Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rooms can accommodate up to six people and this hotel has a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Go Hiking Acadia National Park is filled with an amazing variety of hiking trails. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take I-395 to U.S. Route 1A east to Ellsworth. Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. Date Released Ellsworth. For more suggestions about the best parks to visit month by month, check out our guide Best National Parks by Season. Mount Desert Islands dramatic, rocky coastline gives brief way at Sand Beach. The sunrise reservations are timed such that you arrive and park before sunrise. 5 Best Places To Stay Near Acadia National Park (2023 Hotels) Side Street Caf. Basic Information - Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) These are the hardest reservations to get so make your reservation as soon as you know your dates of travel. I'm staying in Ellsworth and want to visit the - Acadia National The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail is greatits a loop around the summit, less than half a mile, and is relatively flat. The approximate cost for them to fly your group of up to five passengers in a Beechcraft Baron is $1,500 one way. Located on the shore of Jordan Pond, you can enjoy these tasty treats before or after doing one of several great walks in the area. Beehive Trail | Best Things to Do in Acadia, Precipice Trail | Best Things to Do in Acadia. The best way to get from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park without a car is to bus via Bar Harbor - Malvern Belmont Apartments which takes 1h 29m and costs kr 0-kr 200. How will you travel between these two popular destinations in Maine? Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. The Beehive Trail was our favorite.our 9 year old did great, although hes cautious and is very used to hiking and rock scrambles! However, you can shorten your wait by checking in online on their website. There are three main regions of Acadia National Park. Hi Julie, My husband and I are going to Acadia the last week of September. Many campsites have bathrooms with running water and showers close by, though you can rough it at more primitive campsites. From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. No, there is no direct bus from Acadia National Park to Ellsworth. House close to Acadia National Park is set in Ellsworth, 18 miles from Frenchman Bay, 19.9 miles from The Abbe Museum, and 21.7 miles from Fort Knox State Historic Site. And in a place like Acadia, there is no one central location where you can park to get to everything. In Ellsworth, head north on U.S. Route 1 for approximately 17.3 miles to Hwy 186. I know it wont be peek season for fall colors but we are crossing our fingers for a little bit of it though. Acadia National Park to Ellsworth bus services, operated by Downeast Transportation Inc., arrive at Ellsworth City Hall station. Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park 1. Check out our hiking article to learn more. And spring ushers in the glorious bloom of nature as the cycle begins all over again. This picturesque island, about half of which is designated Acadia National Park land, is accessible only by mail boat from the town of Stonington. It takes a full day to visit Isle au Haut from Mount Desert Island. The rest is privately owned, but managed by the National . Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. So, the summer months are a better time to see the whales. Hampton Inn Ellsworth / Bar Harbor - Tripadvisor Visiting Rockland's art museums and walking along the stone breakwater out to Rockland Breakwater Light? It gets that crowded. Get the full details on the National Park Service website. By Plane. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles can cause congestion and frequent stops. Ellsworth to Acadia National Park bus services, operated by Downeast Transportation Inc., depart from Ellsworth City Hall station. We also really liked the Bubble Rock Trail, Ocean Path, and Ship Harbor Trail. What is the distance between Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park? From easy strolls along coastal paths to summit climbs to thrilling cliff walks, there is something here for everyone. The first rays of dawn to touch the United States do so on the face of the West Quoddy Head Light in the DownEast village of Lubec. National Park Service Info Directions by Car From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth, and on to Mount Desert Island. This is another popular restaurant in Bar Harbor and they are famous for their lobster rolls. Bay View Drive Stonington harvests more lobster than any other Maine port. The water can spray up to 40 feet in the air. Some are even available year-round. It is ridiculously delicious and lots of fun. Most anyone driving to Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor will pass through this town. Seasonal Road Closures in Acadia National Park, Trail Closures Due to Peregrine Falcon Nesting. Acadia Otter Cliffs Group Climbing Permit, Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations. And save room for those famous Maine wild blueberries and the Machias Blueberry Festival. Is There a More Scenic Driving Route to Acadia? I read that the best time to visit Thunder Hole is two hours before high tide, if you want to hear the thunder clap that the waves create. Schoodic