This Acadia Coastal Park All-American Road Is the Ultimate US Road Trip
Acadia National Park, a wonderfully preserved slice of Maine's lengthy Atlantic coastline that has been under federal protection since 1916, is among America's oldest and most beloved outdoor spaces. In fact, it is the only national park in all of New England, and after over a century of existence, it can be accessed and explored in various ways. While hiking, cycling, and even taking a tour on a horse-drawn carriage are all popular options, you may want to experience it via a faster mode of transportation.
That is where the Acadia All-American Road steps in, a 40-mile loop that circumnavigates much of the eastern half of the park and conveniently passes by many of its most fantastic attractions. Starting in the town of Trenton on the mainland, this nationally recognized scenic byway cuts through Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island and finally circles Cadillac Mountain. It can be driven in an afternoon or spread out over multiple days, should you choose to camp or lodge for a night or two.
We personally recommend taking your time, as there is a lot to see and do on the way for landscape photographers, history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and tourists of all ages. Given that information, here are a handful of fan-favorite stops, ranging from picturesque viewpoints to hiking trails, historic landmarks, and much more!
Oceanarium and Education Center
Just across the bridge from Trenton to Mount Desert Island, the Oceanarium and Education Center is a worthwhile early stop along the Acadia All-American Road, especially for travelers interested in the Gulf of Maine’s marine life. Open from mid-May to early November, this hands-on facility focuses on local ecosystems rather than large aquariums, featuring touch tanks, tide pool exhibits, and live demonstrations that highlight lobsters, crabs, and other native species.
Often, staff-led talks also provide more detailed explanations of local lobster fishing practices, marine conservation, and coastal ecology. Just outside, you will be greeted with an overlook on the edge of Frenchman Bay, too, adding a nice scenic touch to top it all off.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center is another practical and informative early pull-off, serving as the primary gateway to Acadia National Park. Located just north of Bar Harbor, this center provides trail maps, information on current conditions, ranger advice, and shuttle information to help visitors plan their stay in the area. Restrooms, water refill stations, and a bookstore further enhance the convenience of a break before entering the park loop road.
Starting here certainly saves time and helps avoid unnecessary backtracking later in the day. Moreover, a selection of exhibits provides a deeper understanding of Acadia’s unique geology, wildlife, and park history.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is by far the most significant community on the route, combining stunning coastal scenery with a dense concentration of practical amenities and attractions. Despite its popularity, early mornings and evenings also reveal a quieter, more local side of town when the national park crowds either haven't arrived yet or have cleared out for the day, so plan accordingly for a realer taste of life on Mount Desert Island!
Sitting near the mouth of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor offers direct access to the rest of Acadia National Park, making it a natural base for exploring the rest of the island with ease. But be sure to actually spend some time in town as well, with its highly walkable streets that are lined with a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants, mom and pop shops, outfitters, and even services that offer whale-watching cruises, kayaking trips, and boat tours.
Take a stroll along The Shore Path, too, which provides a relaxing waterfront walk with idyllic views of the Porcupine Islands. There are also several museums and historic inns that reflect its Gilded Age past in a fun and easy-to-explore way.
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is one of the most iconic stops along the Acadia All-American Road and the highest point on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Rising 1,530 feet above sea level, it offers expansive, unobstructed views of Mount Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, and the surrounding islands for those who want to make the journey to the top. If you're not keen on walking, don't worry, as a paved road leads to the summit, although, on the other hand, several trails do provide more challenging approaches for anyone up for it.
The summit is also famous for its sunrise views, even being the first spot in the country to see the sun's light hit the eastern seaboard at specific points of the year. Please note, however, that the weather here can change quickly, so layers are essential and clear days aren't always guaranteed.
Thunder Hole
The Thunder Hole is a dramatic natural landmark near the southern reaches of the loop road, known for the explosive sound created when waves surge into its narrow coastal inlet. With the right tide and sea conditions, trapped air and water are forced upward, producing a thunder-like boom and a mighty splash that has wowed visitors for centuries.
To witness it for yourself, a short, well-marked path leads from the parking area to a series of stone steps overlooking the chasm, and Interpretive signs located throughout explain the specific geology and wave mechanics behind the phenomenon.
Even when conditions are relatively calm, the rocky shoreline and expansive ocean views make this a highly recommended stop, regardless of the time of day, but especially early in the morning, as it is another top-notch destination to catch a sunrise.
Jordan Pond House Restaurant
The Jordan Pond House is a classic break stop perfectly positioned near the end of the loop, renowned for its long-standing tradition of serving popovers with jam and tea. Located on the shore of scenic Jordan Pond, the restaurant also offers ideal views of the nearby "Bubbles," two distinctly rounded peaks rising behind the water.
Even if you are not hungry, the setting is as much of a draw as the food, with large windows and outdoor seating overlooking the landscape, one that is especially beautiful in the fall when local foliage brilliantly pops with color, a visit pairs well with the Jordan Pond Path. This easy loop trail circles the shoreline. Expect crowds during peak seasons in both autumn and summer, though.
Please note that the bulk of this route is typically closed to cars from early December to around mid-April due to hazardous winter conditions. Also, keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to have your own vehicle to appreciate much of the Acadia All-American Road, as services like the Island Explorer, a free shuttle, in fact, connect the mainland to many key interest points in the national park.
Overnight accommodations along the way range from simple campsites to old-timey inns, full-service hotels, and more. As mentioned, Bar Harbor features the widest selection, including waterfront hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and all sorts of other types of lodgings within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. Elsewhere on Mount Desert Island, quieter options can be found in Hulls Cove, Southwest Harbor, and Northeast Harbor, where smaller inns, motels, and even some rental cabins can perhaps provide more solitude.
Acadia National Park also operates several campgrounds for travelers who want early access to trails and other scenic drives, although reservations are strongly recommended from late spring through fall, when demand regularly exceeds supply.
