Acadia Without the Crowds: An Off-Season Escape
In November, Acadia National Park has a unique charm that is truly underrated. The bare trees create eye-catching shapes against the sky, and the granite peaks and coastline stand out more along the horizon. Always green in every season and giving a sweet pine fragrance are the Red Spruce, White Spruce, and Balsam Fir, which are abundant here. Plus, I got to breathe in the salty breeze of the ocean, enriching the park's already peaceful atmosphere.
One of the best parts of visiting Acadia this time of year is enjoying the park in peace. The area is calm and quiet, with a lot less visitors than in the summer. This allowed us to explore trails and take in scenic views without the usual crowds. We were amazed by the beautiful sights from famous spots like Cadillac Mountain, where the mix of land and sea was absolutely stunning, especially during sunrise. The quiet of November created a relaxing vibe, helping us fully enjoy all of the natural beauty around us. And another plus, in early November, the temperature in Acadia is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature I personally enjoy for hiking and being outdoors.
Acadia National Park has a lot of land to cover. It includes around 49,000 acres and has aproximately 158 miles of hiking trails and 60 miles of Atlantic Coastline. Below is a visual of the park regions.
Park Regions
Mount Desert Island: The largest area, featuring Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, and major hiking trails.
Schoodic Peninsula: A tranquil mainland area east of Mount Desert Island, known for its rugged, wave-battered coastlines.
Isle au Haut: A secluded island accessible only by mail boat, known for its rugged terrain.
If You Visit Acadia National Park in the Summer
Acadia National Park experiences a significant increase in visitors during the summer months, especially in July and August. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Peak Visitor Season: July and August are the busiest months for the park.
Visitor Numbers: During this time, the park attracts between 700,000 and nearly 1,000,000 visitors each month.
Crowded Conditions: If you choose to visit during the summer, be prepared for crowded roads and full parking lots, especially by mid-morning.
Bar Harbor Wait Times: You may also experience long waits in the nearby town of Bar Harbor.
Planning your visit with these factors in mind can help you have a more enjoyable experience at Acadia National Park without the crowds and maybe think about wanting to go in the off season, like November.
After all, Acadia is one of the ten most popular national parks in the United States, and draws in more than 4 million visitors each year. In the last ten years, visitor numbers have risen by almost 60 percent, leading to overcrowding at many spots within the park. That really makes it unenjoyable and defeats the purpose of visiting a national park to relax.
Check out my photos from our November trip. They capture everything! Acadia National Park is still amazing.
But first.........
How To Get There
There are numerous routes to reach Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, the largest island off Maine's coast. The park covers approximately half of the island, with Somes Sound roughly splitting it into eastern and western sections.
You have the option to drive, fly into Bangor, Bar Harbor (only Cape Air from Boston), or even Boston, and then take a train or bus to Bar Harbor. Visit this website for various alternative routes to reach Bar Harbor by car. ExploreAcadia.com
Living in the Midwest, we decided to avoid a long 19-hour drive to Maine, so we chose to fly to Bangor, Maine, the closest airport to Acadia National Park, and then rent a car to drive to Bar Harbor. Upon landing in Bangor, it's just over an hour's drive to our lodgings near Acadia National Park, which is in the picturesque town of Bar Harbor. From there, Acadia NP is merely a five-minute drive away.
If you're interested in exploring Bangor, Maine, it's a charming small town to wander through.
We traveled to Mount Desert Island, home to four towns—Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont—that are the gateway to Acadia National Park.
Below is our schedule for our four-day visit to Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, and Acadia National Park.
Day One
We flew into Bangor, Maine, late at night and stayed at the airport hotel, the Bangor Aviator. The next morning, we enjoyed a delicous breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, and picked up our rental car in the adjacent lot and started our trip to Mount Desert Island. It couldn't have been simpler!
It's worth noting that the difference in daylight is considerable compared to November than in, let's say, July. July has roughly 5 more hours of daylight than November. So, when visiting in November be sure to check when the sun rises and sets. In 2026 the sun will rise at 6:11 am and set at 4:23 pm. Make sure you know when Daylight Saving Time changes. This year, we fall back on Sunday, November 1st. Therefore, when organizing your November trip, try to exit the park by 4:00 pm.
