Hiking in Acadia National Park is the best way to experience coastal Maine’s most beautiful landscapes. This well-traveled park — America’s oldest east of the Mississippi — wends century-old carriage roads and rough-and-tumble trails around weathered granite peaks, giving its 2 million annual visitors a taste of life beside the sea.
Some of the best hikes in Acadia National Park are low-mileage, perfect for families eager for a half day excursion. And the park’s resident animals, from moose to falcon to the occasional black bear, will be sure to keep you on your toes for the duration of your stay.
Start your fall off in spectacular fashion.
It's hard to find an ugly spot in the national parks. But these eight hikes take it to the next level, with gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Go for a walk.
When was the last time you said, “let’s go” and actually went? It’s time to hit the trail.
This mile of heart-pounding mountain climbing is among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
This old 11.1-mile carriage loop is a family-friendly adventure complete with lakes, streams, easy walking, and beautiful ocean vistas. Open to cyclists and hikers.
Take in craggy seaside views from the summit of 1,532-foot Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic coast, on this 4.4-mile loop.
This 10.3-mile dayhike traverses the rugged topography of Mt. Desert Island, leading to a broad summit high above an island-speckled sea.
Summit three Acadia peaks on an 8.8-mile loop, passing overlooks of neighboring bays and island clusters along Maine's coastline.
Go ahead, look again. And again. These images are worth a third, fourth, and then a tenth gaze.
Paddle to Maryland's Assateague Island; pack an ice axe for the Presidentials.
Hike to a crowd-free view of the ocean.
You won't find bottlenecks on these untrammeled peaks.
Find hikes in National Parks and regional parks with our comprehensive guides.
This question fuels the debate regarding how to help the aging national park system improve.
The Ice Age left its mark from Acadia to Yosemite. Here's scenic evidence.
Avoid the crowds in Maine's Acadia National Park by skipping getting a jump on the season and hiking the park in the Spring. Stephen King country never looked so good.
Our map team has been hard at work plotting the coolest hikes. Check out May's selections here.
We surveyed more than 40 scientists, conservationists, and professional adventurers, then ranked the 15 parks that are most in peril from climate change.
Write your own ticket to new adventures with these 10 territory-expanding skills.
With strong legs and an ambitious plan, you can see more wild country in 12 hours than some backpackers see in a week, and still make it home in time for dinner.
Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in Maine.
Maine's seal pups are usually born in May, making early summer an ideal time to witness the youngsters learning to swim and fish.