After a ton of questions about where we went I figured… I love maps – I might as well make one for ya’ll:

You can trace the human history of Acadia National Park back more than 10,000 years to the native Wabanaki people. Fur traders and European explorers left their mark on the area in the 17th and 18th centuries before it eventually became a summer destination for wealthy families.

In the spring, summer and fall people enjoy driving the park’s paved road to take in sights, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking and swimming along with the many ranger-led programs offered by the NPS. In the winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are all popular activities in Acadia National Park. With 3 campgrounds and five lean-to sites, overnighting in the park is a great experience as well (if you can nab one of the sites).

You can’t start a trip to Acadia National Park without a trip around the 27 mile Loop Road. It is the go-to scenic drive around the eastern side of Mount Desert Island and connects the parks lakes, mountains and shoreline. The road is available for travel from April 15th through December 1st (weather permitting).

The park has 14 great and 10 smaller ponds that are perfect for hiking around, kayaking and canoeing and even swimming. As a photographer, I love shooting landscape shots with these lakes. Read this to see my Top 9 Ponds you must see while in Acadia National Park.

The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails! In a single hike you can find yourself hiking through a forest, walking along a rocky coastline, and even standing on an exposed mountain top. I have a list of my Top 10 Hikes in Acadia National Park here. It gives you a breakdown on each of the hikes that I love the most! You can also find them on the map below. If you are physically able you absolutely should lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail because there are so many that take you up the faces of the mountains and give you unmatched views of the coastline:

And now for what you all came here for:

My Ultimate Acadia National Park To Do List

#1 Drive the Park Loop Road

#2 Summit Cadillac Mountain

#3 Have Tea at the Edge of Jordan Pond

#4 Catch Sunrise or Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

#5 Explore the often Overlooked Schoodic Point

#6 Defy Death on the Beehive Trail

#7 Explore the Coastline at Otter Cliff

#8 Watch the Waves Roll In at Thunder Hole

#9 Stick your feet in the water at Sand Beach

#10 Walk Through the Wild Gardens of Acadia

BONUS #11 Walk Across the Bar Harbor Land Bridge

Okay okay okay, that last one isn’t technically in Acadia National Park. But it’s park adjacent and worth doing… just make sure you get the timing right or you could get stuck on Bar Island for 9 hours waiting for the tide to go back out!

Here’s a handy dandy map of all things Acadia National Park:

#1 Precipice Trail

Length: 1.4 miles, Out & Back
Vertical Gain: 941 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Summary: This trail takes you to the summit of Champlain Mountain, the 6th tallest mountain in Acadia National Park. This rout heads up the step eastern face of the mountain: granite cliffs with iron rungs, ladders, and wooden bridges. At times this hike seems like more of a climb, it is the most difficult hike in the park but by far the most exhilarating. Note: This trail is usually closed between March 15 and August 15 for peregrine falcon nesting.
GPS: 44.34946, -68.18796

#2 Cadillac South Ridge Trail

Length: 8.0 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 2286 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: Yes, you can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, but there is something rather satisfying about hiking it. There are two trails to get to the summit this and the Cadillac North Ridge Trail. The latter is half the distance and half the elevation gain, but this one is arguably the most interesting route and offers up one of the longest stretches of single trail in Acadia National Park. Have a less adventurous member of your party? An alternative is to cut the hike in half and have someone pick you up on the summit.
GPS: 44.31286, -68.2148

#3 Beehive Trail

Length: 1.4 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 488 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: This is a classic in Acadia National Park, although if you have a fear of heights I would NOT recommend it. Also, if you are looking for something “off the beaten path,” this is not it. You will run into a lot of people here, you will also love this hike. The Beehive is one of the park’s higher peaks that over looks Sand Beach. The trail heads straight up the steep south face of the Beehive and boasts granite steps, iron rungs to climb up, and several handrails for exposed rock scrambling sections. Give yourself 2-4 hours to complete the loop.
GPS: 44.3315259, -68.18527

#4  Bubble Trail

Length: 1.2 miles, Out and Back
Vertical Gain: 301 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Summary: This is a great half day hike up to one of the most famous views in Acadia National Park. South Bubble is also where you will find “Bubble Rock” a large boulder carried by glaciers and deposited precariously on the edge of the cliff. Once you are up here there are a multitude of options: pop over to North Bubble for a summit view of Jordan Pond or you could descend the the steep trail toward Jordan Pond for a little more of a challenge and some exposed hiking.
GPS: 44.34112, -68.25067

#5 Jordan Pond Path

Length: 3.4 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 95 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Summary: Jordan Pond is one of the most peaceful and idyllic spots in Acadia National Park and this loop trail takes you all the way around it! This classic leisurely hike around Jordan Pond is capped off with a visit to the Jordan Pond House, which is one of the best National Park restaurants in the country, for lunch or afternoon tea.
GPS: 44.322, -68.25437