We visited the Bangor Water District Thomas Hill Standpipe and explored the town to enjoy the sights. We had some time to spare before checking into our hotel in Mount Desert.
After arriving at our Bed and Breakfast, the Inn Mount Desert (info below), we explored the town of Bar Harbor, stopped by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map of Acadia National Park and talk to a park ranger, enjoyed a meal, and took in the scenery.
The Hulls Cove Visitor Center in Acadia National Park is located at 25 Visitor Center Road. However, it operates only from May to October. For park information during the off-season, you should visit the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
When Maine comes to mind, I think of juicy wild blueberries and buttery sweet lobster. So, after exploring the town, we visited Geddy's in Bar Harbor to enjoy a delicious Maine Lobster Bake and blueberry pie. Both were outstanding and the bar and restaurant was quaint and full of Maine charm.Try a pint of blueberry beer; you won't be disappointed.
After dinner, we relaxed at the hotel by the fire pit in the backyard. It was the perfect end to the day.
Where to Stay
We absolutely loved our stay at Inn Mount Desert located in Mount Desert, which is just a few minutes' drive from downtown Bar Harbor, this hotel offered everything. They provided cozy rooms and a delightful, and a delicious and unique breakfast served every morning in their dining area.
Outside, you can explore their garden, which includes a fun swing and a warm and inviting gas firepit.
Also, the Bed and Breakfast hotel is only a short 10 minute drive from parts of Acadia National Park.
Visitor Center
When preparing for a national park visit, I begin by checking the national park's webpage to list a few trails I want to explore, focusing on those that are easy to moderate (which is our preference). Once at the park, I consult with a park ranger to confirm that my itinerary is doable and ask for any recommendations or must-see spots. Additionally, remember to get a map of the park, as cell service can occasionally be limited, and a map can help with navigation.
In November, the Visitor Centers are closed, but you can access winter and spring information and purchase passes at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, located at 2 Cottage Street, at the intersection of Cottage and Main streets in Bar Harbor.
During the summer months you can visit any of these Visitor Centers with the main center being the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Sieur de Monts Nature Center
Acadia Gateway Center, Trenton
Isleford Historical Museum, Little Cranberry Island
Rockefeller Welcome Center, Winter Harbor
In addition, some roads are closed during the winter season. Check Acadia NP website for road closures.
There is an entry fee for Acadia National Park, which varies between $20 and $35 based on the type of vehicle for a standard pass. Visit the website for information on annual passes.
Day Two in Acadia Without the Crowds
This was our first full day in Acadia National Park, and we wanted to start it off right by watching the sunrise on the famous Cadillac Mountain.
On this day we will be exploring the east side of Mount Desert Island. This area is also called Park Loop Road (we deviated a little)and is one of the most popular and scenic routes in Acadia
Cadillac Mountain Loop Trail and Sunrise
Just a short 15-minute drive from Bar Harbor is Cadillac Mountain, an iconic spot to visit in Acadia National Park with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It can be reached by car, which is the way we visited this site, and it is the tallest peak on the eastern U.S. coastline. At the summit, you'll find the short, paved Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, restrooms, and a gift shop. I strongly suggest getting there at least an hour before sunrise to ensure you find a parking spot and a place to sit and set up your camera.
After sunrise, take the short, easy 0.3-mile paved path that encircles the 1,530-foot peak of Cadillac Mountain. You'll love the panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Be aware that vehicle reservations are needed to drive on Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May to mid-October. You must buy these reservations ahead of time at Recreation.gov
Another reason for traveling in November is that it allows for an easy drive up without needing a reservation or dealing with crowds.
From October to March, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States to see the sunrise.. During the rest of the year, the sun's first rays hit other areas in Maine, such as Mars Hill or West Quoddy Head.