Point | Best Things to Do in Acadia. Speaking of cycles, the ocean tides of DownEast Maine are some of the highest on the planet, with highs and lows occurring twice daily. There are 4 ways to get from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park by bus, taxi or car. From early March through late summer, the Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, Valley Cove Trail and a portion of the Orange and Black Path temporarily close for peregrine falcon nesting. Julie Last updated: June 5, 2023 United States 16 Comments. House close to Acadia National Park, Ellsworth, USA Great tip about staying at the Bass Harbor campground and the vehicle reservation system. Amazingly well put info thank you so much. This lesser-used section of the park offers awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Desert Island in the distance. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers (hiking trails, where to stay, and where to eat, and to see Park Loop Road). There is a park shuttle that runs during peak season. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Travelling around the UAE, Bali: What to do if Mount Agung erupts and Travelling Croatias Dalmatian Coast by boat, bus, car and train - to help you get the most out of your next trip. There are 3 ways to get from Deer Isle to Acadia National Park by bus, taxi or car. We are going to show you the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in 5 popular areas to stay for visiting Acadia, including Bar Harbor, Ellsworth and the lesser known areas of Mt Desert Island. Do not feed or approach wildlife. Is There a Bus That Goes From Portland, Maine, to Acadia National Park? From Bar Harbor, it takes over 30 minutes to drive here. Welcome to the Acadia region's newest hotel, the Hampton Inn Ellsworth/Bar Harbor. We also flew into Portland but went directly to Bar Harbor. Check our our USA Road Trip Guide for travel ideas and sample itineraries. Drive Park Loop Road, hike the Precipice and/or Beehive Trail if you are looking for a thrill, visit Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, and then keep your fingers crossed that you can find a parking space at Jordan Pond. Acadia National Park to Ellsworth bus services, operated by Downeast Transportation Inc., depart from Acadia National Park - Bubble Pond station. We are planning a 3 day trip in early December. And the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts weaves together the inspiration of then and now. Interesting Facts about Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park Map; Acadia National Park Official Website; Photo Gallery Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. As you head down along the coast, you will pass the trailheads for the Precipice Trail and the Beehive Trail, and then come to Sand Beach, Ocean Path, and Thunder Hole. Acadia National Park - Jordan Pond House Info Find all the transport options for your trip from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park right here. With the park loop closed, will we still be able to reach many of these destinations ? Unfortunately, the awful fires forced us to cancel a few days ago and pick a new destination, and we chose Acadia!! Mount Desert Island (abbreviated MDI), is the main region and this is where most people spend their time. , Bar Harbor, 3603 Sugarloaf Lane Acadia National Park is packed with scenic drives, short but thrilling hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Have you heard that Maine saying, "You can't get they-uh from hee-ah"? You must enter Cadillac Summit Road within 30 minutes of your daytime reservation. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. One of our favorite secret spots was the unmarked Ravens Nest cliffs on Schoodic Peninsula, just a 5 minute walk from the road. However, we have gone whale watching from Boston in August and it was absolutely amazing!! Built in 1885-86, it has a well-appointed living space for the jailer in the front, and a series of cells in the back. With that said, we are flying into Portland Maine. , Bar Harbor, Learn more about fishing in Acadia National Park, Acadia All-American Road and the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, Save $200 - Waterview Cottage near Acadia, Our Beautiful Waterfront Cottage near Acadia National Park, Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, Scenic Road Tours of Acadia National Park. Explore Schoodic Loop Roads 8.3 miles of one-way bike paths with incredible scenery on tap. Learn more about Cadillac Summit Road vehicle reservations. Peak season is July and August.Expect big crowds, full parking lots, and lots of hikers on the most popular trails. Named after United States Founding Father Oliver Ellsworth, it contains historic buildings and other points of interest, and is close to Acadia National Park. The tickets become available on February 24. Since reservations for Cadillac mountain are now timed, about how long does it take to drive from the visitors center to the entry. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. Four miles long and 113 feet deep, Great Long Pond on Mount Desert Island is popular for boating, canoeing and fishing. Prices start at Rp1357500 per night. Our website uses cookies. You can make the trip in almost the same time by leaving I-95 at Exit 113 and following ME-3 East/US-1 North through Belfast and Searsport en route to Bar Harbor. Well, you can't take a bus from Portland to Acadia not directly, at least. Get all of the details about these hikes in our Acadia Hiking Guide. For those who enjoy the sporting life and an endless flow of lakes, rivers and recreation, Grand Lakes Stream is awash in all of the above, with some of the best fly fishing in the world. You can enjoy views of the lake from the small beach, or, if you are looking for a gorgeous hike, hike the Beech Cliff Ladder Trail. While you are here, walk the Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop, a 0.3 mile trail that takes 30 minutes of your time. How do I travel from Acadia National Park to Baxter State Park without a car? Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. Is Bar Harbor the best place to stay for your trip to Acadia National Park? Downeast Transportation also operates the seasonal Island Explorer serving Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island towns, and Schoodic Peninsula. It's best to have your own car, but if you are determined and creative or willing to drop some cash, you can also make the trip via bus, or plane. Starting in Bar Harbor, drive the Park Loop Road clockwise. Schoodic Point is one of the best places in Acadia National Park to watch the surf pounding on the rocky coastline. We have 5 days there, so Im confident we will get in some great sights. To get here, park on the turnout for the Canon Brook Trailhead on Route 3. This is the best place to stay, eat, and shop while visiting the park. Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 84 St. Croix Drive PO Box 247 Direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, 10 miles from Acadia National Park. You can also take the Bar Harbor Ferry from mid-June through mid-September. I have really enjoyed reading through your informationIm kind of scrambling to learn all that I can in a short amount of time (we leave 9/29) and you really sold me on so many things! Ellsworth, Maine. Aug 10 10 Best Cities and Towns Near Acadia National Park Note: This post contains affiliate links. The reservation fee is in addition to the park entrance fee. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Photo by Kevin Shields, from Where in Maine? Sunrise over Cadillac Mountain. February 14, 2023 by Ash Nudd. The cheapest way to get from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park is to drive which costs kr 40-kr 65 and takes 37 min. Yum! It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center to the start of the drive up Cadillac Mountain. Along the way, you will pass Echo Lake (worth the stop!!) General Information Camping History Weather Wildlife. Full-Day Private Tour and Hike in Acadia National Park. When youre planning a trip to Acadia National Park, rest assured theres no shortage of summits, hiking trails and natural beauty. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Typically, entering Acadia National Park into a GPS will route you out of Portland on I-295, which merges 46 miles later with I-95. The quickest way to get from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park is to taxi which costs kr 550-kr 700 and takes 37 min. There definitely is. To see Acadia's sights is to appreciate Maine in all of its wild and rugged diversity. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. The Island Explorer bus service can also help you beat the crowds. If you're determined to fly from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), your only optionunless you have your private pilot licenseis to charter a flight for your group. Continue north to Exit 182A and follow I-395 East a short distance to Exit 6A for US-1A. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. And walking Ocean Path from the Sand Beach Parking lot to Thunder Hole is also very nice. The Bar Harbor Inn also has a spa, heated outdoor pool with hot tub, and one of the highest rated restaurants in town, The Reading Room. Do I need a car to visit Acadia National Park? Bangor is still 45 miles from Acadia National Park, but you can take a Downeast Transportation bus there for $9. These are reserved for vehicles displaying an accessibility placard or license plate. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. How to Get to Acadia National Park (Best Airports and Roads) If you have any questions about the best things to do in Acadia National Park, let us know in the comment section below. That is, downwind and to the east. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. We visited mid-afternoon on a Sunday and park rangers were turning people away. This photogenic spot is very popular with photographers. Check out upcoming park events like guided wildlife viewing, and tours. Located on Park Loop Road, this pretty beach is worth a quick stop. While in Acadia National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Originally constructed to travel by horse drawn carriage through the park, these roads were built between 1913 and 1940. Summer is simply glorious. Be cautious of people crossing from every direction when approaching and in the parking lots. Try to time your trip for summer or fall, when Acadia is at its most beautiful. Caf This Way. Vehicle reservations are required to drive up Cadillac Mountain between late May and mid-October. There are numerous companies offering tours of the islands and coastline of Acadia National Park. It takes approximately 37 min to drive from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park. Direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, 