#6 Ocean Path

Length: 4.5 miles, Out and Back
Vertical Gain: 374 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Summary: Acadia’s most well-known feature is definitely it’s pink granite cliffs along the coastline. This trail follows a dramatic section of that coastline and boasts several of the park’s iconic sites. Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Monument Cove can all be seen along this route.
GPS: 44.32985, -68.18432

#7 Jordan Cliffs Trail

Length: 3.0 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 1033 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: The Jordan Cliffs are located on the eastern face of Penobscot Mountain and are some of the most impressive cliffs in all of Acadia National Park. Although it is considered one of the park’s iconic “iron-rung” trails, it is not as difficult as the Beehive Trail or the Precipice Trail. This trail still has it’s fair share of exposure and views!
GPS: 44.32042, -68.25416

#8 The Ladder Trail

Length: 2.7 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 1131 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Summary: Dorr Mountain is one of the lesser known peaks in Acadia National Park, but is absolutely worth taking the time to hike for the amazing 360 degree views of the park. There are four trails to the summit, but in my opinion this is the bast (AKA most exciting). It is yet another iron-rung trail running up the eastern face of the mountain, but for those of you with a little hesitancy for the Beehive Trail or the Precipice Trail, this might be a viable option. It offers the same challenges, but with a bit less exposure.
GPS: 44.35175, -68.20508

#9 Beech Cliff Ladder Trail

Length: 2.0 miles, Loop
Vertical Gain: 492
Difficulty: Moderate
Summary: The Beech Cliffs are located on the southwest shore of Echo Lake on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island. This trail is another of Acadia National Park’s classic iron-rung routes, but it is less well-known than the Beehive Trail or Precipice Trail, making it a great option if you are trying to avoid some of the crowds on the other trails.  This trail incorporates series of ladders up through some of the most interesting and vertical cliff formations in the park.
GPS: 44.35175, -68.20508

#10 Sundew Trail

Length: 1.8 miles, Out and Back
Vertical Gain: 137 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Summary: This is a great way to see Schoodic Point, a much less visited part of Acadia National Park. The trail spends most of the time in a thick forest, but offers 3 access points to the coastline. A great way to explore the park away from the traffic jams – on the road and on the trail…
GPS: 44.33942, -68.06016

Here’s a handy dandy map of all things Acadia National Park:

1. Aunt Betty Pond
   While Aunt Betty Pond is more of a wetland than pond, it provides a tremendous opportunity for birding. You will find a number of migrating and breeding birds in the wetland “pond” area and its surrounding forest. It’s a great place to search for Swamp Sparrow and Tree Swallow. Additionally, it is one of the few areas of Acadia National Park where breeding Northern Waterthrush have been found
2. Bubble Pond
   This pond is just northeast of Jordan Pond next to the two way section of the Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island. It is a gorgeous little pond, nestled between rounded mountains. There is a carriage road complete with a stone bridge located next to the parking area. You will find a number of spots where you can easily sit and relax along the edge of the pond. If you get there early in the morning on a calm day you may get the picture-perfect reflection of Pemetic Mountain on the lake in the beautiful early morning sunlight. You can also see Bubble Lake from the summit of Cadillac Mountain (one of the 10 Must Do Things in Acadia National Park). Bonus: hike up to the north end of the pond to find Bubble Brook!
3. Eagle Lake
   Eagle Lake is the largest “pond” in the park at 437 acres in size! Both Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond provide water to the surrounding towns, so there is no swimming or wading allowed, but there are a bunch of other things you can do. The lake is encircled by the old carriage roads so you can bike, hike and horseback ride around the entire lake. There is also a boat launch for canoeing and kayaking on the lake! The lake is well-known for its salmon and trout (a fishing license is required). The easiest access to Eagle Lake is via the parking area at the north end of the lake on Route 233, which has trailhead parking and restrooms.
4. Jordan Pond
   Jordan Pond is often the most remembered experience for visitors to Acadia National Park. It is pristinely clear (it is a water source for towns in the area so there is no swimming or wading), and is often referred to as the “clearest” pond in Maine. I haven’t seen all the ponds and lakes in Maine so I can neither confirm nor deny this claim but I can say that the way the lake reflects the surrounding peaks makes me not care that much anyway. From the southern end of the pond you get unrestricted views of the twin “Bubbles” mountains. That southern end of the pond is actually a glacial moraine and home to the Jordan Pond House – the only restaurant in the park. Talk about dining with a view!!
5. Lower Hadlock Pond
   The trail to Lower Hadlock Pond is fairly moderate and well-graded, and will also take you to Upper Hadlock Pond. Lower Hadlock Pond is a quiet place in the park known for good fishing. It is a hidden gem, found just off Route 198 with the trail wrapping around its shoreline. From the road it follows a small stream coming from the upper pond. You cross a cedar marsh before meeting giant slabs of granite and then down to the pond. At the other end of the pond you can find an old dam made of stone and earth that is quite impressive.
6. Upper Hadlock Pond
   Just north of the Asticou Azalea Garden, this 35 acre pond has a hiking trail along the southern and eastern shoreline. Upper Hadlock Pond and Lower Hadlock Pond are both reservoirs functioning as catch basins for all the streams flowing down from peaks to the southwest of Sargent Mountain. The pond can be accessed from The Brown Mountain Gatehouse parking area where you will find a gate structure. It’s a good hike, but you are a little close to the road – so there may be road noise. BONUS: There is also a stone carriage road bridge to the northeast at Hadlock Falls.
7. Witch Hole Pond
   Witch Hole Pond is located in the Hulls Cove section of Acadia National Park. You can access the pond by hiking along the carriage road from the Visitor Center. On this route you will come upon the first carriage road intersection in Acadia National Park. Each carriage road intersection in the park is numbered. This intersection is number one. The carriage roads in this area of the park were some of the last to be built but the numbering of the intersections begin here because it is closest to the Visitor Center.
8. Round Pond
   The western shoreline of Round Pond is in Acadia National Park, while the eastern shoreline is privately owned. It is a highly controversial pond for the park as the private property owners along its shores have been in an ongoing battle with the NPS since the 1980s. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to visit while in the area. The pond is stocked with fish for all my fishermen and women out there. It is also on Pretty Marsh Road which is one of the ways to access the “quieter” side of Mount Desert Island.
9. Lake Wood
   This pond is one of Acadia National Parks biggest secrets that is hiding in plain sight. Lake Wood is a secluded pond with a small beach area, just a short drive away from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. It is a large body of warm water perfectly suited for swimming (Note: there are no lifeguards and access road does not open until June 1). From Hulls Cove drive along the road until you see a small park sign on the left at a narrow dirt road leading up a hill and into the woods. The road will take you all the way to the parking lot at the edge of the lake. If you want to swim in Lake Wood like a local don’t go into the water by the parking lot. Head up along one of the narrow paths along each side of the lake and pick out your favorite (private) spot along the lake to enjoy the warm water.