If you prefer, you can hike up Cadillac Mountain. There is the North Ridge Trail, which is a moderate, 4.4-mile roundtrip hike climbing granite ledges with open views of Frenchman Bay. The South Ridge Trail is a tough 7.1-mile roundtrip hike that kicks off in a thick forest and climbs up some wide rock surfaces.
In November, sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in Maine is around 6:10 AM at the start of the month and shifts to approximately 6:45 AM by the end of the month. We visited at the beginning of the month, so we arrived at the mountain by 5:15 AM to secure a parking spot and explore the area. Remember to bring a flashlight or use your phone's flashlight to see clearly. Plan to spend a minimum of a two hours here.
Jordan Pond & Jordan Pond Trail
From Cadillac Mountain, you can enjoy a short and scenic 20-minute drive to either the Jordan Pond Path Trailhead or the Jordan Pond House, a restaurant with stunning views of the pond. They close for the season in late October, so the parking lot was nearly empty when we visited. We parked there and enjoyed some snacks that we brought before heading out to explore the path around the lake.
Jordan Pond was one of my favorite spots in the park, with stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters. This glacier-carved area is so beautiful and peaceful. Just note that the water here is part of a public water supply, so neither dogs nor people are allowed to enter it.
The full loop around the lake measures 3.3 miles and can take between 1 to 3 hours to complete. The eastern side is easier compared to the western side, so we started at the Jordan Pond House trailhead, strolled along the eastern shore for roughly 30 minutes, and then returned the way we came for a perfect hour long hike.
Stanley Brook Bridge
Stanley Brook Bridge, known for its unique triple arch design, is only a 4-minute drive from Jordan Pond.
The Stanley Brook Bridge, completed in 1933, was the 16th of 17 bridges built along 57 miles of carriage road on Mount Desert Island between 1917 and 1940. This bridge spans the Stanley Brook motor road, the Stanley Brook watercourse, and the Seaside Trail. It was the final bridge designed and built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop (Sieur de Monts)
This could be the one part of the park that was less impressive in November. However, I do appreciate the lovely white birch trees that you can find in this area of the park. Overall, it was a quiet and enjoyable hike through the woods and meadow. It also allowed me to explore other fascinating colors, such as the reds in berries on a bush or the deep browns in the dormant grasses.
The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop is only a 16-minute drive from the Stanley Brook Bridge. To reach this location head to Sieur de Monts. There are a few trails that start here (including our next hike up Dorr Mountain) and you can also explore the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts. However, the Wild Gardens of Acadia are open only from mid-May to mid-October.
The Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop is a simple, flat trail that looks like a figure-8. It goes through areas with white birch and hemlock trees and leads into the Great Meadow near Sieur de Monts. You can see Dorr Mountain while walking. This trail is great for families, kids, and people in wheelchairs. It takes about 45 minutes to walk the whole loop.
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Terrain: Compact, flat trail; wooden boardwalk; gravel fire road
Begin at Sieur de Monts, leading to Jesup Path
Path crosses Hemlock Path, continuing onto the boardwalk
Boardwalk traverses a boggy, white birch forest
Trail crosses Hemlock Path again, reaching Park Loop Road
Cross Park Loop Road, turn right onto Great Meadow Loop
At next intersection, turn right onto Hemlock Path
Follow Hemlock Path back to Sieur de Monts parking lot
Dorr Mountain - Emery Path Trail
The next hike we took was Emery Path, located in the same parking lot. Emery Path is a steep, half-mile memorial trail at Sieur de Monts that leads up to Schiff Path and Dorr Mountain.
The trail is steep, with rocky areas and granite steps. Visiting in late fall, with many leaves on the ground, made it somewhat challenging to hike. We did manage to reach the top, although it was quite slippery.
After reaching the summit we enjoyed a well-deserved rest.
Thunder Hole
Just another 15 minutes away is the very cool geological formation, Thunder Hole, and probably one of my favorite areas to visit in the park.
During our November visit to Thunder Hole, we found it empty, which is unusual for such a popular spot. The site showcases the ocean's tidal energy, with waves crashing into the inlet and producing a loud noise as the water moves in and out, which is how it got its name.
