Acadia National Park: A Stunning 26-Mile Loop Adventure

Reservations & Passes:

You don’t need a timed reservation to enter the park but you will need one for Cadillac Mountain.   See https://www.recreation.gov

Park Entrance:  You will need a National Park permit to enter the park – these may be purchased on line at https://www.recreation.gov

RV Travelers:  Not RV friendly-we unhooked our Raptor truck and it was perfect for the day.

We kicked off our first day in Acadia National Park with the iconic 26-mile Park Loop Road, planning to make plenty of stops for short hikes and scenic detours. 

Crowds? Still There—But Manageable 

Even in early June, the park was busy—though nothing like our last attempt two years ago in August, when the crowds were so overwhelming we left almost immediately. This time, we pushed through, and I’m glad we did. 

 

Sand Beach & the Rugged Coastline 

Our first stop was Sand Beach, where we walked down to the shore, jackets zipped tight against the cold ocean breeze. The water was a bone-chilling 51°F—yet a handful of kids were splashing around, laughing like it was nothing. Not for me or my crew! 

From there, we followed the trail toward Thunder Hole, veering off onto side paths to explore the cliffs. And wow—what cliffs they were! Towering, jagged rock faces plunged into the ocean, where dark blue waves crashed against them in a relentless, dramatic show. The contrast of the sunlit stone against the churning water was unreal. Every twist in the path revealed a new angle—sometimes sheer drops, other times layered ledges where the tide surged and foamed. 

Thunder Hole’s Roar 

When we finally reached Thunder Hole, it didn’t disappoint. With each wave, water exploded into the cavern with a thunderous boom, sending spray high into the air. A little boy next to us screamed with delight, his joy contagious. It’s moments like these that remind you how powerful—and simple—nature’s magic can be. 

Cadillac Mountain: Summit Views 

After looping back to our truck, we drove toward Cadillac Mountain (pass in hand—booked ahead at Recreation.gov. The road wound sharply upward, climbing 1,500 feet—modest by mountain standards, but the views made it feel like we’d reached the top of the world. 

From the summit, Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island stretched out below, a mosaic of tiny forested islands and boats dotting the water. For a second, it almost reminded me of the tropics—just with a lot more pine trees and fewer palm fronds. The parking area was surprisingly spacious, and the short walks around the summit made it easy to find a quiet spot to take it all in. There was even an "Eco Store" selling souvenirs (some more "eco" than others, let’s be honest). 

Final Thoughts 

Acadia’s Park Loop Road was the perfect way to see the park’s best sights without committing to long hikes. The cliffs, the waves, the mountain views—every stop delivered something unforgettable.

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