Peak Season: March - October
Off-Season: October - March
Blackwoods (year round), Duck Harbor (seasonal), and Seawall Campgrounds (seasonal)
Acadia National Park has more than two million visitors annyually for good reason. It was far and away my favorite park that I've been to East of the Mississippi. The park consists of Mount Desert Island and many smaller islands off the Atlantic Coast of Maine. Acadia is the only National Park that was created entirely from private land donations. Most of the land was owned and then donated by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. His intention was to allow these 30,000+ acres of natural beauty could be enjoyed by everyone.
There truly is something for everyone here. For those looking for a casual tour of the park you can take a carriage ride along the more than 100 miles of carriage roads (many of which were built by Mr. Rockefeller). For the more adventurous spirit, the park offers some of the best rock-climbing along the east coast. There are numerous outfitters on the island or you can choose your own route amongst the park's granite cliffs. Depending on the conditions rock-climbing can be done all year long.
Not into rock-climbing but looking for thrills? You can get nearly the same thrills by hiking the Precipice and Beehive Trails (right). These trails lead you up sheer granite walls, but no gear is required. Each trail has fixed rungs and ladders that help you ascend to the top for a unique vista of the park and Atlantic Ocean. Both of these trails are seasonal, but I would highly reccomend them to anyone who is not afraid of heights.
The parks unique geography offers an abundance of navigable water for paddlers and 100's of miles of marked hiking trails, all of which are perfect for day hikes.
Perhaps the most frequented attraction of Acadia is Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in the park. Many people will get an early start and drive to the top to catch the sunrise. While I was here I biked, hiked, and drove to the top. Each route had it's own rewards and unique perspectives. Biking resulted in an amazingly fun decent. Hiking put me in the middle of Acadia's wildlife, flaura and fauna as well as leading me past several hidden ponds that the average visitor never gets a chance to see. Driving is quick and easy and is the ideal method of travel to see the sunrise.
I gave Acadia National Park four pinkies up, and it deserves each and every one of them. The only reason I didn't give it 5 is because I have a feeling it gets a little crazy during the peak season and fall foliage. I visited in early April which is ideal for me. Visiting during the off-season allows for worry-free pedaling along Park Loop Road and up to Cadillac Mountain. Now you should go and enjoy it for yourself.