Be aware when visiting Thunder Hole. Even in calm conditions, unexpected waves can suddenly sweep across the nearby granite ledges and outcrops. During storms, parts of the walkway might be closed.
For the best experience, I'd recommend to visit this area during low tide. Be sure to consult the tide prediction chart to find the best time for your planned visit date.
Because a blanket "average time" doesn't exist, you must look at the specific calendar dates for your trip. For example, if you are visiting in early November:
November 1st: Low tides are at 9:12 AM and 9:59 PM (High tides are at 3:07 AM and 3:25 PM).
November 2nd: Low tides shift to 10:22 AM and 11:05 PM (High tides are at 4:14 AM and 4:35 PM). [1]
Thunder Hole can be reached by driving on Park Loop Road or walking along Ocean Path. A small parking area is available, with designated wheelchair-accessible spaces. In the summer, you can avoid traffic congestion by using the free Island Explorer shuttle. The Thunder Hole Gift Shop, originally the park's first official Ranger Station, has souvenirs and snacks. Plan to spend about 20 minutes at this site.
This wrapped up our first day in Acadia. We returned to the hotel to get ready for dinner in Bar Harbor.
We had a wonderful meal at Galyn's, with fantastic views of the harbor and delicious food.
Day Three in Acadia Without the Crowds
On our third day in Maine, we chose to explore the Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island.
After a short 14-minute drive, we visited our first brief stop, Somesville Bridge, a picturesque bridge located at Somesville Museum & Gardens. The museum is open June through September: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm., although the grounds and bridge are accessible year-round.
Somesville Bridge is a white wooden footbridge with an arch that crosses Somes Creek. It was built in 1981 and is located next to the historic Selectmen's Building from the 1780s. It is one of the most photographed bridges in Maine, and I can see why. I absolutely adored the charming arched, bright white bridge mirrored in the water, surrounded by the stunning autumn leaves.
Somesville Bridge
We continued on our journey and drove for another 17 minutes to reach the historic cliffside Bass Harbor Head Light Station.
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station, located in Tremont, Maine, signifies the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island. It is one of three lighthouses overseen by Acadia National Park, along with those on Baker Island and Bear Island.
Built in 1858 using funds from Congress, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station played a crucial role from 1858 to 1948 due to its mid-19th-century design and significance in Maine's maritime transportation. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
The lighthouse is an iconic and picturesque landmark of Acadia National Park, with breathtaking views.
Visitors can view the light station's exterior from a paved walkway. The area offers a small amount of parking, restrooms, and a boardwalk trail to a shoreline viewpoint.
The smell of the sea just engulfs you, and it's so energizing to walk around the area and soak up the views. Plan on spending around 45 minutes here.
Attracting 180,000 visitors annually, the light station is the most visited site on the west side of Mount Desert Island and ranks as the fifth most popular destination in the park, after Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole. Please note:
Public parking is limited to a small lot, with open spaces mainly during the day.
Roadside parking is prohibited on the entrance road and 102A.
Once we finished here, our next stop was only a 3-minute drive away... Ship Harbor Trail.
Ship Harbor Trail
The Ship Harbor Trail is a 1.3-mile loop that's great for families and bird watchers. You can often spot loons, eiders, herons, guillemots, ospreys, and eagles while walking. The trail has different shore areas, a calm cove, and mudflats that show up at low tide. And, there are many signs along the way that give you more information.
I truly enjoyed the lush pine forest surrounding the cove. We also noticed a diverse range of flora. Acadia hosts over 1,100 plant species. I loved the bright green mosses and orangey mushrooms.
Even though we didn't visit it, if you're looking for another nearby hike, there's one about 100 yards from Ship Harbor Trail. The Wonderland Trail offers a 1.4-mile round-trip out-and-back route. It follows a wide, flat, old gravel fire road through the forest, ending at a small coastal loop by the water's edge.
Visit the Seawall
Just a few minutes east on the ME-102Alt N is the Seawall picnic area.
