A Complete Guide to Driving the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park: Most Scenic Stops, Hikes, and Best Nearby Eats
If you’re planning a trip to Acadia National Park, driving the Park Loop Road is the best way to see the most iconic sights like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. This scenic road winds between rugged Atlantic coastline and deciduous forests and provides access to amazing hiking trails like the Beehive, North and South Bubble, Gorham Mountain, and Cadillac Mountain. Whether you’re spending one day or one week in Acadia—the Park Loop Road is a must-do activity!
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about driving the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park —including the most scenic places to stop, driving tips, suggested hikes, general tips, and the best nearby eats.
History of the Park Loop Road
The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park goes back to the early 20th century, when the vision for a scenic motor road began, all thanks to the park’s first superintendent, George B. Dorr — often called the “Father of Acadia.” Construction started in the 1920s as part of an effort to make the park’s most stunning coastal and mountain scenery accessible to visitors by car. Much of the design work was influenced by the rustic style of the National Park Service and featured design elements like stone bridges and hand-cut granite guardrails. Completed in stages and largely finished by the early 1950s, the road connected key points of the park such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Jordan Pond.
Overview of the Park Loop Road
The park loop road is a 27-mile paved road that allows visitors to access several major attractions on the East side of Acadia National Park via car. A majority of the road is one-way, which allows for a more relaxing driving experience. There are several entrance points for the Park Loop Road, but if you want to drive the entire road, I would recommend starting at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, located off Paradise Road. There are free maps of the Park Loop Road available at the Visitor Center that can help you plan your route.
Things to know before driving the Park Loop Road
You will need to purchase an Acadia National Park entrance pass to drive the park loop road. One-day passes cost $35.00 for a vehicle, $20.00 for motorcycles, and $20.00 if you enter the park on foot or on a bicycle. You can also purchase an annual pass for $70.00.
Driving the entire Park Loop Road can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the amount of stops, so be sure to bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes.
There is a speed limit on the Park Loop Road—it ranges from 25 to 35 mph.
Foot and bike traffic on the Park Loop Road is high—so drive slow and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
The Park Loop Road can get very congested in July, August, September, and October—remember to be patient and drive slow.
Look for signs that indicate whether parking is allowed or not before parking anywhere on the Park Loop Road—as you may get a parking ticket if you are parked illegally.
On some parts (not all) of the Park Loop Road, parking is permitted in the right-hand driving lane. Signs will tell you whether parking is permitted or not.
The Island Explorer shuttle buses have the right of way—give them plenty of room and don’t get in their way.
Best scenic stops on the Park Loop Road
The amount of destinations on the Park Loop Road can be overwhelming—but don’t fear! I’ve organized all of them in order of occurrence so you can plan your perfect driving route.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
A large visitor center with ample parking that is staffed by park rangers.
Amenities include restrooms, a gift shop, and park maps.
Great for discovering park activities and purchasing a park entrance pass.
Sieur de Monts
Sieur de Monts is a stop located on the Park Loop Road that includes the Nature Center, Wild Gardens of Acadia, Abbe Museum, and hiking paths.
Amenities include restrooms, a ranger station, and a gift shop.
Sieur de Monts Spring is a white, octagonal building built in 1909 that houses a historic water spring.
The Nature Center offers family-friendly exhibits and activities from May through mid-October.
Wild Gardens of Acadia is great for learning about and viewing plant species native to Acadia National Park.
Abbe Museum is dedicated to educating people about the Wabanaki Nations’ heritage, culture, and homelands. Admission is $18.00 for adults, $14.00 for college students, $10.00 for kids ages 5-17, and free for kids 4 and under.
Sand Beach
A sandy beach with scenic views of rugged coastline.
Amenities include restrooms and changing rooms.
Good for swimming and picnicking.
Arrive early (before 9:00a.m.) to get a parking spot.
Thunder Hole
A natural phenomenon that creates a large splash and sounds similar to thunder.
Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
Check the tide schedule to catch the “thunder” at its peak (1-2 hours before high tide).
Otter Cliff + Otter Point
Two scenic spots that provide stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from steep, rocky cliffs.
Amenities include restrooms.
Not ideal for anyone unsteady on their feet or young kids.
Fabri Picnic Area
A quiet, grassy picnic area with picnic tables.
Amenities include restrooms, charcoal grills, and a water spigot.
Otter Cove
A long, u-shaped pebble beach that provides excellent views of the ocean.
No amenities provided at this stop—just good views!
The cove is also home to a beautiful stone bridge that can be explored during low tide.
Parking is permitted in the right lane at this destination.
Wildwood Stables
A historic farm that provides horse-drawn carriage rides on the carriage roads located within Acadia National Park.
Amenities include restrooms.
Horse owners can board their horses here for easy access to the carriage roads.
Jordan Pond
Famous for the Jordan Pond Path—a hiking trail that winds around the Pond and the Jordan Pond House Restaurant—a restaurant with takeout and sit down lunch options that overlooks Jordan Pond.
Amenities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
Parking can be a nightmare, so either arrive early or skip parking all together and take the free Island Explorer shuttle.
Cadillac Mountain
The tallest mountain in Acadia National Park that provides stunning views of Frenchman Bay and surrounding mountains. Due to its elevation and location, Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S. from May through October.
Amenities include restrooms and a gift shop.
Visitors can choose to hike or drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain—vehicle reservations but be made ahead of time.
Click here to learn more about visiting Cadillac Mountain—including vehicle reservations for watching the sunrise or sunset.
Best scenic hikes on the Park Loop Road
Great Head Trail (1.9 miles, easy)
A scenic walking trail that brings hikers to rugged cliffs with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Click here to learn more about this hike.
Beehive (1.4 miles, moderate)
A unique hike comprised of ladders, metal rungs, and rock scrambles that provides stunning views of Sand Beach and the Eastern side of Mount Desert Island. Click here to learn more about this hike.
Gorham Mountain (1.9 miles, moderate)
A scenic hike that provides rewarding views of Cadillac Mountain, Dorr Mountain, Sand Beach, the Atlantic Ocean, and Frenchman Bay. Click here to learn more about this hike.
North Bubble + South Bubble (1.5 miles, easy)
A short, scenic hike that provides views of Jordan Pond, surrounding mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean. Click here to learn more about hiking North and South Bubble.
Cadillac Mountain (length varies by trail, moderate)
Acadia’s tallest mountain that provides stunning views of Mount Desert Island. Click here to learn more about trail options and how to access the trailhead.
Best eats near the Park Loop Road
Best breakfast: Two Cats Cafe and Sunrise Cafe
Best lunch: Lunch Bar Harbor and Travelin’ Lobster
Best dinner: Galyn’s and McKay’s Public House
FAQs
Is the Park Loop Road open year-round?
The Park Loop Road opens April 15th and closes on December 1st.
Can you bike on the Park Loop Road?
It is allowed, but it is not encouraged, especially during peak season, due to traffic congestion and the roads not having bike lanes. Bikers are encouraged to utilize the carriage trails.
Is the Park Loop Road suitable for RVs?
Click here to read about vehicle restrictions in Acadia National Park.
Are pets allowed on the Park Loop Road?
Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash.
How long does it take to drive the Park Loop Road?
This varies depending on how often you stop and how long you stop for. It takes about an hour to drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road without stopping. Add on 20-30 minutes for each stop you make plus time spent eating and hydrating. On average, people spend between 2 and 4 hours exploring the Park Loop Road.
Is there anywhere to get food on the Park Loop Road?
The only restaurant located on the Park Loop Road is the Jordan Pond House Restaurant. Some of the gift shops sell drinks and light snacks. It is recommended to bring drinks and snacks with you in case you end up spending longer than anticipated exploring.
Leave no trace on the Park Loop Road
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
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