Experience the beauty and hike Acadia National Park in one day! This guide will lead you on hikes from the rocky coast, to lookout points, and end at the tallest peak in the park. One helpful tip when visiting any National Park is to start your day early to avoid long lines and crowds. Throughout your day hiking at Acadia National Park, you will drive the Park Loop Road and enter through Sand Beach Station.

Morning Hike – Acadia National Park

Once you have paid the park admission fee, drive through the entrance station and go to the parking area at Sand Beach. This is where you will leave your car for the morning as you complete a few hikes in this area.

Hike 1: Great Head Trail (Short Option) 

Great Head Trail is marked as moderate on AllTrails and will take about one hour to complete. This is a popular loop and will give you great views of Maine’s famous rocky coast. It’s the perfect warm up for a day full of beautiful hikes in Acadia National Park.

Hike 2: Beehive Trail

The Beehive Trail is one of Acadia’s most famous hikes. It is listed as hard on AllTrails which focuses on one short and steep section of the trail. Don’t be too worried, it is doable for a beginner hiker if you take your time and go slowly. This loop is meant to be done in one direction (going up the beehive) as it can get backed up with a line when busy. We hiked during a time with no line and reached the top using careful footing and the hand holds in about 30 minutes. The top greets you with a sense of self satisfaction and the views are incredible!

Continue to follow the Beehive Loop Trail as detailed in AllTrails. This will take about an hour and a half to complete. If you would like to add mileage, follow Gorham Mountain trail to the end and walk back along the Ocean Path back. This route will add another 1 to 2 hours to the loop hike. 

  • Chris standing on rock ledge over looking the water.
    Maine’s rocky coast
  • Beehive Mountain in Acadia National Park
    Can you tell why they named the trail Beehive?

Hike 3: Ocean Path

Your final hike in this area is an easy hike following a paved path along the ocean. The ocean path mainly follows the road and spans from Sand Beach to Otter Point. The highlight of the Ocean Path trail is Thunder Hole which is located about halfway along the trail.

Thunder Hole is a naturally formed inlet and when the right wave rolls through it can create a loud thunderous roar. We recommend visiting Thunder Hole during high tide for its full effect. There are plenty of safe places to photograph Thunder Hole, so don’t try to reach the furthest rock and risk your life for a photo. 

Views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky Maine coast
Views of Acadia’s coastline will never get old.

Afternoon Hike – Acadia National Park

One hike in Acadia National Park can be tiring, let alone three! It’s time for relaxation and refueling, hop in your car and drive along Park Loop Road until you reach Jordan Pond. 

The Jordan Pond House is a historic restaurant and shop. It has been serving tea and popovers since 1893. Enjoying tea on the lawn near Jordan Pond is a popular tradition for visitors of Acadia National Park. 

Hike 4: Jordan Pond Full Loop

After recharging at the Jordan Pond House, it is time for one more hike in Acadia National Park. You can complete the 3.4 mile hike around Jordan Pond in about 2 hours. The hike is moderate and relatively flat. If you want to add a challenge to your hike, look for the Bubble Rock Path. This includes a steep incline and offers excellent views of the pond. Acadia is also known for its famous carriage roads, there are over 45 miles of trails in the park. This is a great area to find a carriage road to explore and add to an afternoon hike.

Sunset on Cadillac Mountain

Your final stop for the day isn’t actually a hike. You can end your day by driving up to the tallest peak in Acadia National Park. Cadillac Mountain is a popular sunset and sunrise location. Fun fact – Cadillac Mountain is the first place to view the sunrise in the US from October 7 to March 6. Cadillac Mountain sunset draws a crowd, but there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the view.

Meg and Chris at sunset on Cadillac Mountain
Enjoying a Cadillac Mountain sunset.

This ends your one day hiking guide to Acadia National Park. All of the hikes described are found on the East Side of Acadia National Park which is home to the most popular locations. If you have more time and want to explore the less popular, yet still amazing parts of Acadia National Parks, research the West Side, Schoodic Peninsula, Isla Au Haut, and the outer islands. 

We have been lucky to explore several of the amazing National Parks in the United States. Check out our guides including Two Days in Arches National Park and One Day at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. 

Tags