the hottest day that water is cold) and building sand castles. You can camp or go into Bar Harbor and stay at a B&B, hotel or rent a cabin/house. Bar Harbor is full of cafe, art galleries, and it offers numerous boat rentals and wildlife sea tours (like whales or seals).
The Park puts on different programs during the summer for kids of all ages also.
1 family found this helpful
"Nature's disneyland"
My wife and I go to Acadia every summer. There are so many things to do, it's hard to know where to begin. First and foremost is the hiking. There are an abundance of hiking opportunities - varying lengths and degrees of difficulties - that can be tailored to suit anyone in the family. Many of the high peaks in the park are accesible by vehicle if you just want to enjoy the views. The carriage road system allows for easy walking, jogging and, in the winter time, cross country skiing. There are cruises that can take you around the bay and kayak tours of some of the surrounding waters. Accomodations range from B&B's, to private rental houses to car camping. We usually spend the first half of our vacation camping and then move into a rental house for the second half.
1 family found this helpful
"Amazing kid friendly National Park"
Our family had a wonderful time at Acadia National Park. We were traveling with 3 kids ages 7, 5 and 1. The park is wonderful because it has so many short, easy hikes for the kids that go somewhere. We all know that motivating kids to hike can be difficult at times when there is no "destination". We found really amazing views and things to see on every hike. My kids had a great time playing in tidepools and climbing on rocks near the ocean. We were traveling with extended family and there was really something for everyone at this park. Most of the mountains have granite at the tops so there are amazing views. The kids REALLY enjoyed the "tidepool school" run by the Park rangers. It was very educational and hands on. There is a free shuttle bus service that can take you from your campsite to the park which is great if you are not interested in driving around. Be aware that we traveled during the hottest weeks of the year and the ocean temp was still 55, so don't plan on swimming in the ocean. You can go to the Echo lake section of the national park, The kids really enjoyed swimming there where the water was warmer.
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