Here’s a handy dandy map of all things Acadia National Park:

Are there any places I am missing? What are your favorite Parisian to dos? Leave a comment so I can add them to the map (and be sure to check them out the next time around)!

Estes Park is located just 65 miles north and west of Denver and can easily be reached by car. On the way you will pass through the city of Boulder which is another place to stop in if you’ve got the time. Once you’ve arrived in Estes Park you should:

1. Check out the “Main Street” of Estes Park.

It is essentially a tourist trap filled with kitschy souvenir shops and restaurants, but it is adorable and a great way to stretch your legs. More than 200 independently owned retailers, restaurants and attractions line the downtown along Elkhorn and Moraine avenues.

2. Take the Riverwalk.

Behind the visitor’s center you can access the Riverwalk. Fall River and the Big Thompson River flow along the backside of Elkhorn Avenue and the city has created a path that follows these rivers lined with murals from local artists, bronze statues, contra chimes and more. You are able to access many of the shops on the Main Street but can avoid the traffic, be soothed by the sound of the river and be shaded by the trees!

3. Take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.

Head south on Moraine Ave towards Prospect Mountain and you will find the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. This tram gives amazing views of the entire city of Estes Park along with some epic views of the eastern parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is $14 round trip for adults, $10 for kids 6-11 and kids under 5 ride free. The are no reservations required to ride the tram, but if you have a pet you won’t be able to bring him or her with you. Hint: For less crowds, better photography, and calmer weather, ride early morning or late afternoon.

4. Stop in to Elkins Distilling Company.

Elkins opened on July 4, 2016 as the town’s first legal distillery. Located in the eastern part of Estes Park, across the street from Lake Estes, the distillery has a tasting room and outdoor seating. They distill a corn whisky with an all-Colorado grown grain bill and proofed with pure waters from Rocky Mountain National Park, their white whisky earned a silver medal at the 2016 Denver International Spirits competition! They also offer a number of craft cocktails made with their whisky! Try the Smoked Old Fashioned or the Black Forest!

5. Grab a bite at the Hunters Chophouse.

Open in the evenings daily, the chophouse has a diverse menu including Smoked Elk Carpaccio, Bison Sirloin Steak, and Baked Colorado Trout. My favorite thing on the menu is absolutely the wild game sampler: brats of smoked buffalo, jalapeño elk, apricot boar, pheasant, and cheeses.

6. Visit one of the city’s breweries.

Estes Park is not unlike the rest of Colorado in that it has enough breweries that you could make a whole afternoon of brewery hopping: Rock Cut Brewing Company, Avant Garde Aleworks, and Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.

7. Take a hike.

There are a number of stunning hikes in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park in the Estes Park area. They range from easy hikes to stunning lakes to day long hikes into the wilderness and to the tops of surrounding mountains. Check out my favorites here.

8. Visit the Estes Park Museum.

Check out the history of Estes Park by checking out the 30,000 items at the Estes Park Museum. From historic photographs, postcards, and archives to textiles, artwork, furniture, tools, and even a Stanley Steamer automobile. Over 12,000 of these items are images in its historic photograph collection.