Acadia National Park Maine, USA Travel Guide
This durable, waterproof map serves as a top advice for hiking and general navigation within the park. It shows trails, carriage roads, points of interest, and topography.
Published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, this comprehensive guide details hiking routes throughout Maine, including many in Acadia.
This guidebook contains both historical context and practical recreational information, making it a good companion for exploring the park's past and present.
These print materials offer valuable detailed planning information and are reliable where digital connectivity might be limited.
Physical guides are always at hand, regardless of cell service.
A comprehensive historical account of the park's creation and development.
A classic children's picture book set in Maine, evocative of the region's natural beauty and wildlife.
Upon arrival, look for free local newspapers or tourist guides available at information centers, hotels, and shops (e.g., Mount Desert Islander, Bar Harbor Times, or various tourist magazines).
These often feature current event listings, restaurant advertisements, and local insights.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and history through these curated readings.
All Emergencies (Police, Fire, EMS - anywhere in the U.S.): 911. Be willing to state your exact location. Acadia National Park Dispatch (for non-emergencies or park-specific issues): 207-288-8791.
Mount Desert Island Hospital: 105 Wayman Ln, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Phone: 207-288-5081. This is the principal medical facility near the park. Other larger hospitals can be found in Ellsworth and Bangor.
If your passport or other important travel papers are lost or taken, contact the local police immediately to file a report. Then, contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance with emergency travel documents. For severe weather, monitor local news and park alerts.
Combine Acadia with a road trip through coastal Maine and New Hampshire, including historic cities like Portland, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Extend your trip north into maritime Canada, connecting via the CAT ferry (seasonal) to Nova Scotia or driving into New Brunswick for a wider North Atlantic experience.
Consider returning in different seasons, like winter for solitude or fall for stunning foliage, for a unique experience of the park.
Always be aware of your surroundings and local conditions. In any emergency, dial 911.
Prioritize dining, shopping, and booking tours with locally owned and operated businesses in Bar Harbor and neighboring towns. This channels money directly into the local economy and supports the people who live and work there.
Discover unique goods and services that reflect the culture of the area and craftsmanship.
Local businesses often provide a more authentic and personal visitor experience.
Consider making a donation to the Friends of Acadia or other reputable non-profits that support the park's trails, conservation efforts, and programs for education. Your contribution supports the park's resources.
If time allows, inquire about local volunteer opportunities for trail clean-ups, invasive species removal, or other conservation projects during your visit.
Directly engage with the park preservation efforts.
A hub with many dining, shopping, and tour options right at the park's edge.
Ellsworth, a larger town nearby, offers more services and potentially lower lodging costs. Trenton, closer to the island, also has accommodation and dining choices.
Combine Acadia with a road trip through coastal Maine and New Hampshire, including historic cities like Portland, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for a blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Your actions preserve Acadia's natural beauty for future generations.