10 miles from Acadia National Park. Portland is Maine's hip and happening largest city: a coastal hub that's home to the state's busiest airport. Save room in your schedule and your slideshow for the picturesque island towns of Stonington and Deer Isle, home of the internationally renowned Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. In this article, we'll discuss how to get to Acadia National Park, including the best airports to fly into and the best roads to drive. Frequently Asked Questions - Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park 120 miles. Accessible by car, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., and offers magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. The road distance is 36.7 km. The town of Bar Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island, shares borders with the park and is a popular home base for those visiting the park. Have a nice time! Thunder Hole | Best Things to Do in Acadia. It is a windy, paved 3.5 miles up to the summit. The distance between Acadia National Park and Ellsworth is 26 km. Stay cautious of footing. Now, these historic roads are now also open to hikers, walkers, and bikers. Required fields are marked *. HIKES IN ACADIA: Check out our article Best Hikes in Acadia for great hikes to add to your to do list. The best way to get from Acadia National Park to Ellsworth without a car is to bus which takes 2h 27m and costs Rp0-Rp190000. To the north is the small but scenic Schoodic Peninsula. Click here for updated hours. The shuttle includes stops in Bar Harbor, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, and various places in the park. What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Portland, Maine, to Acadia National Park? If you are a photographer, stick around for the sunset. Natural wonders dominate the list of the best things to do in Acadia National Park, but in addition to these photo ops, you'll also find plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. Over time, DownEast also came to represent the rich maritime history and strong, independent spirit of the people in this special part of the northeastern coast. Read on to learn more about Maines only national park. There are also lots of great walks to do from here. The striking, craggy coastline of Maine's Acadia National Park has been an enticing destination for travelers since it first was declared a national park in the summer of 1916. We were here in October and I dont recall this being a good time to go whale watching. Other charter plane companies include Air New England and MAC Jets. Address: It takes approximately 1h 29m to get from Ellsworth to Acadia National Park, including transfers. Launch map view Distance: 125.9 miles Duration: 4h 57m Bar Harbor Motel. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The schist that formed is called Ellsworth schist, and it is the oldest rock found on Mount Desert Island. The Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary. If you need to rent a car, try to score a deal that still makes driving affordable, as alternatives are either costly or cumbersome. Kim Knox Beckius Published on 08/26/20 TripSavvy / Ellen Lindner Portland is Maine's hip and happening largest city: a coastal hub that's home to the state's busiest airport. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island. Along the way, you can make quick detours and hike out onto the rocky coastal cliffs. Ellsworth Maine - Gateway to Acadia & Down East Directions & Transportation - Acadia National Park (U.S. National Park Its just the start of an inspiring, adventure-filled day youll want to experience again and again, sunrise after sunrise. It takes approximately 38 min to drive from Acadia National Park to Ellsworth. Cape Air offers regularly scheduled flights priced from about $199 and up for a one-way ticket from Boston's Logan Airport to Bar Harbor, where the airport is about 10 miles from the entrance to the national park. Continue just over 150 miles north along Maine's storied coast, and you'll reach Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. How big is Acadia National Park? In winter, most of Park Loop Road is closed. I personally liked the coastal views more than watching the waves hit the rocks (I took the cover photo for this article here). Located in central Bar Harbor, this is one of the highest rated properties in town. Or cover some scenic ground on foot on the coastal trails Great Wass Island, Cutler Coast and Petit Manan. Of course, if getting up early is not your thing, you can skip sunrise and go any time of day. There is a parking lot across the street or you can walk here from Sand Beach (2 miles round trip). Ellsworth Area | Discover Discover DownEast Acadia | Places to Go Acadia National Park: Drive on the 3 from Ellsworth down to Acadia and back north is the WORST drive EVER!!!! At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Jordan Pond from South Bubble | Best Things to Do in Acadia. The Ellsworth Congregational Church is a historic church at 2 Church Street in Ellsworth, Maine. Portions of the Cadillac Summit Loop are paved, wide enough for a single wheelchair, and provide scenic views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Year-round buses offer new ways to save Downeast operates commuter buses to Bar Harbor from Bangor, Brewer, Franklin, Milbridge, and Ellsworth. Acadia National Park | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov Birders will find themselves in a state of bliss with roughly 300 species to keep an eye out for, including the meteoric peregrine falcon. ACADIA ITINERARY: Plan your perfect visit to Acadia National Park with our Acadia Itinerary Planner. During our visit, we couldnt even get a parking space so we had to come back later in the day. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. If you havent seen it yet, here is a link to our Acadia hiking post. Ellsworth to Acadia National Park - 4 ways to travel via bus - Rome2rio Acadia National Park is filled with an amazing variety of hiking trails. We provide tools and tips to discover If you're in a rush to reach Acadia and its well-known natural features, then driving on Maine's interstates is your fastest option. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hulls Cove Visitor Center The 2020 Census determined it had a population of 8,399. - See 2,270 traveler reviews, 1,880 candid photos, and great deals for Bar Harbor, ME, at Tripadvisor. The summit parking area becomes congested with autos and tour buses most of the summer, and visitors crowd a short summit walkway and the overlooks. If you plan to hike up, you must return back down the trail to an Island Explorer shuttle stop or parking area. Discover how to get to attractions and hotels near Ellsworth. Known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, Ellsworth is also the portal to a time-traveling trip to vintage Maine via the 90-minute Downeast Scenic Railroad. The cheapest way to get from Acadia National Park to Ellsworth is to drive which costs Rp60000-Rp95000 and takes 38 min. While you are here, there are several short hikes to do. Jordan Pond House is famous for their popovers. We will be there two full days and three nights next week. The Schoodic National Scenic Byway is the way to get to Winter Harbor, a picturesque coastal town on the doorstep of Acadias Schoodic Peninsula, with not one but two legendary Maine lighthouses. Home to some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife on the Eastern Seaboard, Acadia National Park is open to explore year-round. All aboard! An experienced guide is also an invaluable part of the DownEast experience. What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Portland, Maine, to Acadia National Park? Everybody knows north, south, east and west. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. South Bubble was one of our favorite hikes, with its great views of Jordan Pond. There is no public transportation up to the summit. No RVs or trailers are allowed up Cadillac Summit Road. If you wanted to thoroughly explore Acadia NP, you could use those 2 days to visit Isle Au Haut, since its quite the big day trip from Bar Harbor. For the past five years, fall colors were at their peak anywhere from October 8 to October 21. Similar to a via ferrata, you can hike along narrow ledges and climb up sheer rock faces with the aid of these metal rungs. The two options differ in time by a matter of minutes, and road work, accidents, and traffic can affect your total travel time. Do you have any suggestions and what is the best time of the year to see a variety of whales and sea animals? Acadia National Park is primarily located on an island in the beautiful state of Maine, so even just getting here is a fun and exciting adventure! With the ocean breezes of its 1.5-mile Waterfront Walkway and the 30,000-acre Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Calais also offers great paddling and fishing on the St. Croix River. , Bar Harbor, Enjoy our Bar Harbor waterfront Log Home just minutes to Acadia NP, Address: This is a beautiful stretch of coastline. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. (207) 370-0845. We encourage you to check websites for your destinations before visiting for the latest health and safety guidelines in place, and please remember to be patient and kind while visiting. Cadillac Mountain is a popular destination for visitors to Acadia National Park. from. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse | Best Things to Do in Acadia. Taking this option will cost Rp800000-Rp1000000 and takes 38 min. This bed and breakfast also gets glowing reviews and is a great value for the money. Due to its location and height, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first spots in the United States to view the sunrise, making this Acadia National Parks most popular sunrise spot. One of the things that makes Acadia so unique, and so exciting, is the large number of trails with ladders and metal rungs. Granite coastal cliffs, islands, estuary and intertidal habitats, and the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast of the United States can be found here. While you may not be able to book the Presidential Suite, Roosevelt Campobello International Park invites you to an inside look at FDRs historic summer home. In Ellsworth, pick up ME-3 East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. But you have to know something about Maine to know DownEast. Back in the day, DownEast described the direction sailing ships traveled to get here from New York and Boston. Considering the sheer scale and beauty of the mountain (its the tallest on Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic Coast), its no wonder why it attracts so many visitors. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 for its architectural and historical significance.