Unlike the usual cobblestone beaches in Maine, this coastline features a unique seawall created by strong ocean storms. The waves move rocks from the bottom of the beach to the shore, so bigger stones pile up at the top while smaller ones settle lower down as the tides change.
Here you can enjoy a walk along the seawall, explore tide pools (at low tide) and have a picnic.I always carry granola bars or trail mix to enjoy at these places for a quick snack.
This was our final stop of the day, so we relaxed on the rocks and enjoyed ourselves before driving 30 minutes back to our hotel. Remember that the sun will set around 4:30 p.m., so make sure to allow yourself enough time for daytime travel.
For dinner we went back to Geddy's in Bar Harbor. This time we enjoyed their lobster, smoked bacon and jalapeno pizza loaded with garlic ricotta, white sauce, mozzarella, topped with lobster and arugula salad. It was delicious!
Day Four in Acadia Without the Crowds
Today, we traveled beyond Acadia National Park and went approximately 30 miles west of Mount Desert Island (1 1/2 hour drive), and located off the northwestern tip of Little Deer Isle, Maine. We stopped at the end of Eggemoggin Road to see the Pumpkin Island Lighthouse, which is now a private residence.
On my trip to Maine, I wanted to visit several lighthouses, and this unique lighthouse was just what I was looking for.
Pumpkin Island Lighthouse
The island and the light station are privately owned and are NOT accessible to the public. Although, it continues to be a popular destination for sightseers and photographers, as it can be easily seen from the public shoreline.
Constructed in the mid-19th century, this lighthouse supported the local lumber industry.It was an enjoyable drive exploring the area and seeing the lighthouse from the rocky shore.
We made our way back to Bar Harbor to see Sand Beach. On the journey, we were craving a lobster roll and decided to stop at the Happy Clam Shack at 1170 Bar Harbor Rd, Bar Harbor . Unfortunately, it was closed for the season. But, such a cute place for a photo. If open, the Happy Clam Shack is an hour drive from Pumpkin Island Lighthouse.
Still on a journey for a good lobster roll, we then made our way to Governor"s Restaurant and Bakery at 253 High Street in Ellsworth. (About 35 minutes north of Bar Harbor). The menu is extensive with lots of seafood options. The lobster roll was delightful, and the haddock chowder was delish. Be sure to try the dessert; their pie is worth indulging in.
Sand Beach
Only a 20-minute drive from Bar Harbor, Sand Beach is the only sandy beach in Acadia and a favorite spot throughout the year along the Park Loop Road. We enjoyed it nearly empty at the end of the day. Surrounded by cliffs, this coastal area is the most expansive sandy beach in Acadia. You can unwind by the waves or explore a nearby trail. Ocean Path, Beehive Loop, and Gorham Mountain Loop are all accessible from this location.
Sand Beach is accessible from the left side of Park Loop Road, just past the Entrance Station at the Schooner Head Road junction. There are five accessible parking spaces and two access lanes in the first aisle on the right, near the sidewalk and the Island Explorer Bus stop. An additional lot above lacks accessible spaces and requires a stairway. When full, visitors park along Park Loop Road and walk to the beach.
Here you will find restrooms and an area to change. The staircase leading to the beach consists of 37 steps and four landings, featuring metal railings on each side. We enjoyed strolling the beach enjoying our last night in Acadia.
We have one last stop before we say "see you soon" to Acadia NP, Otter Point.
Otter Point
Just an additional 8-minute drive from the scenic Sand Beach is the breathtaking Otter Point, a perfect spot that offers visitors a stunning end to their day or trip to Acadia National Park. Upon arriving at Otter Point, you are greeted by a dramatic vista that showcases the rugged beauty of Maine's shoreline, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against granite cliffs, creating a mesmerizing show of nature's power and artistry.
As you wrap up your day at Otter Point, you'll reflect on Acadia National Park's beauty and calmness, feeling connected to nature. This picturesque spot perfectly ends a day of adventure and highlights Maine's incredible landscapes. Whether visiting for the first time or returning, Acadia is a must-see and remarkable national park. I certainly can't wait to go back.
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